Google had faced criticism recently, as its Google Map Ads added to Google’s controversy list. yet again, there is an update for Google Maps, which might attract severe criticism. However, this time it could be on a smaller scale as the search engine giant has updated its Google Maps app for Android only.
The expected controversial point here is that Google’s free online mapping service has begun helping people navigate inside airports, transit centers, and major shops in the United States and Japan. The point to note here is that critics could call it foul as such a deep analysis of a location could help terrorists launch an attack with ease. It is a noteworthy point that the ‘curb terrorism talks are in news as recently, U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman had urged Google to ban terrorist content.
Google might have a point to defend itself, noting that in October, Microsoft’s Bing had even revealed its Detailed Interior Airport Maps For 42 U.S. Centers.
However, briefing about the update, it can be said that the latest version of Google Maps for smartphones powered by Android software, had started providing detailed floorplans marked with blue dots showing where users are to within several meters.
A promotional video for the same was created and can be viewed below:
{iframe width=”620″ height=”390″ align=”top”}http://www.youtube.com/embed/Gy-DI_bWElg{/iframe}
Google Earth and Maps vice president of engineering Brian McClendon said in a blog post, “Google Maps for Android enables you to figure out where you are and see where you might want to go when you’re indoors.”
The company noted that having partnered with large retailers, airports and transit stations to launch the feature. It was even said that the company further plans to continue its efforts to add new floorplans of public buildings around the world. McClendon quoted, “When you’re inside an airport, shopping mall, or retail store, a common way to figure out where you are is to look for a freestanding map directory or ask an employee for help.”
He continued noting, “With the release of Google Maps 6.0 for Android, that directory is brought to the palm of your hands, helping you determine where you are, what floor you’re on, and where to go indoors.”
One can download Google Maps 6.0 for Android, from Android Market and start reaping the benefits out of it. This update works for Android OS 2.1+ devices everywhere Google Maps is currently available.
For those businesses, who were interested in getting their floor plans added to the growing list of Google Maps. Upon invitation, they were asked to upload the information at maps.google.com/floorplans.
The current list has a number of businesses, partnering Google for the said project. One can check out the U.S. partnered list as follows:
US Launch Partners (full list):
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Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL)
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Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)
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Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
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Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
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George Bush Houston International Airport (IAH)
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William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
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Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS)
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San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
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Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
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Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
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Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
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Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
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Portland International Airport (PDX)
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Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL)
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Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
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Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
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Boise International Airport (BOI)
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Akron-Canton Airport (CAK)
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Macy’s
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Bloomingdales
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Home Depot
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IKEA
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Mall of America
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DDR Corp malls, including Times Square Mall in Mt. Vernon, Illinois and Liberty Fair Mall in Martinsville, VA
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Brixmor Property Group including Eagle Rock Plaza in Los Angeles, CA