Google Maps new App

A new version of Google's Maps app is hitting Android devices around the world, bringing with it an updated interface and a few handy new features. Tablet users in particular should appreciate the improvements, many of which are made with them in mind.

The update brings a visual refresh, putting the Maps apps more in line with the latest version of Android and Google Now. "Cards" with contextual information like nearby coffee shops will appear immediately when you hit the search box, and the floating interface resembles the latest desktop Maps Web app.

Local restaurants and other attractions will appear automatically based on your location and searches, and reviews from Zagat, as well as coupons and deals from Google, are built in.

Specially optimized tablet versions of the app will be downloaded if you're on an Android tablet — or an iPad, when the iOS version of the new app comes out. Users frustrated by Apple's own Maps app will likely find it a welcome alternative.

Google

Lastly, some subtractions: Latitude, Google's location-sharing service, will be phased out, as will the "make available offline" option. Don't worry, though, they've duplicated Latitude's functions (little used as they are) in Google+, and there's a new way to download maps for offline use. Just zoom out to the area you'd like to keep on your device and enter "OK Maps" into the search box. A puzzling change, but at least the feature is still there.

The new app is rolling out in Google Play over the next weeks, and an iOS version should appear soon as well. Keep an eye on your update notifications.

Google Maps Adds Service Alerts for New York City Subways

Google announced on Tuesday it is rolling out planned service alerts for New York City’s subway system within Google Maps.
To make it easier for New Yorkers to commute and keep them posted on scheduled maintenance and delays, Google is adding information about service alerts that occur throughout the city’s 468 subway stations labeled on Google Maps.

“Since first making New York City public transit directions available in Google Maps, we’ve been working to deliver you with the most accurate and useful information about subway, bus, commuter rail, and ferry service across the greater metro area,” Csaba Garay, transit partner technology manager at Google Maps, said via its company blog. “Starting today, we’ll also be showing planned service alerts for the city’s subways, which serve more than 200 million people every year.”

Google said alerts will automatically be included in the step-by-step transit directions pointing users where to go.
“We’re regularly adding new cities and features globally and looking forward to continuing our efforts to make travel by public transportation a better experience in more than 400 regions around the world,” Garay added. “For everybody who lives in one of New York City’s five boroughs, commutes in and out every day or is visiting for business or vacation, we hope today’s update improves the ease and efficiency of your trips around the city.”