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Google Maps for Android picks up redesign with traffic, transit, and places in a bottom bar

Google Maps is one of the company’s most widely-used applications, and it’s constantly evolving and improving. Today, Google has announced a brand new redesign to the Maps app for Android, bringing useful features like traffic/transit data, as well as local places and recommendations right to the forefront in a new bottom bar.

In previous versions of Maps, the first thing available was a view of the area around you with search, navigation, and local recommendations all scattered around the display. With this new bottom bar interface, Google has cleaned up the UI, as well as making it much easier to access the app’s various features.

A quick swipe up from the bar on the app’s main screen will reveal nearby attractions, as well as filters for businesses and restaurants. Swiping over from there brings up local traffic info as well as quick shortcuts to your pre-set home and work address. Lastly, public transit is shown including travel times and nearby stations. If you have your work and home address programmed, the app will even recommend which bus or train you should take.

Google’s goal with this redesign was to provide useful, real-time data to be available almost instantly for users. There aren’t any new features in the redesign, but with these changes, Google Maps most useful features are brought to the forefront, as well as being within reach say, while driving or walking around.

When you’re on the go, there’s no time for apps that can’t keep up. Whether you need to get to work or you’re just looking for a quick bite around you, Google Maps gives you personalized information about your world so you can make decisions and get around with confidence.

This new redesign is now rolling out via Google Play for Android users, but Google has yet to reveal any information regarding an update for iOS users. Hopefully, the same changes will be available for Apple devices in the coming weeks.

 

 

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