It’s long been one of our favourite mobile apps, and a new update of Google Maps for Android is rocking our world that little bit more.
Now up to version 4.3, this latest slice of Android goodness adds in a nifty transit info feature, plus restaurant/services reviews and tight integration with Latitude, making it easy to track down your roamin’ Google contacts.
Train timetables on the go
The addition to public transit searches could prove very useful indeed: select any transit station icon from your search, open its page by tapping the window and you’ll be presented with a list of the next departure times for any subways, trains, or buses that are leaving from that station.
Transit info is currently only limited to a handful of cities in the UK, but this should expand shortly. Worldwide, there’s currently over 445 cities available.
Hot reviews
Google’s new Latitude update shows you which of your Google Contacts are using the service, so you can optionally share your location with them (if so inclined), while the reviews tab will show you the buzz about a place, revealing frequently-mentioned opinions, with the warmth (or coldness) of the reviews represented by a colour code.
Here’s the official chinwag from Google’s Mobile blog
Hot off the presses, Google Maps for Android version 4.3 has added a couple new features to help you quickly choose the right place to grab dinner, catch the next train, and find friends to add in Latitude.
Have you ever had to make a split decision for dinner plans while on the go?
You’ll also find a new addition to public transit station pages: upcoming schedules. Select any transit station icon directly from the map and open its page by tapping the window. You’ll find a handy list of the next departure times for any subways, trains, or buses that are leaving from that station where transit info is available.
In Google Latitude, we wanted to make it even easier for you to find friends and family with whom you’d like to share your location. Right at the bottom of your Latitude friend list, you’ll be able to quickly start sharing your location with long lost friends, loved ones, and others from your Google Contacts. Add any suggested friends by tapping the + icon and sending them a sharing request. Tap the x and they’ll be dropped from your suggested friends list. Don’t worry — you can always add them later by choosing “Add friends” from the Latitude menu.
Get the latest version of Maps by searching for Google Maps in Android Market from Android 1.6+ phones. If you’re reading this on your phone, just tap here. Version 4.3 is available in all the countries and languages where Maps is currently available.
