Google rolls out new Maps app for Android

Google has rolled out its new Google Maps app for Android smartphones and tablets, bringing with it a refreshed UI, better performance and new features.

The Google Maps app, which is now on version 7.0.0, comes with enhanced navigation including live traffic updates, incident reports and dynamic rerouting. It is also offers a new way of exploring local establishments by way of cards similar to Google Now.

Here are some of the highlights of Google Maps 7.0.0:

Explore: Explore is a fast and easy way to visually browse and discover new places without even typing. Simply tap the search box and you’ll see cards showing great places to eat, drink, sleep and shop.

Enhanced navigation: You can now see reports of problems on the road that you can tap to see incident details. While on the road, Google Maps will also alert you if a better route becomes available and reroute you to your destination faster. This feature is available only on Android and is coming soon to iOS.

Designed for tablets: A dedicated tablet design brings all the features of this new app to Android tablets and iPads, which makes exploring the world from the comfort of your living room much more fluid, smooth and fun.

Reviews and Offers: There’s a new 5.0 star rating system that gives you a quick read on how your friends and others rate places like restaurants, bars and cafes. This added feature is the fruition of Google’s acquisition of Zagat back in 2011.

Google has also removed Latitude (retiring on August 9) and offline maps feature in this new version. Fortunately, users can still access maps offline by simply entering “OK Maps” into the search box when viewing the area users want for later.

To find out if the new Google Maps has arrived for your device you can check the Google Play Store app on your smartphone or tablet for updates or head out to this link.

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