During the recent Google I/O conference, Google made it clear the company was dedicated to consistent improvements for Google Maps and Google Earth. Today brings word of a redesigned Google Maps app for mobile devices, with dedicated tablet support and new ways to discover attractions. The app is rolling out to Android devices via Google Play, and will hit the iOS App Store in the near future.
Writing on the Google Lat Long blog, Maps director Daniel Graf further emphasizes Google's efforts to make Google Maps a more social, streamlined system to help with discovery of places and things to do.
"Helping you find great places is what we love to do," writes Graf. "And as more of us use mobile phones and tablets in our daily lives, information that’s useful to you isn't just about what you need, but also where you might find it."
The new Explore function in Google Maps takes away the need for typing in the search box to find something interesting. Simply tapping in the filed wil now bring up a selection of cards, showing nearby points of interest. Another new feature allows you to tap traffic problems o the map for a more detailed description, and Google Maps will also automatically alert you of better routes on the road.
Google Maps will finally receive a dedicated app for Android tablets and iPad, but the Latitude feature will be removed in the update, instead requiring Google+ for social check-ins. The updated app will also provide selected offers from retailers and restaurants. Custom MyMaps functionality is removed, but will apparently return at a later date.
Matt Clark is a freelance writer covering the world of videogames, tech, and popular culture. Follow him on Twitter @ClarkMatt and MyIGN at Matt_Clark.
Source : ign[dot]com
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