With the announcement of the Google Nexus S which I’m sure will give many people a happy new year, Google have been taking every opportunity to show off what the upcoming Gingerbread smartphone will do. One of the most interesting things to come to the smartphone is the massive change set for using Google Maps on your Android device with Google Maps 5.0.
The most prominent feature shown off in the video from Google is the ability to look at full 3D maps which show various buildings in most city areas. You can also get the map to zoom to your location, along with make it face the same direction as your phone with ‘compass mode’. The search feature for finding locations has also been pimped out a bit with easy popular destination finding (such as bars or restaurants).
As well as this, the route calculator has recieved some tweaks with voice-guided GPS for driving, and the ability to check live traffic conditions.
There also seems to be some social integration in the new version with place ratings shared acorss your friends to help with recommendations, as well as finding out where your friends are with ‘Google latitude’ (don’t worry this feature can be turned off).
The Google Nexus S is looking to be an exciting launch pad for Gingerbread and the new changes in Google Maps are going to be more than welcomed from the avid traveller. Full video demonstration of the Google Nexus S navigating Google Maps 5.0 can be seen in the link below.
Video: Google Maps 5.0
Via: Recombu