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Google is about to release a new version of Google Maps – get it here before it’s released

Published Apr 28th, 2015 1:10PM EDT
Google Maps Download

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Google Maps is, without question, one of the most useful and widely used apps Google has ever created. The service helped change the way we travel, and then it put voice-guided navigation into everyone’s hands… for free. Of course, Google has never been known to rest on its laurels, and the company is constantly updating Maps just as it regularly updates all of its popular mobile apps.

While Google hasn’t yet released its most recent update to the Google Maps Android app, you can already download the company’s latest and greatest version of Google Maps right here.

DON’T MISS: 5 secret ways you can control your phone using Google search on your computer

The version of Google Maps you have installed on your Android phone right now will vary depending on your handset model. At this point, however, odds are very good that you don’t have the latest version, which is just about to begin rolling out to Android devices around the world.

Google Maps 9.8 isn’t the biggest update Google has released in recent history, but it does add new functionality that some users will appreciate. As Android Police detailed in a recent post, there are three main changes in the new build.

First, Google Maps 9.8 allows users to upload multiple photos at once. Google Maps lets users to upload their own images of locations on the map so that other users can view them while performing searches, and now this process has been simplified on Android phones.

Also new in v9.8 is the ability to hide personal information from Maps. For example, if you search a restaurant at which you have a reservation, your reservation details will be displayed on the info page for that restaurant. Now, users concerned that this feature might impact privacy can hide details like this.

Finally, there are some minor visual changes and some small changes to the Google Maps Android Wear app.

To download Google Maps 9.8 before it’s released in the Google Play store, click this link on your Android smartphone or tablet.

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.