Google just released Google Maps updates for both iOS and Android this past Wednesday. In the case of the iPhone app, there are some great new features that we took a closer look at in a recent post. Unfortunately, the update to the Android version of Google Maps wasn’t quite as exciting, with the only changes for Google Maps v9.5.1 listed as bug fixes and “tap the blue dot to get quick info on your current location.”
But don’t despair, Android users, because there’s already a newer version of Google Maps on the way that should be pushed out by Google soon — and you can already download it right now ahead of its official release.
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Google Maps v9.6 is inbound, and Android Police has all the key details. While the update certainly doesn’t bring any crazy new functionality to the app, it does add some nice new features and it’s a touch more substantial than the minor update Google let loose this past Wednesday.
The first addition is one that might seem somewhat minor, but it will actually be accompanied by a big sigh of relief for many users. As pictured below, users can now choose to have turn-by-turn instructions play on the phone’s speaker even while the device is connected to a car via Bluetooth.
Beyond that, Google Maps 9.6 also features Zagat ratings and reviews much more prominently, which obviously makes sense since Google owns Zagat.
The update will be released for Android devices at some point in the near future, but you don’t have to wait another minute. The official build of Google Maps 9.6 can be downloaded directly to your device from this link.
