The gang at Google have now despatched the latest update to their Google Maps app for Android handsets out into the cruel, cruel world.
The 5.2 update is available from the Android Market, and as well as the usual tweaks and performance improvements, the app now lets users post their place-ratings directly to Twitter and (if they must) ‘ping’ friends to request check-ins.
Starting today, if you see nearby Latitude friends on the map and want to ask them where they are, you can quickly “ping” them instead of having to text or call. They’ll receive an Android notification from you asking them to check in at a place. And when they check in using your request, you’ll get a notification right back so you know which place to go to meet up with them.
There’s also a new search for places feature, but if this pinging malarkey sounds like your kind of wheeze, please note that both parties using Maps must be on version 5.2.
Download Google Maps 5.2 from the Android Market here
That actually sounds really quite cool. Could be really useful at festivals. Assuming you have enough battery/signal/co-ordination/will that is.