Pin the Google Maps logo
The redesign of Google Maps is also accompanied by a new logo. This one is dressed in the four colors of the web giant, but gets rid of the famous planisphere that composed it until then to keep only the pin - which some call a pin.
Google Maps logo gets rid of the planisphere
The idea of this new visual identity is to show that the application is not just used to look for an address or a route, but provides a whole lot of varied information.
Goodbye side panel
The biggest change to remember can be summed up quite easily: the side panel accessible from the three bar icon disappears from Google Maps. All the elements it contained are found at the bottom, classified in a system of tabs.
The five important tabs of the new Google Maps interface
More precisely, there are five tabs:
- Discover
- Routes
- Enregistré
- To contribute
- News
It should be noted in passing that this arrangement with the tabs at the bottom seems better suited to large-screen smartphones since a lot of things are within reach. That said, the search bar at the top of the screen is still there.
Understanding the five tabs of Google Maps
The tab « Discover Does not change from the functionality that has been around for a long time. This section allows you to find addresses around you and to consult the profiles of the establishments that interest you (opinion, average rating, opening time, attendance, etc.).
The category " Routes »Indicates the best route to reach your destination by offering several modes of transport. In this regard, the managers of the firm emphasized the importance given to urban mobility. In this regard, they always promise more alternatives in the future.
In " Enregistré », You can organize your favorite places by listing your places visited, recommended or shared.
With " To contribute », You will be able to benefit more easily from the social dimension of Google Maps. This is where you can leave reviews, share photos, deliver some useful information. This is the part of the interface that will inspire you the most to become a Local Guide - a surfer with some level of influence.
Finally, the tab " News »Allows you to follow the latest news from the area you are visiting as a sort of Google News feed dedicated to media specializing in recommendations of places to go out, such as Time Out. This is also where you can exchange messages with certain establishments.
More info and augmented reality
As we have said, the deployment of this new interface begins today. The new interface is coming to Google Maps, but the changes don't stop there. By March 2021, other improvements will also emerge.
The representatives of Google Maps thus promise much more detailed information that we have already started to see from time to time on the application. In addition to knowing whether or not there are seats left in the bus or metro, you can also know the temperature inside (cold or hot), the level of accessibility for people with reduced mobility or even the degree of safety on board (surveillance cameras, agents, emergency telephone, etc.).
To learn more
Google Maps and differential privacy
The Live View option which uses augmented reality to guide you in the city will experience some optimizations in the coming months in order to "have a better visualization of the distance and the route to follow to get to your destination".
The Live View button will be accessible directly from the Google Maps map, so there will no longer be any need to enter navigation mode to use it.
Look for the surprise
Google has planned a small Easter Egg on Maps to celebrate the anniversary of the mapping service. Thus, the firm invites you to find, in the application, a small car with colored balloons hanging on it. This will be visible until February 9.
Find this little birthday car in Google Maps
Note that the official Google Maps anniversary date is February 8.
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