Out with the old and in with the new. Of course Google should shed some love on their Maps application and its a rather interesting update indeed. They claim it’s “rebuilt from the ground up” with a lot of new features to give the locations you search some context and a new search box. First the new features.
They made the map full-screen and interactive – supposedly the more you use it, the better its supposed to get.
If you already have your Home and Work locations set, it’ll start to build a more interactive map with recommendations from your Google+ circles, smarter directions to your areas you need to go and of course, since advertising search is its business, it will also provide interesting things like opening hours and all the reviews that’s been posted.
It takes Google Earth, Street View and its Oceans views and integrates them too, to make the whole experience a more seamless application. Request an invite here, and take a closer look here.
The most comprehensive map, now built for you
The new Google Maps draws you a tailored map for every search and click you make. So whatever you’re trying to find or wherever you’re trying to go, you’ll always have a map highlighting the things that matter most.
Discover more with every click
The entire map is now interactive. Clicking anywhere will focus the map on that location and show you helpful things, like related places and the best ways to get there.
Discover more with every search
The new, smarter search box is your starting point for discovery. One search makes all the information you need available at a glance – read up on your destination, see ratings and reviews and sometimes, even take a peek inside.
Dive into your world
From outer space down to the streets, the new Google Maps gathers all the imagery of a location into one spot, making it easy to explore your world from every angle.
Earth View
The things you love about Google Earth are now directly integrated into the map, so you can see the planet without a plug-in*. Or a passport.
*Available on WebGL-enabled browsers.
Street View
Travel the world visiting popular landmarks and local shops with 360-degree, street-level imagery.
Photo Tours
Go sightseeing with a 3D photo tour generated with user-submitted images from around the world.
Find the best way there
You can now compare multiple modes of transportation right on the map to find the best way there and the best way home.
Driving Directions
Compare different driving routes right on the map, and avoid unnecessary delays with live traffic view.
Transit
Click any station to see detailed transit maps, and use the new Schedule Explorer to help you arrive on time.
Walking Directions
Whether you’re touring a new city or taking a stroll, find the right path when you’re on foot.
Biking Directions
Explore your world on two wheels. Get directions featuring bike trails, bike lanes, and bike-friendly roads.
Flight Search
New flight directions help you find flight options, ticket prices, and estimated travel times right on the map.
A map that gets better with use
As you search the map, star places you like and leave reviews, the map starts to adapt and can suggest things like restaurants you might enjoy or the quickest way home. In other words, the more you use the new Google Maps, the more helpful it becomes.
Be one of the first to try the new Google Maps.
Source – Google I/O and the maps blog.