Not quite, though. It's a shortcut to copy-and-paste text into a _Google_ app. For example, this wouldn't let you use Apple Maps or TripAdvisor or whatever other system you may prefer, instead funnelling you into Google's ecosystem. It's an attempt to bypass competitors hidden under by a façade of convenience.

I was careful to say "into _the_ app".

That being said I agree, if there's one criticism that is valid it's that this app should allow you to choose your providers. Anybody knows if it already does?