New Google Maps for Mobile

The Google Maps update that was announced at Google I/O 2013 is now available on Android.  The new UI simplifies the use of the app and sets a precedence for directions.

You may notice that the app icon for the app has been brightened slightly, with minor hint of color.  All the icons in the map layout have been refreshed with new versions of themselves. The indicator for your home and work locations will be easy to find, as well as the icon that indicates you.  If you can't find your tiny, blue avatar, tap the GPS icon in the lower right corner to center the map. And if you get away from true north the compass icon will appear, to give reference.

The search bar now permanently floats across the top of the map but depending on the hardware, the menu may or may not be near it.  In the Nexus 7 Tablet version the menu is immediately to the left of the search bar, whereas on the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, the menu is small tab at the lower left side of the screen.

On the right side of the of the search bar there are the directions and profile icons, respectively. Tapping the directions icon will use Google Now to pull up the most recent locations that you have searched for on any device.  Across the top of the screen you will be given the option for car, public, bicycle, or walking transit.  Google initiates the search with your current location and you can either type a new destination or choose from the list below.

Directions in the new Google Maps is quite a different experience from the prior version.  All the new colors and lines not only improve the visual, but seem to enhance the ease of finding your way.  Along with the most direct route, Google Maps offers two alternatives. Again the presentation will vary depending on the device you are using.  Route options are available offering the ability to avoid toll roads or highways. And if you'd rather have either the turn-by-turn directions or use the Navigation feature, you need only tap the labeled route to access the feature. (A note: Google Maps Navigation is in beta, consider the road before you before trusting the navigation system completely) Whether or not you choose to display traffic patterns in searching for directions, Google Maps will include colored shading on the route to offer this info.

The menu icon offers new features from that are also different from the previous version of Google Maps. Although traffic and satellite views are both carry-overs, it is now possible to select bicycle map mode, public transit mode or Google Earth mode (which requires the installation of the Google Earth app).   The bicycle app will display a map of the trails and roads that have been reported as "safe" for bicycles.  The standard map will have an overlay of green lines that indicate where it is best to ride. This does not however bar you from modifying the route to use non-recommended roads or from recommending roads that have yet to be included in the "safe" list.

For public transit, it may depend on the city as to whether Google has included the maps for buses, local trolleys, or trains.  But in the San Francisco Bay area, at least for now, it is possible to view the Cal Trains traffic in the same colors as traffic on the roads.  It's not obvious if this means that the train is on time or if there are just a greater number of passengers.

A nifty feature of the new Google Maps is the search for nothing.  If you tap the "search" icon on the left side of the search bar without having typed anything, you will get Google Now and a whole host of options.  Google has packed colorful background with the "Explore" icon across it, local services and nearby items from your recent travel history.

The Explore feature will bring up a very colorful display options including Eat, Drink, Shop, Play and Sleep, with corresponding visual appeal and topical suggestions.  It's a wonder that this is not an app by itself considering the amount of thought that went into it.  Follow the explore feature are a select number of highly searched reference points such as grocery, pharmacy, ATM, fueling stations and more. And if these features do not impress you, you can always revert back to your prior search locations.

If you're wondering where Latitude has disappeared to, Google hasn't forgotten about you.  there's a link in the menu that will take you a site to explain the missing feature.  But from the slew of features packed into the new app, it's hard to miss a feature so under-utilized.

This update definitely reflected the necessity of a long overdue update.  But as it seems with typical Google fashion, they have yet again nailed, if not exceeded, expectations.  If you do not already have the Google Maps installed or haven't gotten you update, check it out on the Play Store or App Store.