Google is updating its Google Maps app today, boosting the app's turn-by-turn direction capabilities. Google Maps will now show drivers which lane to use through its new lane guidance feature and it's also easier to access alternate routes while navigating.

While Google Maps has always supported the storage of maps for use offline, there's now a specific "save maps to use offline" option within the app, making it easier to keep track of saved routes. The app has gained new filters to let users browse restaurant and venue selections based on hours, ratings, price, and more, and specific points of interest can be saved to the app.

googlemapsapp

Don't worry if you're not online. Before setting off on your next vacation, hike, or roadtrip, search for an area and tap on its place info sheet, then when available, you can select "Save map to use offline," and give your map a custom name, like "Toronto Vacation." To find your offline maps, sign-in, tap the profile icon next to the search box in the top right corner, and scroll to see "Toronto Vacation" and other saved maps.

In select cities, Google Maps will integrate with Uber, letting users compare an Uber ride option with transit and walking directions to determine the faster travel option. Google's newest update is rolling out to users today and should be available on the iPhone and the iPad shortly.

Google Maps can be downloaded for free from the App Store. [Direct Link]

Top Rated Comments

outphase Avatar
144 months ago
I've been avoiding Google Maps for turn by turn but this... This might make me change my mind.

PS: Please lose the "Uber." It sounds childish.

I'm sure Google will disable the feature and Uber will change its company name because you don't like it.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Skika Avatar
144 months ago
Saving maps for offline guidance is something that needs to be in Apple maps. Its really a neat feature
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
cdmoore74 Avatar
144 months ago
Funny, the previous article talks about Apple suing Google yet we have an article about Google updating Maps for iOS. I bet the next article will be about the use of Samsung components in iPhone 6. People want to hate the competition but they still use their resources. That's like a vegetarian that kills animals for sport.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
fruitpunch.ben Avatar
144 months ago
I prefer Apple Maps' uncluttered UI and colour scheme, but am on occasion forced to switch to Google Maps:
1. When Apple Maps inexplicably is missing major (newish) roads and freeways, which happens more often in the Vancouver Area than you'd think
2. Whenever I'm searching for businesses. Apple just simply isn't good enough
3. And now, apparently, when I'm in unfamiliar spots, and need lane guidance. Hopefully iOS 8 catches up in all of these areas, or I'm gonna have to jump ship entirely
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rwilliams Avatar
144 months ago
Man, I've been trying to stick with Apple Maps, but Google keeps widening the distance between the two. If Google Maps would add Night Mode, I'd leave Apple's product altogether.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TWSS37 Avatar
144 months ago
Who would vacation in Toronto?
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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