Google Maps 5.0 for Android with 3D Building and Offline Enhancements
As anticipated, Google is rolling out its maps application for Android platform, the app emphasizes on 3D building mapping, which should be handy for those who live in urban areas. Maps 5.0 is using 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 the 100+ 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.
The video below illustrates how the interaction works.
Furthermore, similar to all Google products, which rely on Web connection to yield the maximum benefits such place data, search and voice search, live traffic conditions, satellite and Street View imagery, etc.. But they understand mobile Internet connection is not 100% reliable, therefore, the new version performs pre-cache map data for the areas on your device based on where you use Maps the most. By doing so, you can have better chance to have the app working un an unreliable connection condition. This capability is also applicable if you use Google Maps Navigation (Beta) for turn-by-turn navigation.
Get Google Maps for mobile 5.0 by searching for Google Maps in Android Market (or tap on this link if you’re on your phone). Android 1.6+ devices can get Maps 5.0, but 3D and offline features require Android 2.0+, and some features may not be supported for all devices or countries.
[Source Google]
I love the new experience with this new Google map…:)