The search giant Google is making some minor improvements to Google Maps on Android. The design is meant to put commuting information, as well as other "helpful everyday info," front and center.
The update that was released on February 6th, 2017, added a new bottom navigation bar with three icons which replaces the old bar that previously allowed users to explore places around them. A tap on any of the icons will reveal a drawer that homes helpful information.users.
The first is the Places tab which shows places of interest in a close proximity, such as restaurant recommendations, ATMs and grocery stores.
The second tab is Driving which is a shortcut to navigation.
The third is the Transit tab which similarly shows public transit information.
"When you're on the go, there's no time for apps that can't keep up." said Marcus Lowe, product manager for Google Maps.
Minor But Useful
Google in giving Google Maps a bit of a face-lift by adding a new information panel at the bottom of the home screen, is nothing more than just a small update.
While in overall the update seems to be a minor, but it is indeed a useful one: giving users the ability to simply swipe up from the bottom of the window to open the pane. Google Maps is simply putting the most needed information front and center.
Given by its popularity and massive usage (thanks to Android that ships with the app, and nevertheless is Google's), the update should make things easier for people that commute and those that want to quickly find things they actually need .