Google Maps Gets a Revamp That You'll Actually Notice

News
By Marcus Yam
published

Google Maps is getting a fresh coat of paint.

Google today debuted a new version of maps that's a significant departure from the service we've become accustomed to over the last few years. Sure, there have been incremental improvements, but nothing that would make a user sit up and notice a major change. With the new Google Maps, people will definitely notice the updates. 

Google promises that the new Maps will be a more personal and friendly experience. If you're logged into your Google account, Maps will better highlight your haunts and also where your friends frequent.

Maps will also suggest new places  based on where you've been previously and places you've starred as favorites.

Navigation is also smarter. Google boasted during its keynote demo that its direction routing is more detailed and now better presents different travel options.

Selecting transit view shows all the different routes. This one makes Toronto's transit look much more impressive than it actually is.

Checking out Nintendo World store along with the MTA Subway.

San Francisco, where all the action is happening today.

Check out our other Google I/O coverage:

Live Blog: Tune in for Live Coverage of Google I/O 2013

Google Announces GS4 with Stock Android at Google I/O

Google Launches All Access Music Streaming Service

Google Intros Google Play Game Services at Google I/O

Google Maps Gets a Revamp You'll Actually Notice

Marcus Yam
Marcus Yam
Marcus Yam served as Tom's Hardware News Director during 2008-2014. He entered tech media in the late 90s and fondly remembers the days when an overclocked Celeron 300A and Voodoo2 SLI comprised a gaming rig with the ultimate street cred.
4 Comments Comment from the forums
  • Onihikage
    I hope the new maps will better support using them offline. Right now, even when an area has been saved for offline use, no searching can be done without an internet connection. And could I please just draw a line or a single box around the general area I want to download and not have to draw 10 smaller boxes?
    Reply
  • DineshZaladekar
    I think this is better man
    Reply
  • wiyosaya
    Great. Even though the other improvements might be great, now Google maps will help improve stalking. Again, Great! :sarcastic:
    Reply
  • targetdrone
    @Onihikage
    I hope there are better offline map support too. Data coverage in my area ranges from 21mbps LTE to "I'm better off using a carrier pigeon" I've been looking for other GPS apps but nothing works that well, so I still need to keep my old Garmin :/
    Reply