Google Maps for mobile has been out in the market for almost five years. Today, the search engine giant is upgrading Maps to version 5.0 for Android users. The official Google Mobile blog highlights the key attributes that handset owners can expect from this update. New features include 3D interaction coupled with offline reliability and rerouting.
Initially, Google Maps used stitched square images to form the maps seen by us on our phones. However, now it utilizes vector graphics which assists in dynamically drawing the map. The software brings out new ways in which handset owners can interact with the service like a two finger swipe will tilt the image proffering a 3D view of the landscape. Other two finger movements like rotating and smooth zooming as well as the compass mode have also been improvised.
In addition to that, it endows Android loyalists with offline reliability and rerouting. The blog claims that dynamically drawing maps uses ‘100 times less data to get maps across all zoom levels’. Thus, the app can now proactively cache large areas on the handset depending on where the user accesses Maps the most. As soon as the smartphone is plugged or connected to Wi-Fi, Google Maps will automatically begin caching the aforementioned areas.
Coming to offline rerouting, initially users will need a data connection to start a route. However, if they miss out on a turn or road then Maps will set them on the right track even if the Internet connection fails. Handsets operating on Android 1.6 or higher can download Maps 5.0 although 3D and offline functionalities will work only on devices with Android 2.0+.
Google Maps 5.0 for Android can be downloaded from the Android Market.