New Google Maps Now Available to Android Devices

As promised during the Google IO held earlier this year, a new and better Google Maps is here for the taking. Users of Android devices can enjoy the many exciting and user-friendly features of the all new Google Maps. The better version is optimized for tablets as well. However, iOS devices need to wait a while longer.

Promise delivered and more

For those who rely on Google Maps for navigating around traffic, it takes just one tap for a number of re-routing options based on actual conditions on the road. As soon as better routes are open to the motorist, the intelligent system takes the initiative. This feature which is now only available to Android devices will alert the user and usher him to his destination hassle-free.

The new Maps also makes the most of Google’s acquisition of Zagat and Offers by providing relevant information on the availability of nearby locations that offer suitable discounts. Restaurant reviews are just a tap or click away as well for those who are on the lookout for places to dine in and hang out.

The new Explore feature replaced the Local feature. From the Explore banner, the user is given the option to shop, play, eat, drink, and sleep. Menu categories are also available so that the user can find places and offers even without the benefit of knowing the names of the business establishments.

Retired

With Google Map’s new features, some of the familiar ones will be sent out to retirement starting August 9. The Latitude feature and friend finder are among those that are no longer included in the new Google Maps. Versions of these old features will be folded into Google Plus via check-ins and location sharing.

The offline map mode is also being retired, much to the disappointment of many users who found it quite convenient to save maps for later use. Still, there is a silver lining. Internet-savvy folks can still cache a particular map section for later perusal with a few easy maneuvers. But of course, the main disadvantage of cached maps is that directions and navigation functions don’t work offline.

Now whole screen and better looking

The whole screen look of Google Maps is very pleasant to look at and much cleaner with the simple, card-style layout. One finger zoom is still working although the offline mode is not available from the main UI anymore.

The new Google Maps is available to Android version 4.0.3 and up. It will be made known to those using older Android versions if the facelift will be available to them as well.

For your convenience

The new Google Maps has a very user friendly set-up. When looking for a particular destination, street view, ratings, and reviews are all readily available and there is no need to tap on that tiny pin icon for relevant information. Additional map data may be accessed by tapping on the silhouette icon by the search bar, particularly information on addresses, nearby places and offers, reviews, and recent searches. Satellite and traffic layers are now accessible from the general menu as well.

Photo Credit: Google Maps Wordmark