Google Maps 4.1 for Android
Posted by admin in Android News, tags: Android, Android app, android os, Google Maps
Google have pushed out Google Maps for mobile 4.1, for Android devices running 1.6 or higher. Among the changes are a new Latitude widget for the Android homescreen, the ability to set a map as the Live Wallpaper, and the ability to swipe through multiple pages of search results.
The Latitude widget shows the people listed as your friends who are geographically closest to you, while the Live Wallpaper – which obviously requires a device running Android 2.1 right now – lets you set a regular map, satellite map or topographical map (complete with optional traffic data) as your homescreen wallpaper. That map automatically moves as you do, using GPS and aGPS to track your position. It certainly looks good, though it has the potential to really hammer both your battery life and data connection.
Google have also reworked the way search results are presented, putting all the information on one page rather than splitting it across multiple tabs, and allowing you to swipe from side to side to see more details. Finally, you can switch between multiple Google accounts on the one device, so if you have a personal Buzz account and a work Buzz account (or perhaps use Latitude with one or both) you can see results for either.
If you’ve an Android device running OS 1.6 or above, you can update your version of Google Maps for mobile by heading into the Android Market and checking the Downloads tab.
New features include:
* Updated search results page: The detailed search page got a major face life. New buttons have been added for map view, navigate, call, and street view. The reviews area has a slick looking colored chart to display star ratings and you can easily buzz about any place.
* Swipe for more results: The tabs are now gone from the search results page and users can easily swipe between places. The scrolling is super smooth on my N1 and it has a nice feel as results snap over.
* Latitude widget and Maps live wallpaper: I guess this is more eye candy than usefulness. The new Maps live wallpaper allows you to view live traffic on your homescreen. The Latitude widget shows updates for friends around your location.
* Switch Google Accounts: Android 2.0 added support for multiple accounts and now you can switch them from within maps. This allows you to easily manage multiple identities.
* Dark Map for Buzz: A new layer that darkens the map and makes buzz posts glow red.
* More Ads: I don’t know if this is a new “feature” or not, but I am noticing a ton of new sponsored ads through out Google Maps when I perform a search. I think this started around version 3.4, but they definitely have more advertisers signed up now.
Via Mobile Phone
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intruiging article.. I like your perspective on this subject. Although there are a couple points I deviate on I believe you did a great job purposing your review. GJ.