Recently the new version of Google Maps show up in the Android Market and asks for an update. The current version is called 3.4 and includes Multi-touch as amazing new feature for Map navigation. Now it is really convenient to browse the map using following functions and gestures:
- double tap to zoom in
- +/- buttons for zoom in and out
- tap & move for pan
- 2 finger pinch for zooming
Multi-touch should work on all devices. So not only on the Nexus One or Motorola Droid/Milestone but also on older devices such as Samsung Galaxy, HTC Magic, HTC G1 or HTC Hero (at least with custom Roms).
It really seems Google will no longer consider Apples “claim” for Multi-touch. In the near future it is expected that Google and 3rd party developers of Android will provide a lot of apps with Multi-touch capabilities (some examples like the browser are seen in the video). Reasons for buying an iPhone are smelting like snow in the sun.
Other new features for Android Maps are extended Lab functions. Following “experimental” functions are available:
- Map scale
- Terrain view
- Favorite categories
- Button for switching themes
- Direction arrow for current position
- Traffic layer including lables
- Button for my location
- Address info buttons
- Directions and distance
- Measurement tool
With the new version it should be also possible to use your Google My Maps Account.
