Google Maps for Android Redesigned for Easier Access to Useful Features

Google has redesigned its Maps app for Android to provide users with easier access to some of the most useful features within the app. With the latest design overhaul, three tabs - Places, Driving, and Transit are accessible right from the bottom of app's home screen with a simple tap. Google says that the real-time information from these bottom bar navigation tabs will help users in finding a nearby restaurant, beating the traffic, or catching the next available bus.

With a quick swipe up from the Places tab, users will be able to find places to eat or drink with curated lists like 'best dinners', 'cheap eats', or 'business dining' around their current location or the location they choose, the search giant said in its blog post. Google Maps for Android can also choose to search for ATMs, pharmacies, or gas stations with just a tap.

The other two tabs on the bottom bar are concerned directly with commute needs of the app users. If you feel like driving and have saved your work and home address already in the app, you can go to the Driving tab and you will get real-time ETAs to home and work. Further you get the traffic conditions nearby as well as the expected delays on your route. "If you don't need turn-by-turn directions but want real-time traffic info as you take your usual route, you can tap on "start driving" to go directly into driving mode," Google added about the update to Maps for Android.

If you feel like taking public transport, you need to head to the Transit tab on Google Maps for Android and you will get recommendations for buses or trains as well as ETA to your work or home. You can of course swipe down and check out schedules if you are headed somewhere else.

Considering that the options were a little scattered in the earlier version of Google Maps, it is a welcome design change that makes the interface look clean and easy-to-use. Google says that it has started rolling out the update, but hasn't clarified whether it's a new version of the app or a server-side change. However, there has been no word regarding the design overhaul on the iOS counterpart of the app as of now from the company.