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Google Maps was just updated – here are 5 new features you have to check out

Published Jan 15th, 2015 11:00AM EST
Google Maps Directions

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Google Maps is one of the most popular mobile apps on the planet. Millions upon millions of people around the world rely on the app to help them discover new places, and of course to guide them to those new places. As a result, each new Google Maps update released by Google instantly impacts millions of people — mostly for the better, but sometimes Google’s changes in Maps cause more aggravation than they’re worth.

On Wednesday evening, Google released new updates for its Google Maps apps on Android and on the iPhone. And thankfully, this is a case where all of the updates bring nifty new features and there are no big design changes that might cause people headaches.

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Here are five new features Google added to Google Maps in these latest updates that users should definitely check out:

  1. Filter searches for restaurants by cuisine type — Google Maps users can finally drill down restaurant searches by cuisine, meaning we’re all now one step closer to being able to uninstall Yelp.
  2. See current weather information for cities around the world — a nice new feature for users who are performing searches while getting ready to travel.
  3. Drop a pin for your starting and destination points in directions and navigation — this new feature makes fine-tuning your path while navigating much easier.
  4. Add transit directions to your calendar — now when you add a work meeting or any other event to your schedule, you’ll easily be able to include transit directions right in the calendar entry!
  5. Sharable directions — this is an undocumented change in the Android version of Google Maps, and it lets users quickly and easily share directions with any contact.

Download Google Maps for iOSDownload Google Maps for Android

Zach Epstein
Zach Epstein Executive Editor

Zach Epstein has been the Executive Editor at BGR for more than 10 years. He manages BGR’s editorial team and ensures that best practices are adhered to. He also oversees the Ecommerce team and directs the daily flow of all content. Zach first joined BGR in 2007 as a Staff Writer covering business, technology, and entertainment.

His work has been quoted by countless top news organizations, and he was recently named one of the world's top 10 “power mobile influencers” by Forbes. Prior to BGR, Zach worked as an executive in marketing and business development with two private telcos.