iPhone 5 users who have been missing Google Maps after using the non-to-efficient Apple version, can now heave a sigh of relief as the former is back on iTunes. And this time, the application comes with the turn-by-turn navigation feature in tow.
According to the official Google blog, the guys over at Mountain View have worked towards building the app from the ground up and offered a combination of accuracy and intuitive interface for a faster performance. It brings sharper-looking, vector-based maps which are said to be able to load faster and offer smooth rotation and tilting, in both 3D and 2D modes.
Google has naturally included a search box in its application, so users can punch in the name of a place to get information related to it. The software tells not only the address through an expandable information sheet placed at the bottom, but also other details like opening hours, reviews, ratings, photos, directions and a lot of other things.
The world map which is displayed through the tool is being improved constantly and it currently boasts of having information regarding over 80 million places and points of interest across the world. Its Street View attribute allows users to preview a location, while the app’s Business Photos function brings pictures of the interior to let them decide whether they wish to go there or not.
Moreover, reaching the location should not be a problem either, as Google Maps provides turn-by-turn voice-guided navigation with live traffic conditions, enabling customers to take an alternate route for avoiding jams. It has also been loaded with details about public transportation and about transit stops in its database.
Giving feedbacks to Google through this app is as easy as shaking the iPhone once and typing in the suggestion. The company will also be releasing its SDK and a URL scheme to help developers design applications using this software.
The new Google Maps app can be downloaded for the iPhone and iPod touch running iOS 5.1 or later through the Apple App Store. It is available now in over 40 countries in 29 languages such as Spanish, Japanese, Italian, English, French, Chinese, German, Dutch and more.
