Google has announced a new Google Maps app for Android smartphones and tablets, compatible with Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean, that provides a new mapping experience with useful search and navigation features.
The app features a number of highlights including Explore that lets users visually browse new places of interest with a tap of the search box upon which cards for eating, sleeping, drinking and shopping pop up on screen.
A new five star rating system lets you find out what others think of various places before you try them out yourself but if you don’t trust them 100%, the Zagat badge of excellence and curated lists integrated into search results provides an expert’s opinion.
With enhanced navigation Google has added new features for managing traffic which delivers reports on incidences on the road and if need be, provides an alternative route to get to your destination faster.
There are a few changes with the launch of the new app – Google has removed Latitude and check-ins as well as the offline maps feature. Instead Google has added location sharing and check-ins to Google+ for Android to keep track of friends and family and maps can be accessed offline by entering “OK Maps” into the search box.
The new app, which has a dedicated design for use on tablets, will soon be available for iPad and iPhone (iOS6+) and is gradually becoming available on Google Play globally.
For more about the new Google Maps app watch the promo video below:
