San Francisco — Not content with just tuning up Google Voice, the infamously scandalous search engine titan Google has done it again. Google Maps has likewise posted, its second Android app update today adding new features for those of us fond of taking a stroll. This is just amazing — Google has combined its Walking Directions and Navigation into a beta version of Walking Navigation for Android.
Yes, your Android phone can now guide you through sidewalks and other pedestrian paths and walk you to your destination. The new feature is Walking Navigation, a combination of the already existing walking directions and navigation has entered the app as a beta and, like the web version, will plot paths through parks and other areas unique to foot traffic, giving you handy turn by turn directions as you meander along a footpath.
Unfortunately, a few months back a woman in the Los Angeles area attempted to take Google and its Map application to court, based on the unfortunate turn of events that she encountered supposedly using Google maps to take a walk. However, the company hoped to ward off lawsuits like one it encountered recently by warning users to use common sense and avoid walking routes that aren’t meant for pedestrians.
The idea behind the walker update is simple enough, “We had the idea that people are now navigating using Google Maps, getting turn by turn navigation in your car, so now we are launching a walking version of that.”
The newly released version also delivers some very useful features to those who are walking, the update will suggest new routes that avoid “hilly” travels and will look for an alternate route with less inclines.
The most freshest version of Google Maps is version 4.4, released today at a small Google Mobile event in London, Google’s very own director of mobile products stated version 4.5 is on the way should be hitting the market shortly. Also, if you do not wish to talk on your phone while hiking, you can disable the voice, and just have it vibrate when you need to turn. It has all the usual Navigation tricks, like combining satellite imagery with phone direction to help you know where you are going. You can grab it from the Android Store now.
“At the top of the map, you will discover the new Google Maps search bar always handy for easy access. Touch it to instantly start searching, open Places, use the Layers menu, or locate yourself on the map with My Location. Here are more new features that may be helpful when you are looking for nearby places: Filter search results by distance or ratings; View prices categorized with dollar signs; See cross streets for places.”
Evidently, this part of the rollout is Google increasingly attempting to push users to Places to circumvent Yelp and other similar services. It certainly makes sense to focus on this while people are walking around, presumably looking for places to eat, shop, etc. Smart integration.
Another update apparent to Street View also simplifies jumping between points, allowing you to move around street view more easily. The update delivers some new features to the applications street view, with 3D viewing and interaction. Rather than tap arrows, users can drag the peg figure in the street-level photo itself to reach the intended point.
Google Maps can be updated directly today through Android Market for any Android 1.6 or later phone. The Street View option requires looking for an update to a Street View for Google Maps app. The updated Google Maps with Navigation app (version 4.5) and the separate “Street Views on Google Maps” apps are now available on the Android Market.