New Google Maps desktop version launched
The new Maps had previously been announced at Google I/O in May this year, but remained in an invite-only beta for nearly two months. Google has now opened up the new Maps to everyone.
It features a new full-screen mode for Maps, which makes browsing locations and finding out information easier.
The Maps themselves are now vector-based, rather than graphical tiles, translating to a faster loading of the Maps interface. They are also more detailed, allowing users to zoom all the way out to view earth from space, or straight down to street level.
Sat on the bottom of the new-look Maps is a scroll bar containing 360-degree walkarounds of famous buildings and landmarks, as well as street view links and photographs. Called the 'Explore' bar, Google appears to update it every time maps are loaded.
Real-time public transport information is now displayed alongside other means of getting to a location, like driving or walking, so users can see which is fastest.
The Google Maps app for iOS has also been updated to version 2.0. It features the same new-look UI as the desktop client.
There is also now a dedicated iPad version of the Maps app available to download from the App Store.
To access the new version of Google Maps, users will need to opt-in to the service via Google's dedicated Maps website. ( Janith Dilshan )
Category: Business Tech, Google, Google maps, Tech News, Technology, Technology News
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