Google's on a roll today with app updates; first it was the new Google Voice featuring not one, but two widgets, and now they're rolling out a new version of Google Maps which promises to teach us to "walk this way."

The update includes a feature called "Walking Navigation," which is essentially turn-by-turn navigation, only for pedestrians and not drivers. It is now able to:

  • provide up-to-the minute walking directions to from where you stand now to your destination, complete with blue and white arrows to indicate where you stand and where you should go
  • provide more direct routes
  • offer voice guidance (which can be turned off)
  • a map that rotates as you rotate
  • turn on satellite imagery by default
  • vibrate your phone when you need to make a turn

Revolutionary it may not be, but it's certainly an improvement over the feature it replaces, "Walking Directions."

Also new is the Google Maps search bar, which allows you to:

  • start searching for a place
  • open Places
  • use the Layers menu
  • find yourself on the map with My Location
  • filter search results by distance or ratings
  • view prices categorized by dollar signs
  • see cross streets for places

In one final change, Google's gone and revamped Street View. Whereas the old Street View only allowed you to look left, right, up, and down, the new version also allows you to move your figure to places down the road, thus providing an easy way to switch perspectives. Of course, these are things best seen in person, so be sure to check out the video below. Want to try it out for yourself? The update is now available in the Market to users of all versions of Android 1.6 and up.

Source: Google Mobile Blog

[EMBED_YT]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZ2_7bKlcvI&feature=player_embedded

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