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It’s not Wednesday, the day we usually see updates for Google apps, but the search giant has decided to release a rather major update to Maps anyway. Version 8.0.0.0 of Maps is now rolling out, bringing a plethora of changes that should make the already great mapping experience even better.
Chief among the features in the update is the addition of lane guidance. Maps will now indicate which lane you should stay in or move to so you never take the wrong one, though for now lane guidance is only available in the US and in some parts of Canada and Japan. The update also brings offline maps management – users will now be able to set custom names for the offline maps they’ve saved, which should come in handy when accessing them at a later time. Also, saving an offline map can be done by simply tapping the info card for a particular area and selecting the save button, which is miles better than how it had to be done till now.
You’ll also see more information in turn-by-turn navigation, like distance, arrival time, and quick access to alternate routes. Other changes include better transit info (you’ll be able to choose the day and time you want to leave when searching for trains), an option to see your saved places across all your devices, and also the ability to launch Maps from Uber for comparing “your ride with transit and walking directions right from Google Maps.”
Here’s the full changelog from the Play Store:
- Turn-by-turn navigation now displays distance, arrival time, and quick access to alternate routes
- Save and manage offline maps in a custom list for when you’re traveling or have a slow connection
- Transit results now display total walking time of your trip and the next scheduled bus or train
- Sign in to see your “Places to review” list from recently saved or searched-for places
- If you have the Uber app installed, open it right from Google Maps when comparing route options
- Bug fixes
It’s a rather huge update, and one that comes amid rumors of Nokia’s HERE maps possibly coming to Android. The update is out on the Play Store now, though as with every Google app update, it will probably be a few days before it becomes available on every device. There’s a download link for the APK down below, just in case you aren’t willing to wait (and nor should you be, considering how awesome this update is.)
