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Fresh new Google Maps redesign puts useful info front and center

Published Feb 6th, 2017 7:31PM EST
Google Maps Commuting Information
Image: Google

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Google on Monday announced a new design update for the Google Maps app for Android that will put commuting information, as well as other “helpful everyday info,” front and center.

The new design offers Android users a new menu at the bottom of the screen which contains more information about nearby places, traffic and commuting options. All the user needs to do is to swipe up for more information.

google-maps-android-design-updateImage source: Google

The menu contains three tabs that include places, driving, and transit.

The places tab is home to curated lists of places to eat and drink near your location, but it can deliver information related to other points of interest including ATMs, pharmacies, grocery stores, and gas stations along the way. The tab also offers images and short descriptions the places you might be interested in.

The driving tab will always display real-time ETAs to home and work, and nearby traffic, as long as you have your home and work addresses saved.

google-maps-android-design-updateImage source: Google

Finally, the transit tab will display recommendations for buses and trains nearby, including arrival ETAs — again, you have to save your home and work locations beforehand to take advantage of it. Other features available through this tab include nearby transit stations and real-time schedules to help out with other commuting needs.

If you’re rocking an Android device, you should receive the Google Maps update in the near future. The iPhone version of the app will likely see a similar redesign in the future, but Google did not mention the iPhone at all in its announcement.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.