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Google just announced a major new Google Maps redesign – here are the 3 best new features

Published Nov 5th, 2014 1:21PM EST
Google Maps Material Design Update Announced
Image: Google Inc.

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Now this is the key Google app that we’ve been waiting to get a Material Design upgrade. Google on Wednesday took the wraps off its latest update to Google Maps that will prominently feature Material Design, the gorgeous new design language used in Android 5.0 Lollipop. The new update, which Google says will be rolling out over the next few days, doesn’t just look pretty — it also adds several key features that will make Google Maps more useful than ever.

RELATED: Google’s Material Design is about to change the way we look at the worldwide web

In short, here are some of the key new features you’ll get with the latest Google Maps update:

  • In-app reservations: You’ll be able to make a reservation at a restaurant right through Google Maps to any American restaurant that you can find on OpenTable.
  • Uber integration: If you’re waiting outside on a cold day for public transportation and don’t feel like staying in the cold too long, Google Maps will give you estimated Uber pickup times and prices to get you to your desired destination.
  • Redesigned information sheets for individual places: This is one area where the Material Design makeover should really shine since Google says that “by tapping on a place’s info sheet at the bottom of your screen, you’ll send an info layer gliding up to the top, showing you photos, reviews, and more.”

In all, this sounds like the most promising Google Maps update we’ve seen in a while and we can’t wait to try it out for ourselves. Check out Google’s full post on the new Google Maps by clicking the source link below.

Brad Reed
Brad Reed Staff Writer

Brad Reed has written about technology for over eight years at BGR.com and Network World. Prior to that, he wrote freelance stories for political publications such as AlterNet and the American Prospect. He has a Master's Degree in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University.