One of the things mentioned in this year’s Google I/O is the overhaul of a very popular and useful service, Google Maps. Most of the changes will be implemented on both Google Maps for Android and for PCs. One of Google’s guiding ides in business is to constantly offer useful innovation and to listen to the requests of user. The design and layout of the new Maps might not be perfect for everybody, but it comes with a number of interesting features which are sure to be convenient for a great majority of the users of this service.
First of all, the interface has been almost imperceptibly incorporated into the map itself, meaning that everything that you need to do, you can do from the map itself and that no screen space is wasted on the interface controls. The search bar is the only larger item on the screen, apart from the map itself. This gives you a better overview, and is especially useful when you are using the service on your smartphone with a small screen.
The Maps are integrated with other services, which means that you’ll now be able to find a business and directly from the map’s interface view any special offer that the business in question might have. There are currently not too many companies with this kind of information available, but in time their number will swell. You are also given a chance to give ratings to certain places, businesses or institutions, which can be of great use to you for further reference and give you access to other people’s opinions on the subject.
Even though Google Maps were doing their best to stay relevant with current traffic information, it wasn’t until this update that you had been offered this precise and timely information. You can learn about a traffic accident minutes after it has happened, and if its location happens to be on your way to your destination, the service will automatically reroute you. This should minimize the risks of being late just because a section of the road that you meant to use has been temporarily closed.
If you are using a tablet you’ll be given a chance to make use of the new “Explore” feature, which makes it easier than ever to find places of interest in your vicinity. Regardless of whether you are interested in restaurants, libraries, shops, movie theaters, or just about anything else, this app can be of great help to you, giving you detailed information and helping you decide on what you should visit next.
This service has been used on tablets and smartphones more often than on PCs for the obvious reasons, so it is not surprising that this much attention has been devoted to making it more convenient for people to use it from devices with smaller screens. The changes to the desktop version will include all of these updates and potentially some other that weren’t mentioned here and you can already ask for the invitation to use the revamped service.