Without an official blog post or even a peep from Google (yet), they quietly rolled out Google Maps version 3.1.0 for Android phones, now available on the Android Market. And unlike other normal application updates, you will not be notified of it, just search the Market for Google Maps. New features include voice search, transit and walking directions, business details and reviews, and Latitude updates including fixing that issue of not updating your location. And of course, all the same great features you’ve come to rely on, including traffic and street view. Also a few minor tweaks to the user interface, such as moving the zoom buttons to the corner, and a “shout out” feature in Latitude.
It took me a bit of trying to get it to download at first. At 1.76MB it’s a hefty download, but worth it in the end. Voice Search is quick and snappy and had no trouble deciphering my early morning voice for a few tests. And switching between car, transit and walking directions is a one-button operation. And of course, you can long-press anywhere on the map to get the address, start directions, or view Street View, if available. Although at the time of this writing, I could not get any address to pull up a Street View, even though it’s available all over my city.
So readers, have you tried it out yet? Excited about Voice Search? Are you a heavy user of transit or walking directions?
Here’s some screenshots of the new features:
If you can’t find it in the market, just scan the QR Code below on your phone with Barcode Scanner:
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