San Francisco — Google Maps for Android has just unfurled two pretty impressive updates to version 5.9.0 today, adding a few innovative features like “Transit” that make phone calls and navigation just a tap away and is by far one of the most used apps on Android.
It is not surprising to see that how fast the search engine titan Google has updated its Android maps app and that many of you in big cities are going to possibly enjoy.
This updated version of Google Maps delivers the following new features:
-
Voice and ring tone notifications for Transit Navigation (Beta)
-
Tablet support for Transit Navigation (Beta)
-
“Bubble Buttons” lab to add call and navigate buttons to results on the map
If you possess a tablet and brave enough to manipulate your expensive toy around while traveling by public transit then you will be happy to know that this latest update adds “Transit Navigation” support for tablets.
Not only does this update empowers tablet users support for “Transit Navigation” but it also brings voice and ringtone notifications to all users of the service. The “Transit Navigation,” feature allows users to enjoy GPS stop-by-stop navigation for public transit directions in 400+ cities around the world.
So, for those of you live in big cities that rely on public transportation, you will now be able to set notifications to alert you of your stop via vibration, voice, or a ringtone, thus allowing you to untangle yourself from your screen for fear of missing a stop. In addition to notifications, you will also be able to properly use your tablet for Transit Navigation.
Finally, along with the added “Transit” and “Tablet” support, users will find the return of those handy “Bubble Button” feature that was once available in Google Maps but was then withdrawn for unknown reasons.
Bubble Buttons are those quick and easy pop-up buttons that appear over a map result, enabling users to place a call or go straight to navigation with a single touch. If activated in the labs section, you would not need to click on a result to get the option to call or get directions.
Here is how to activate them:
To enable the Bubble Buttons lab, just head into Google Maps and go to Menu > More > Labs. Scroll down to “Bubble Buttons” and tap it to turn it on.
Now, the moment you enter your search for a location in Maps, you will have the option to call them or navigate there right on the main map page, severely reducing the number of taps it takes to perform either action.
So if you have not done so already, grab the update by checking the Android Market, and try it out for yourself.
Watch the demo below:
{iframe width=”620″ height=”390″ align=”top”}http://www.youtube.com/embed/TAh4yiCzgKw{/iframe}