Google Maps update brings full-screen maps, improved mass transit features and more
Popular navigation app Google Maps has just been updated to version 4.4 with a number of nice new features.
First up, users can now view a full-screen map on their device by simply tapping on an empty spot in any location. That’s definitely a big plus when you’re browsing the map for a specific address.
And now, when receiving transit directions, users can see transit line colors on the map. Where available, users can also filter results for Zagat-rated restaurants.
Finally, when you need fast directions to a certain address, just tap the microphone and say “directions to” and then the location.
Google Maps is a universal app designed for the iPhone/iPod touch and iPad/iPad mini. It can be downloaded now on the App Store for free.
Before today’s update, the last major changes arrived in late February. With version 4.3, users can now view quick facts for popular points of interest and add transit directions directly into their calendar.
While I’m a big fan of Google Maps, Nokia has also recently released another interesting alternative to Apple’s built-in Maps app. The main draw of Here is the ability for users to search, receive directions, and find their location even when offline.
That app is made for the iPhone/iPod touch and is also free to download. You can read more about Here in our original story.
For other app news today, see: Family Guy event goes where no one has gone before, Pixelmator 1.1 for iPad adds watercolor painting, a new Color Picker and more, and JamCam update features redesign for lip syncing.
