An announced update to Google Maps on Thursday brought a partial redesign that aims to make it quicker and easier for users to find places depending on their usage.

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As part of the change, Google Maps will now only highlight points of interest that might be relevant depending on what kind of map is selected (driving, navigation, transit, and so on). For example, gas stations will now show up on the navigation map, while train stations will be prominently displayed when viewing the transit map.

Google has also updated the color scheme and added new icons to help users quickly identify exactly what kind of point of interest they're looking at. Places like a cafe, church, museum or hospital now have a designated color and icon, making it easier to find that type of destination on the map.

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Google says it will rolling out the changes to all of its products that incorporate Google Maps, including Assistant, Search, and Earth. The new style will also eventually appear in the apps, websites and experiences offered by companies that use Google Maps APIs, in order to provide a consistent experience. 

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

Top Rated Comments

TwoBytes Avatar
72 months ago
Been waiting for Google to update maps for the X. I wouldn't have thought it takes so long for a big company with one of top most popular apps to roll out updates. Looking forward to it when it arrives.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rdinterman Avatar
72 months ago
I know, never happening...but I can dream of CarPlay support!!
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
itsmilo Avatar
72 months ago
Even more than safari and, you know, the actual phone app?
I personally never use the phone app
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
widget999 Avatar
72 months ago
Except translate.
And Youtube
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rafark Avatar
72 months ago
Google Maps is my most favorite and most useful app on my phone.
Even more than safari and, you know, the actual phone app?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYellowAudi Avatar
72 months ago
Definitely more than Safari. Safari is horrible.
Please elaborate. I'm not 'coder', but I have no issues with it. It does exactly what I want it to.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)