Today, Google announced that it would be updating its Google Maps application for the Android operating system to include voice-guided walking navigation and a new, improved search bar. As Google explains:
Walking Navigation lets you use GPS navigation with walking directions that are more direct and use pedestrian pathways when we know about them. To try it now, choose the “Walking” option from the Navigation icon. Walking Navigation has a few changes that help when you’re on your feet. For example, your phone will vibrate when you need to make a turn. You can even turn off voice guidance and just use these notifications while soaking in the sights and sounds around you. To help you orient yourself with your surroundings, the map will rotate with you as you turn the phone, and walking mode uses satellite view by default.
The new search bar will now always be located at the top of the map for easy searching and facilitate the filtering of places by distance, rating, prices, and cross streets. The application is in the Android Market as we type and available for all handsets running OS 1.6 or higher.
