Google Maps: What's New In v1.1

Google released the first major app update to Google Maps for iPhone on Tuesday, as part of their goal to make the app more comprehensive, accurate and useful.

I think that the coolest new feature by far is the option to quickly search for local places by simply tapping one of four icons: fork and knife (restaurants), coffee cup (cafes), martini glass (drinks), or gas pump (gas station). There’s also a drop down menu that contains more categories, but let’s face it, those four things are usually the most important!

Once you click on a category, it quickly takes you to a map filled with little red dots that indicate the locations of what you want. Swipe through all of your options at the bottom of the screen and you will see the distance, Google reviews, and ratings. Honestly, this feature wouldn’t be super useful for me around here, but I can totally see myself using this the next time I venture to a city like Boston or NYC.

Another notable new feature is that you can now search for your Google contacts (i.e., anyone who has a Gmail account). Note that in order for the contact to appear in the results, the contact must have a physical address linked to the name, and you’ll need to log in to your Google account. If you’d rather include all contacts from your iOS device instead, you will need to export your contacts and then use CardDAV to sync them.

Some other updates to this version include the ability to switch from kilometers or miles and the new version is now available in seven new countries: Bahrain, Egypt, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

I’ve already had pretty good luck using Google Maps. However, I was using Apple’s Maps before Google came out with their version and have to say, it never got me lost until I tried to find a friends house right here in Waitsfield. That one mix up was enough for me to ditch Maps and just stick with the trusty Google Maps. How about you? Which do you prefer? Email me!

Now if you’ll excuse me, I must start scoping out my happy hour options. Happy Friday!