14 DAY TRIAL // Good news for those using Google Maps on their Android smartphones, as the search giant has just announced that a new version is now being rolled out to all compatible devices.
Google Maps 9.0 may not be yet available for download to all Android users, but developers have confirmed that the deployment of the new application should be completed over the next few days.
This would be the fourth important application that gets the Material Design update in less than a week after Gmail, Inbox and Calendar.
The visual changes included in the update are obvious and reflect the new change in Android’s design. Still, aside from the change of look, Google has also added a few new features that might not be available to all Android users.
For example, the Uber integration has been enhanced even further, so those living in countries where the service is available will now be able to see the estimated arrival of the car and the approximate cost based on the directions.
The new feature will only pop up in Google Maps 9.0 if you have previously installed Uber application for Android, so make sure that you have already downloaded it in case you want to take advantage of t.
Another new feature that made it to version 9.0 is OpenTable, which is now integrated within the application. OpenTable integration allows Google Maps users to reserve a table from within the navigation application. Keep in mind that this feature is only available in the US for the moment.
The update has been pushed to iOS devices as well
Obviously, the biggest improvement is the new Material Design UI, which is supposed to “come to life so you know just where to touch to get directions, recommendations and imagery.”
Some tweaks that are meant to provide users with more info on a specific place without having to tap multiple times have been included in the update as well.
For example, there’s the new Explore function at the bottom of the map that provides you with more places where you can have lunch or other related info.
The new Google Maps 9.0 is now being pushed to all compatible smartphones, but as Google has confirmed, it will take a few days until the deployment is completed. This means that there are no timings for each country or smartphone, so the only thing you could do is wait for it to arrive.
In the same piece of news, the iOS version of Google Maps has received a major update that brings Uber and OpenTable integration, so if that’s your platform of choice, then you should check your iPhone for a new update for this app.
