Google Maps for Android hits 6.5 with new Navigation
updated 03:15 pm EDT, Wed March 28, 2012
Google Maps get higher-res screens, more in 6.5
Google has just released Google Maps 6.5 for Android (free, Google Play) and detailed the changes. The voice-guided GPS navigation software sports a newly redesigned home screen for Android 4.0 and newer devices. That screen lets users quickly enter new destination information or select from recent and favorite locations by swiping to the left or right.
The map tiles have also been enhanced for high-resolution screens such as those on the flagship devices, including the Galaxy Nexus. This results in clearer images and maps that are easier to read. A side-by-side comparison is embedded below. The layout is less cluttered when zoomed in as well, and maps are said to react faster when zooming, panning, and twisting. Clearing the cache will result in the new views, or they will come in gradually as users simply use the software and replace their old cached files.
Users can also choose which type of public transport they can take, which route to take, and how many connections they want to make. There are public transit directions for 475 cities around the world.
New home and navigation screens
Old view on the left, Maps 6.5 image on the right
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
Impressive compared to BlackBerry
We recently switched from Bold 9700 phones to HTC Sensations and I'm completely impressed with the Navigation app. BlackBerry Traffic used a loud, clear, female voice that was really helpful to me for getting around-when it was right... that thing got me lost and taking me on roundabout routes more often than I'd like to remember and left me completely LIVID! I was happy with the Navigation app on the Sensation although the speaker's noticeably lower (I have to close the car windows if driving to not miss directions) and the text-to-speech is sub-par compared to Traffic but it gives me more concise directions and doesn't get me lost!!! 6.5 even better.