Google has started rolling out the updated version of its Google Maps app to phones with Android 4.0.3 or higher. The company adds that it will reach all users over the next few weeks.
The updated app brings a revamped Maps interface to Android phones and tablets and offers new enhanced navigation features including live traffic updates, incident reports and dynamic rerouting. It also offers a new 'Explore' feature enabling users to browse and discover popular local places to eat, drink, shop, play and sleep.
The new user interface is much more cleaner and resembles the Google Maps iOS app interface. The Search bar is more visible and when you seek directions, it offers routes in a Card-like interface. The Explore page also lists places in different groups accompanied by images to make the experience better in terms of aesthetics.
This essentially means that in addition to getting a new Google Now cards-like interface, Google Maps will offer users live traffic updates/ alerts including incident reports in case of accidents, diversions and road blocks and will automatically offer users an alternate route. The Explore feature appears to be an extension of Google's Places feature which highlights points of interest for users and offers reviews, ratings and other details related to places on Maps.
At the time of writing this post we were not able to update to the new Maps experience.
Google had first
announced the update to its online Maps service and mobile and tablet apps, at its annual Google I/O event in May. Google also intends to release the updated app for iOS.
What's New*This update will be gradually rolling out to Android 4.0.3+ users over the next few weeks. Users with Android versions below 4.0.3 should visit http://goo.gl/5AMJS to find out more about the Google Maps app available to you.
- New design for Android phones and tablets
- Enhanced navigation including live traffic updates, incident reports and dynamic rerouting
- Explore: A new way to browse and discover popular local places to eat, drink, shop, play and sleep