One of the most important services in the world which we can’t live without has turned 15 years of age. Google launched Google Maps 15 years ago on this day. And has decided to celebrate the occasion with a new update which brings a new stylish and sexier Logo change and some welcome UI changes along with it. The update is slowly rolling out to all users Worldwide.
New and redesigned tabs
Google Maps has updated a big part of its UI. The app’s various features and pages have been organized into five main categories that fit the bottom of the app screen. Here’s how they line up:
- Explore: Offers reviews and recommendations for nearby restaurants, activities, and attractions.
- Commute: Gives directions to a location, travel time estimates, traffic alerts, and more.
- Saved: A customizable list of saved locations for quick access. The list can be organized by category and shared with others.
- Contribute: Submit reviews, photos, and other suggestions for places on Google Maps.
- Updates: A feed of recent reviews and other updates for places you have visited in the past, trending locations, and recommendations from Local Guides. You can also interact with businesses listed on Google Maps directly through this tab.
Live View Assistance and Transit Attributes
Several new features have been included in the new update, which also happens to be the 15th-anniversary redesign that will help you get around more effectively and safely.
The Live View mode, which offers real-time AR assistance when you’re walking to a location, will now show you the exact distance and direction of your destination.
For all the public transportation commuters, Google Maps just got better and now displays important information about the vehicles and facilities along your route. Google Maps has been showing how crowded your route is for some time now, but users can now find (and contribute) information about several other “transit attributes” like the current temperature in the bus or train; whether there are wheelchair and disability-accessible entries, seating, and other assistance; and if there’s security personal and other safety measures onboard. Some regions will also list if there are designated sections for women and, in Japan, you’ll see how many train carriages are available on your route.
All in All, Google Maps just got a lot more Interesting. Google Maps has become an integral part of everyone’s lives and that’s not going to change for a long time.
It won’t be long before the old Logo vanishes out of people’s memories and the new one becomes the standard.
Until something new appears out of the thin air, Fingers Crossed….
THE WHISTLING WIND 