Hasta La Gadget!

The new Google Maps for iOS has been launched, including a dedicated iPad version and support for the live traffic reports and new search features that Android users have been enjoying since last week. The updated v2.0 software, a free download from the App Store, means an end to running Google Maps for iPhone in 2x mode on the iPad, with a new UI to make the most of the larger display of the iPad and iPad mini.

That includes spreading the new Explore interface across the display, and giving more room to results cards so that you can compare more at any one time. There are Explore categories for eating, drinking, shopping, entertainment, and places to stay.

Meanwhile, there’s also a new navigation system, which now includes live incident reports on your route. That includes data on road closures, ongoing construction, and accidents, and you can now tap on the section of road causing delays to see details of the problem.

Voice-guided turn-by-turn navigation is supported, as is scheduling information for various public transportation options. Those preferring to go by bike also get voice-guided navigation for “more than 330,000 miles of trails, paths, and bike lanes around the world.”

Zagat reviews and a 5-star rating system for locations are included, and just as in the Android app, Google can now pin brand offers directly to the map itself, so that users can see what’s available nearby.

Although Google isn’t mentioning it directly, we tried the “OK Maps” offline caching Easter Egg that was initially included on the Android version – zoom to the area you want to access offline, then type “OK Maps” into the search box – and it still works. No telling whether Google will include a more easily-accessed option, as it did after Android users complained vocally.

Google Maps for iOS 2.0 arrives with new iPad UI is written by Chris Davies & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2013, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Just last week, we talked about how Google Maps for Android was updated with a slew of new features thrown into the mix, and here we are with Google Maps 2.0 for iOS being announced, boasting iPad support and indoor […]

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Those in the beta program for Google Maps might have forgotten that not everyone enjoys the same access to the new version of the service, with most still using the previous version. That finally changed today, with the new design going live for everyone to use, giving access to what has – until today – been the domain of those who received an invitation.

We got a look at what the new Google Maps would hold earlier this year, with Google showing off the upcoming redesign at it I/O 2013 event this summer. A beta program went live not too long after, allowing users to submit for an invitation, with some of us lucky enough to receive them quickly, and others finding themselves still waiting up to the day the new design was unleashed for everyone.

With the new update – which users will need to get by heading over to the new Google Maps information page and selecting “Try it” at the bottom of the screen – is a completely new design over the previous version. Users will find it brings with it faster loading, which is achieved by swapping out the graphics tiles for vectors. The Maps’ interface has been stretched to fill up the entire screen, as well, rather than leaving a portion on the left side for data.

The other significant change has been the addition of Google Earth-like outer space exploration to Google Maps. This feature requires users to meet certain standards, such as running Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, as well as having hardware under the hood capable enough of running the software. Space is a few “Zoom Out” button clicks away.

There are other features, as well, which you can find for yourself by heading on over to the site. You’ll be able to take photo tours of locations, view public transportation routes with ease, pull up comparison charts, and more. What do you think of the changes? Do you like them, or are you already lamenting the change?

SOURCE: TechCrunch

Google Maps redesigned web interface goes live for all is written by Brittany Hillen & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2013, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Google has expanded its Street View imagery once again, this time taking a trip to one of the most iconic structures in the world. Google trekked the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France and used the Street View trolley to show what it looks like to stand on top of the Eiffel Tower and look out onto the city of love.

Google took the Street View trolley (similar to an ice-cream cart but with a giant camera attached) to both the second and top floors of the Eiffel Tower and went around the whole length of the viewing decks to provide a 360-degree view of Paris with 360-degree photographs — 360-degrees inside 360-degrees!

Of course, viewing the imagery certainly isn’t as awe-inspiring as actually being there, but it shows you what you’re missing out on while you browse the imagery sitting on your couch. The images gives users an excellent look at the surroundings of Paris, including the Seine River, Arc de Triomphe, and even the Notre Dame off in the distance. Even if you’ve visited the Eiffel Tower in the past, the new imagery can provide a sense of nostalgia as you relive the moments when you stood almost 900 feet above Paris.

It’s not the tallest structure that Google Street View has trekked (that titles goes to the Burj Khalifa), but the Eiffel Tower once stood as the tallest man-made structure for over 40 years. It was built in 1889 and more than 250 million people have visited it since its construction.

Google has also dedicated a landing page with all sorts of history facts of the Eiffel Tower in Pinterest-like layout, providing a timeline of sorts during the construction, as well as events that have occurred in the past. The three videos at the top of the page take you to the Street View imagery where you can navigate around the viewing decks at your own leisure.

Google Street View visits Eiffel Tower, provides birds-eye view of Paris is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2013, SlashGear. All right reserved.

The first-class Maps app from Google has gotten better. Too bad you need Google+ to enjoy all the new features.