Google Maps 5.0 Now Available

[WenWM]

[video=youtube;TAh4yiCzgKw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAh4yiCzgKw]YouTube - Google Maps 5.0 for Android[/video]

If you have been waiting for the new Google Maps that was demoed on the new Nexus S to be released soon, wait no longer, it is now officially in the Market. The new version of Maps comes with 3D maps, offline routing, improved zooming, and a better functioning compass mode.

It is quite nice seeing all the work Google is putting in to get us better software and it’s even better that everyone gets this updates (well almost everyone).

Anyone updated already? How do you life it?

Excerpt from release notes:

Explore maps in 3D
Until now, Google Maps has always downloaded the map as a set of small, square images that we stitch together to form the map you see. (You’ve probably seen those gray squares getting filled in, block-by-block, as the images load over the network.) Starting today, we’ll use vector graphics to dynamically draw the map on your device as you use it, allowing you to interact with it in new ways:
• Tilting: Drag down with two fingers to tilt the map. Tilt while zoomed in on one of the100+ cities around the world with 3D buildings to see a skyline spring to life.
• Rotating: Twist with two fingers to rotate the map. After tilting to see 3D buildings, rotate around them to gain a new perspective from any direction.
• Smooth zooming: Slide two fingers together or apart, and see the map and labels continuously scale to any zoom level, stopping when your fingers stop.
• Compass mode: Center the map on your location, and then tap the compass button in the top right corner. The map will flip into 3D mode and start rotating to match your perspective, while still keeping all the labels upright and readable.
I found 3D buildings especially useful on a recent trip to New York. From my hotel to the Google office in Chelsea and bars on the Lower East Side, this richer representation of the real world made the map much more helpful. And whenever I walked out of a building or subway station, I used compass mode to get myself quickly oriented and on my way. Check out the video below to see tilt, rotation, zoom and compass mode in action

 

[dbst]

Sweet! My battery isn't gonna last very long tonight

 

[Bilgediver]

been playing with it, loads CRAPLOADS faster! I love it just for the sheer quickness of how fast it loads! The two-finger scrolldown for a more 3d isometric view is cool, but might take some getting used to using.

+1 for Google!

 

[Jmart922]

Original Droid owner, am I missing something on how to rotate the 3D map? Or am I just misunderstanding its functions...the "twist" effect isn't work? User or phone?

 

[spaz33g]

That's been an issue several people are esperiencing. No fix yet.

tappin and a talkin

 

[Dan_08]

I can't believe we don't have to pay for this!!! Google may be taking over the world, but damn there products are sick!

 

[djsiva]

no buildings for downtown Jacksonville... .other than that, it's pretty sweet..

 

[djsiva]

nevermind...wasn't zoomed in far enough to see buildings. It's SWEET!

 

[allikanbe]

Original Droid owner, am I missing something on how to rotate the 3D map? Or am I just misunderstanding its functions...the "twist" effect isn't work? User or phone?

tap the compass rose in the top right of your screen. may have to tap it twice.

 

[RW-1]

Verified to be working perfectly on most units/rom's, it is a lack of knowledge issue, not with maps 5...

 

[LT*]

Verified to be working perfectly on most units/rom's, it is a lack of knowledge issue, not with maps 5...

I've got it installed on my D1 running UD 2.5, and on my wife's D2. I can twist to rotate on hers perfectly, but on mine it doesn't work. Strange...

 

[RETG]

Any other decent map apps? Unless I zoom in close, the roads are blurry. Was not like this in the previous version.

 

[pyro6128]

Verified to be working perfectly on most units/rom's, it is a lack of knowledge issue, not with maps 5...

Haha yea you're right, those of us who can't get it to rotate simply cannot grasp the massive amount of knowledge it takes to rotate 2 fingers on a screen. Jeez, it doesn't work on some phones. Why, I don't know, but I assure you my ability to not only rotate my fingers, but rotate my entire wrist, is way up there with the best of them.

 

[chron12]

No 3d in nashville

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

 

[peterjariel]

Does anyone know when the actual map gets updated? Im talking about the picture. Just wondering cause I still cant see my house and Ive lived here for 2 years.