Google Maps for Android Gets New Features
The latest version of Google Maps for mobile devices, mainly Google Maps 4.2 for Android, comes with some new features you might want to know about. The first new feature will put a big smile on the face of cycling enthusiasts - Google Maps 4.2 for Android comes with biking directions.
Biking directions were added to Google Maps (the desktop version) back in March. Since then, the team behind Google Maps for mobile has been hard at work trying to port the same type of functionality to the Android. And they did it. With Google Maps 4.2 for Android you can now get biking directions, lanes, and trails on your phone.
“Select the bike icon when getting directions to get an optimal bicycling route in the U.S. If you’re in the mood for a more scenic ride, you’ll also see the Bicycling layer on the map which shows dedicated bike-only trails (dark green), roads with bike lanes (light green), or roads that are good for biking but lack a dedicated lane (dashed green),” explained Michelle Chen, Software Engineer on the Google Mobile Team.
Google Maps 4.2 for Android is bike-friendly and it is car-friendly as well. The application comes with a new Navigation shortcut that helps you get where you want to be in an easier and faster manner. Simply select a destination and be on your way just 2 taps later, thanks to the new Navigation shortcut.
From the mobile device’s app launcher, select the “Navigation” icon to get the new destination selection view. Speak of type in your destination then. Navigation will begin and you are set to go. It is really that simple.
Google Maps 4.2 for Android is also socially inclined. The application lets you share your destination with others. Michelle Chen again: “Once you figure out where you’re going, why not get some friends to meet you there? From any search results page, choose to “Share this place” to send that place’s info, such as its address and phone number, to whomever you like. If you want to meet someone on a street corner or gather friends at an outdoor concert, you can also send an exact location from the map -- even a snapshot of your current location.”
Google Maps 4.2 for Android is currently available in the Android Market. Please note that the application only works with Android 1.6 and newer versions.
Biking directions were added to Google Maps (the desktop version) back in March. Since then, the team behind Google Maps for mobile has been hard at work trying to port the same type of functionality to the Android. And they did it. With Google Maps 4.2 for Android you can now get biking directions, lanes, and trails on your phone.
“Select the bike icon when getting directions to get an optimal bicycling route in the U.S. If you’re in the mood for a more scenic ride, you’ll also see the Bicycling layer on the map which shows dedicated bike-only trails (dark green), roads with bike lanes (light green), or roads that are good for biking but lack a dedicated lane (dashed green),” explained Michelle Chen, Software Engineer on the Google Mobile Team.
Google Maps 4.2 for Android is bike-friendly and it is car-friendly as well. The application comes with a new Navigation shortcut that helps you get where you want to be in an easier and faster manner. Simply select a destination and be on your way just 2 taps later, thanks to the new Navigation shortcut.
From the mobile device’s app launcher, select the “Navigation” icon to get the new destination selection view. Speak of type in your destination then. Navigation will begin and you are set to go. It is really that simple.
Google Maps 4.2 for Android is also socially inclined. The application lets you share your destination with others. Michelle Chen again: “Once you figure out where you’re going, why not get some friends to meet you there? From any search results page, choose to “Share this place” to send that place’s info, such as its address and phone number, to whomever you like. If you want to meet someone on a street corner or gather friends at an outdoor concert, you can also send an exact location from the map -- even a snapshot of your current location.”
Google Maps 4.2 for Android is currently available in the Android Market. Please note that the application only works with Android 1.6 and newer versions.
