Google Maps wants to become a social network

Google Maps launched its new feature for all iOS and Android devices Monday that allows users to create lists of places, share them with others, and follow the lists of friends and family. There are three different categories of lists: "Favorites," "Starred places," and "Want to Go" — all of which can be made public to any Google user. You can also personalize the names of different locations, like renaming that breakfast place you love as "Go-To brunch spot: order french toast."

The new feature has been in testing since the fall, and is hoped to give the app a more social feel. Zach Maier, Google Maps' head product manager, said that so far Maps has been focused on getting people from point A to point B without getting lost. Now, "we want to help people break out of their routine and do something new."

It isn't Google's first attempt to make its core products more social. With Maps, Google has been taking steps lately to add new features, like hailing an Uber or Lyft ride from within the app, The Verge notes. As TechCrunch points out, the new feature will compete with Foursquare, which has offered list-making tools for some time, and other "bucket list" companies on the App Store.