Google Maps users get shortcuts to various sections

Feb 6, 2017 16:05 GMT  ·  By

Google has just announced that it already started rolling out an update to its Google Maps application for Android-running smartphones and tablets. Maps is one of the most popular Google proprietary apps and the company often brings updates. But the latest changes the face of Maps and adds shortcuts to various sections.

Google has decided to redesign Maps app for Android and is now bringing useful info at the bottom of the home screen. When you launch the app, you’ll be able to see three tabs for finding a nearby restaurant, checking out traffic conditions or seeing when the next bus arrives.

The updated version of Maps features three tabs at the bottom - Places, Driving and Transit. The Places tab provides information on the best restaurants, arranged into categories like best dinners, cheap eats or business dining. It shows restaurants near you or a location of your choosing. You can also use it to search for ATMs, pharmacies, gas stations and grocery stores. Images and short descriptions are also provided under the tab.

Places tab in Google Maps
Places tab in Google Maps

Driving and Transit tabs display real-time information

Next up, the Driving tab displays real-time ETAs to and from work, together with nearby traffic conditions and expected delays. Tap on start driving to access driving mode and start the journey to your destination.

Driving tab in tab in Google Maps
Driving tab in tab in Google Maps

Just like the Driving tab, the Transit tab requires you to provide your home and work addresses so that it can display recommendations of buses or trains, an ETA and the time that you would have to wait until your next bus arrives. A simple swipe down shows nearby stations and real-time schedules.

Transit tab in Google Maps
Transit tab in Google Maps

“Google Maps gives you personalized information about your world so you can make decisions and get around with confidence,” Google says. Indeed, Maps is an app used mostly on the go, which means that users do need to get quick access to features, without having to swipe through various sections.

Google Maps redesigned
Google Maps redesigned

Previous versions of Google Maps had driving and transit information in the side menu, together with other sections of the app. Their location wasn’t as intuitive and easy-to-access as it is in the new update.

Google Maps gets redesigned (5 Images)

Google Maps logo
Places tab in Google MapsDriving tab in tab in Google Maps
+2more