Google Maps is getting the Material Design update, plus plenty of new features

BY Evan Selleck

Published 5 Nov 2014

image New Google Maps MD

Recently, Google has been on a roll in updating specific apps to match the Material Design aesthetic the search giant introduced earlier in 2014. Now, Maps is getting its own update.

Google officially unveiled the new app via its Lat-Long blog, and showcased the new look along with the application’s new features. As is par for the course with the Material Design update, Maps is now flatter all around, with sleeker animations across the board. Colors are bolder, too. But, the new look isn’t everything that Google included, as the new Maps app also bears a few new features, too.

Now, a user that taps on an establishment’s info sheet at the bottom of the app will see the information glide up to the top, while also showcasing images of the location, reviews, and other important details regarding the site. Google is also implanting the Explore feature at the bottom of the Maps app, so those who are looking or a new place to eat or visit can do so with ease, thanks to Maps scanning the area nearby.

image New Google Maps MD2

And for Maps users in the United States, Google has also included the ability to reserve a table at a restaurant right from within the app, following a few simple taps on the restaurant’s information page. This particular service takes advantage of OpenTable, another popular service that focuses on reservations. Google Maps will now show users a general wait time for Uber riders, as well as showcase a price for the route they want to go. The user will also have to have the Uber app installed to take advantage of that particular perk.

For Google Maps, giving you useful options and information is always in vogue. So as you’re traveling this holiday season, don’t forget to open up your Maps app for all the navigation help we have to offer—now with a fun new look.

The new app will start to find its way to current Google Maps users out there within “the next few days.” Recently, Google also updated its Gmail app to match the Material Design aesthetic, while also showing off the brand new Calendar app with its new features and look.

What do you think of the Material Design upgrade?

[via Google]