14 DAY TRIAL // Google has just brought new features to its Google Maps application through a server-side update. The update brings Street View images on the directions screen, as well as a bottom bar for location info, first spotted by Android Police.
The tech giant rolled out an update to its Maps application a few days ago, but it seems that a number of new features were introduced with a server-side update afterward. One of those features is Street View images on the directions screen. Google is most likely conducting a staged update process and the features will arrive to users from all over the world by the end of the week.
Street View images appear on the screen with directions and if you tap on them, Street View will open up the location and show an arrow in the direction you should go. The difference isn’t ground-breaking, but it does make it easier for users to move around and better understand the directions that they receive.
The feature is currently available only for Android-running smartphones, but iOS devices should receive it soon, as the two apps do have similar looks and tools.
A new bottom bar for location info
Aside from Street View images, Google is also bringing a change to the bottom navigation bar in the directions screen. The bar takes up more screen space, but it’s also easier to understand, especially since the contextual activities are now accompanied by a button on the right side.
The change to the bottom bar is mostly a design update, but Google might very well bring the new look to other applications as well. The bottom bar also serves as an alternative to the app’s Floating Action Button (FAB).
In a previous update, Google updated its Maps application with a new feature that helps users remember where they parked their car and add the parking location to the map. They can also add information about the parking location and get notifications before the meter expires.