Google is just full of surprises today, along with the launch of the Nexus S running Android 2.3 “Gingerbread”, they have also announced a new version of Google Maps that will be available on the market in the next couple of days. The new version is a complete overhaul of how the maps are displayed. Instead of images, maps are displayed as vectors which are much smaller in size (100x less data use) and easier to work with.
The update will allow us users to use multitouch gestures to pan, zoom, rotate, tilt and destroy the places we view. Of course, these gestures won’t be available for every device, as they need to be capable of proper multitouch gestures with some of those devices being..
- Milestone
- Galaxy S
- Milestone 2
- Nexus S
- Desire HD
If you don’t own one of the device above, you can still enjoy all the zooming features you currently enjoy in Google Maps. Last, but not least, caching has been enabled which means no more (sometimes) loss of maps when you get out into the rural areas using Google Maps Navigation. Most of the areas you frequently visit will be cached and Navigation can re-route your trip without data, but it can’t work out a new trip without data. We can’t wait to try it out in the coming days.
100X less data use, I like that, cuz on 3 the maps take sooooo long to load (yes I know its 3!) I’m itching to see this improvements, after the updates to Youtube, Google Voice and Voice Search (as per droid-life, I have updated yet!)
Should the Motorola Defy be on the list?
It’s so sad that Nexus One is not in the list. Why???
Same as the original HTC Desire, it hasn’t got proper multitouch.
What about the original desire?
Negatory. It doesn’t have proper multitouch.
That is FREAKING SWEEEEETTTT!
what about HTC desire z.
Yep it’s capable, I only listed devices available from Carriers.
Woohoo!
Brut maps has one less reason to be on my phone, caching complete!
Amen to that
sickballs!
cool! I wonder if this will work in Oz though?
Absolutely 🙂