TL;DR
- Google Maps is shifting away from full-screen parts to sheets that float above the map.
- Following some small checks earlier this 12 months, the change seems to be rolling out extra broadly now.
Google is at all times introducing new providers, and whereas loads of these don’t go the check of time, others change into establishments that we are able to barely think about residing with out: Gmail, Docs, and naturally, Google Maps. For as helpful as Maps is, although, have the a long time of growth it’s gone by way of and the addition of innumerous options left it in a state of muddle? That’s the impression we received from a ballot final 12 months, with readers telling us they wished to scrub up how Maps works. We would lastly be beginning to see some progress alongside these strains as Google pushes out a redesign that places the emphasis again on maps.
Even getting a fundamental job carried out in Maps can contain navigating throughout a bunch of various UI parts: trying to find a spot, selecting your mode of transit, and previewing steps alongside the best way. Whereas the tip result’s completely purposeful, Google’s been engaged on a brand new solution to handle these parts that feels a bit extra pure, whereas retaining the map itself the main target.
This shift has been within the works for months now, and 9to5Google has been monitoring its progress since recognizing early glimpses again in January. After testing a revision a couple of months later, it appears to be like like the ultimate consequence is able to go, with the positioning reporting that Maps for Android 11.136.x has began making the brand new look broadly obtainable. Admittedly, we’re not seeing it simply but, however the server-side rollout could also be ongoing.
The large distinction here’s a transfer away from a full-screen look to at least one extra targeted on rounded-edge sheets that slide up into place over the background of the map. That’s particularly noticeable with issues like place listings, which now immediate you to faucet an ‘x’ to shut them, and seem to drift on high of the map.
Actually, it appears to be like fairly good, and we think about this newest tweak to Maps getting some strong assist or, a minimum of, going over a heck of loads higher than final 12 months’s broadly panned recoloring. Test Maps in your Android gadget to see if the adjustments have hit you already.
