Google Maps for Android Update Brings Navigation Tweaks and More

Google Maps for Android received its first update of 2016 last month that added several new features including Driving mode and more. Now, there's a new update for Android users that brings new features including a tweaked navigation interface, and other changes.

The new Google Maps for Android version 9.20 is currently not available on Google Play India but can be expected to be rolled out in the region soon. For those who can't wait for the new features can download the apk which is signed by Google via APK Mirror.

According to Android Police, the latest Maps version 9.20 for Android also brings some minor improvements such as adding a shortcut to the user Timeline to quickly add a place to the history.

One of the biggest improvements in the update is new signage that shows up on the Maps. The update will now show names of the streets and exits that you are supposed to turn to, instead of just showing the blue line. Another notable addition can be considered to be a setting to disable turn-by-turn instructions for voice navigation during an ongoing call. Earlier versions of Maps for Android unfortunately missed out the feature. Notably, the turn-by-turn voice navigation is enabled by default. Users can head to Settings > Navigation Settings > Play voice during phone calls, and turn off the setting.

Another addition is pairing a review with photos submitted by a user for the same location. The new feature will allow reviewers to express their experience with the help of images apart from the text. For those who have submitted reviews for a location and also submitted images of the same location will now see the images showing beneath the reviews.

The last Maps update added the 'intelligent' Driving mode which essentially utilised the user's location history and Web searches to provide traffic updates and ETA (estimated time of arrival). The new Driving mode feature was an optional feature in the new Maps update for Android. It could be enabled from a shortcut on the home screen and can also be turned on from the navigation drawer.