14 DAY TRIAL // Internet giant Google has just announced the release of a new version of one of their most popular applications for mobile devices, namely Google Maps for Android. Released as version 4.4, Google Maps now includes a dedicated Places icon in the app launcher, which can be easily dragged to the homescreen for fast access, as well as the possibility to use places on a new Place Pages, just as they would be able to do on their desktop computers.
“With six updates in six months, Google Maps for Android has been getting plenty of new features, both big and small. A continued focus with each update has been on giving you better ways to find places nearby. In the most recent updates, Maps has gotten features like swiping between search results and info like photos, reviews, and more helpful content on the result pages,” a recent post on Googme Mobile Blog notes.
Google Maps 4.4 for Android offers people the possibility to easily set the new Places icon to the home screen from the app launcher, so as to use it whenever they want to find restaurants, movie theaters and more. One would get a detailed list of nearest places and would be able to learn more on one on the new Place Page available with this release of Google Maps. Users can search for places via default categories or can add their own from searches. Not to mention that the search bar at the top of the app enables them to type or speak any query.
“Of course, you’ll often want to learn more before deciding where to go. With updated Place Pages, you should be able to find all you need to know about a place, whether you’re wandering into a new restaurant or deciding from your couch. In addition to photos and reviews, Place Pages now have a bunch of new details, such as prices, parking and menu links to inform your quest for the perfect steak. You'll also notice that the search results list now highlights business opening hours in addition to compass direction and distance -- consider it your late night caffeine radar,” the said blog post continues.
The Google Maps for mobile 4.4 can be downloaded from the Android Market on any mobile phone running under Android 1.6 or higher. According to the development team, the Places Page is set to become available for BlackBerry users too in the near future.
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