Google Maps Replace Simplifies Menus And Provides Landmark-Based mostly Navigation

An essential replace to Google Maps has began to be rolled out by Google with the objective of enhancing total usability and simplifying navigation on iOS and Android smartphones. These modifications present Google’s continued give attention to bettering the Maps expertise, particularly by way of interface design and extra user-friendly directions, though the corporate nonetheless retains Waze as a supplementary navigation possibility.

Model 25.49 of Google Maps brings a revamped settings menu that many customers have been requesting. The outdated menu construction had grown disorganized over time, with settings being added sporadically and little thought given to visible coherence or group. In consequence, there was a bewildering array of decisions, uneven design elements, and hassle discovering specific settings.

By dividing choices into six main classes—app and show, navigation, automobiles, location and privateness, offline maps, and notifications—the brand new structure tackles these issues. With the addition of icons and clear labeling for every part, it’s now less complicated to find and entry pertinent choices. The menu is made even simpler to navigate with the addition of a brand new shut button within the high nook.

The improved design coherence between Google Maps’ iOS and Android variations is one other important replace characteristic. Up to now, Android customers criticized the iOS model as a result of it had a cleaner interface. Since this replace, there are solely slight variations between the 2 platforms—corresponding to iOS’s submenu indicators—when it comes to construction and visible group.

Together with the menu redesign, Google Maps can be implementing navigation directions primarily based on landmarks. The app can now seek the advice of acquainted locations alongside the route, like close by retailers or gasoline stations, moderately than relying solely on distance-based instructions. Customers would possibly hear instructions like “flip proper after the bakery” as an alternative of “flip proper in 150 meters,” for example. These landmarks are additionally highlighted visually on the map as customers strategy them.

By minimizing the necessity to constantly examine the display, this methodology goals to make navigation safer and simpler, particularly when driving. Whatever the put in app model, it’d take just a few weeks earlier than all customers get the brand new options, because the replace is being rolled out steadily.

Filed in Cellphones >Computers. Learn extra about Google and Google Maps.