Google News – The Next Generation of Mobile Maps
Google News – The Next Generation of Mobile Maps. Google has announced Google Maps 5.0 for Android, with two significant new features called 3D interaction and offline reliability. You can have free, turn-by-turn GPS navigation with voice guidance for driving or walking directions. You can Explore the map in 3D. With two fingers, drag down to tilt and see 3D buildings where available; twist to rotate (on supported devices).
Google has launched Google Maps for mobile a little more than five years ago. Since then, they have added dozens of features, and grown from a few thousand to more than 100 million users. Still, a couple of things have remained the same: a flat, north-up map and the need for a strong Internet connection. Now they are changing that for the first time.
Tilt while zoomed in (left) or use compass mode (right) to orient yourself with 3D buildings.
Google Maps has always been, and continues to be, a fundamentally Internet-connected experience, meaning you always get the freshest map and place data, search and voice search, live traffic conditions, satellite and Street View imagery, and much more. Still, Google understand that mobile Internet connections aren’t 100% reliable. So today they took the first steps toward greater offline reliability, so you can find your way even if you lose your connection.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAh4yiCzgKw]
Get Google Maps for mobile 5.0 by searching for Google Maps in Android Market (or tap on this link if you’re on your phone). Android 1.6+ devices can get Maps 5.0, but 3D and offline features require Android 2.0+, and some features may not be supported for all devices or countries.
So try it out. Wander around in compass mode, explore 3D buildings—even dare to open Maps on the subway! I hope you enjoy all the new features as much as i do.
Read more – http://www.google.com/mobile/maps/
