Google Maps is rolling out some new features ahead of the very fun, not at all hectic travel season known as the holidays. The updates aren't actually holiday specific — though we'll admit the timing isn't bad — with a focus on ways to figure out where you're going and how you're getting there. 

Let's start with the how. Google is expanding the ways you can customize your transit directions. Now, you can use filters such as ETA, length of trip, time spent walking, type of transit and number of transfers. If you get carsick on buses or hate walking that hilly path, for example, simply change the settings to suggest other options first. Click the options button at the top right of displayed transit routes and you'll see preferred modes and route options to pick from. Google Maps should save your preferences so you don't need to redo them every time you search. 

Google is also adding clearer directions to station entrances, including which side of the street to enter on depending which direction your train is going. This update will be available in 80 cities, from Boston to Singapore. 

Now for the where: Google Maps is introducing collaborative lists. Basically, share any location on Maps and all of you can create a list of places you're interested in going and vote on them with a heart or thumbs down emoji. 

Speaking of emoji reactions, the last Google Maps update lets you respond to reviews with emojis. You can even create your own emoji of sorts with AI and the Emoji Kitchen. The pair will suggest mashups based on whats in a photo and any emojis you use. This new feature is available now, while the updates to Google Maps will roll out on Android and iOS devices over the next few weeks. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/google-maps-adds-collaborative-lists-and-new-transit-search-customizations-140031424.html?src=rss

Black Friday is fast approaching, and with it are more and more opportunities to get great devices for a steal. Take the Ring Video Doorbell and Echo Show 5 bundle, which is currently down to $65 from $190 — a 65 percent sale. The Prime Member exclusive is available with the second-generation video doorbell in either Satin Nickel or Venetian Bronze. 

Amazon's Echo Show 5 allows you to easily see any motion Ring's video doorbell detects without always having your phone handy. The second-gen video doorbell isn't Ring's latest iteration (this one is from 2020), but it has all the essentials, such as 1080p HD video. It can also run on battery power alone or use a Ring solar charger and lets you block certain areas in its field of vision from being recorded. The latter could be handy if the doorbell faces a neighbor's place or something else that would invade another person's privacy. 

Meanwhile, the third-gen Echo Show 5 only came on the scene in May and is 20 percent faster than its predecessor. Looks-wise, it's quite similar, but sound-wise, it offers double the bass with an updated speaker system. You can also use Alexa to see, listen to or talk with anyone at your front door. Additional features include a 2MP camera, music streaming and transforming into a digital frame for showcasing your favorite photos. It's $90 to purchase on its own, more than the pair currently costs together. 

Your Black Friday Shopping Guide: See all of Yahoo’s Black Friday coverage, here. Follow Engadget for Black Friday tech deals. Learn about Black Friday trends on In The Know. Hear from Autoblog’s experts on the best Black Friday deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Black Friday sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/echo-show-5-and-ring-doorbell-bundle-falls-to-65-in-early-black-friday-sale-114550813.html?src=rss