Google Maps Releases New App For Android

On Wednesday July 10, it was announced that a new Google Maps application would be released for Android smartphones and tablets. The app is being gradually rolled out globally through the Google Play store and is currently available for download to Android users. The new Google Maps app will also become available to iPhone and iPad in the near future.

Google Maps director, Michael Graf, said that the app “builds on the design we released for iPhone last December and improves on it with a few useful search and navigation features.” Some of these features include:

• Explore – This is a fast and easy way for users to visually browse and discover new places…without even typing. Tap the search box and you will see great places to eat, drink, shop and so on.

• Enhanced Navigation – Users will be able to view traffic conditions, as well as tappable reports that provide you with incident details. The app will also alert you if a better route becomes available.

• Tablet Design – This app features a dedicated tablet design, for both Android and Apple devices, allowing users to explore the world from the comfort of their own home with ease.

• Reviews, Offers – Users will have access to a new 5.0 star rating system for you to rate places, like restaurants and bars. They will also have access to great offers from national brands.

One of the most important changes to the Google Maps app is that Latitude and check-ins have not been included. These features will also be retired from older versions of the app on August 9. You will still be able to see your friends and family on a map, however, as location sharing and check-ins will soon be added to Google+ for Android.

“Helping you find great places is what we love to do,” said Michael Graf in a blog of the Google Maps website. “Today’s update is an exciting step forward for Google Maps – one that we hope will make it faster and easier for you to explore and discover places you want to go.”

Image Source: Google Maps Blog