Google Maps get redesigned; Improve the Search and Tablet Interface
Although the information was already leaked ahead of the time, the final announcement has been made. Talking at the Google I/O conference the company has taken wraps off the next major release of Google Maps for Android and iOS. The new design targeted at a personalized approach to the maps use, sports a rating system and offers experience from various retail merchants.
Like a friend drawing you a map to her favorite restaurant, with only the roads and landmarks you need to get there, the new Google Maps instantly changes to highlight information that matters most.
And the more you interact with the map, the better it gets. When you set your Home and Work locations, star favorite places, write reviews and share with friends, Google Maps will build even more useful maps with recommendations for places you might enjoy.
Calling the desktop version a treasure chest of “immersive imagery”, Google says the redesigned map itself is now the user interface.
Easier to find the best local places
In addition to a customized map, we’ve also made it easier to uncover the best local gems. Search results are labeled directly on the map with brief place descriptions and icons that highlight business categories and other useful information – like restaurants that are recommended by your Google+ friends. Info cards provide helpful information such as business hours, and ratings and reviews so you can quickly decide where to eat, drink and play.
Of course, no map would be complete without amazing images for exploring the world. The new carousel gathers all Google Maps imagery in one spot enabling you to fly through cities, walk canyon trails, climb mountains, and even swim the oceans. And on a WebGL-enabled browser, like Google Chrome, the carousel is also where you’ll find the Earth view which directly integrates the beautiful 3D experience from Google Earth into the new maps.
Check out the Google Maps Blog below for more details, and if you are already on board, click the maps preview link to signup for an invite.
