Google has released an update for Google Maps for Android, one which it previously revealed to have a large number of changes, including enhancements to navigation, the main user interface, and new discovery options. The app will also be the first built for Android tablets and iPads, with it appearing in Google Play last night, and soon in the App Store.
The new Google Maps app will allow users to see reports of problems in roads along a route, with the option of tapping the incident notification to see more details, writes the official blog. If a better route is available, Google Maps will now offer a better route in an alert if there are changes in the road conditions, and will reroute accordingly, though it is not currently using data from recent acquisition Waze.
A new five-point star rating system is available for reviews of restaurants and other local attractions. Though reviews were present before, along with Zagat reviews, the change to a five-point scale standardizes the marking system across all reviews. Zagat information is also widened to provide generalized guides in five areas, including places to eat, shop, and sleep. Offers from national chains will also be labeled on the map for future use.
While a lot has been added to the app, some parts have been removed. Latitude and check-ins are no longer part of Google Maps, and will be retired on August 9th for older versions, and the company advises the use of location sharing and check-ins in Google+ for Android instead. Offline maps are also notably missing from the main interface, but can still be used by entering “OK Maps” into the search box.
