This may not seem like big news for members outside London, but if you stop and think about it, this could possibly set a fantastic precedent for anyone using a form of public transit anywhere! Can you imagine getting off the plane in unfamiliar territory and needing to stay a while for some reason, or needing to get to a meeting across town fast? If Google Maps keeps developing this system I could easily see bus, subway and maybe even Taxi company (probably as quick-links) routs, schedules or contact info automatically available upon launch of the app. Google Maps will detect where your at and determine the best route to get to where you set as destination and map out the schedule for you:

This release is for Android, IOS and Blackberry devices, but as an added bonus to Android users, you can install Transit Navigation (beta) which enables alerts to be sent when it is time to transfer or get off the bus or train.

I have high hopes for this to be further developed to include other countries and transportation systems, but who knows…What are your ideas or thoughts on the future of this app? Do you think there is a need for this to be released? Tell me below PPCGeeks – what are your thoughts exactly.

Sources: PhoneScoop googlemobile.blogspot Google

Google Maps has had a traffic layer for a while now, but Google released an update today which will include traffic information while navigating and will automatically re-route you based on that information.

From the Google Mobile Blog…

You don’t have to do anything to be routed around traffic; just start Navigation like you normally would, either from the Navigation app or from within Google Maps. Before today, Navigation would choose whichever route was fastest, without taking current traffic conditions into account. It would also generate additional alternate directions, such as the shortest route or one that uses highways instead of side roads. Starting today, our routing algorithms will also apply our knowledge of current and historical traffic to select the fastest route from those alternates. That means that Navigation will automatically guide you along the best route given the current traffic conditions.

Updated to 4.1, the only other noticeable change is a redesigned settings page that includes the option of selecting the preferred language for Search by voice. To install the latest version of Google Maps for mobile 4.1 for Windows Mobile, go to m.google.com/maps in your phone’s web browser and download and install the .CAB.

Google Maps for Mobile has been updated to version 4.0. This update includes the newest product from Google, Google Buzz. Buzz  is a social integration and messaging tool that allows you to share updates, photos, videos, and more with regards to your location. If you still need further explanation, here is a video by Google explaining Buzz further.

Also, WMExperts is noting that the poor GPS location issue that affected CDMA devices has been fixed. You can point your mobile browser here to download the latest version! Happy mapping folks!

Below is the blog post by the Google Mobile team. You may download the .CAB here.

As told by the Google Mobile team-

Google Maps for mobile has long allowed you to add stars on a map to mark your favorite places. You may have noticed a few months ago that Google Maps for desktop browsers introduced the ability to star places as well. Unfortunately, there was no way to keep these starred places in sync with Google Maps on your phone. With today’s release of Google Maps for mobile 3.3 on Windows Mobile and Symbian phones, you’ll now be able to keep the starred places on your phone and on your computer completely synchronized.

For users upgrading from an older version of Google Maps for mobile, you’ll be asked, when you log in, whether you’d like to synchronize your existing starred items with your Google Account. This means you can preserve all the work you’ve put into customizing your map on your mobile, and have it show up, conveniently, in Google Maps in your desktop browser.

Source- WMExperts.com

“This new feature comes with everything you’d expect to find in a GPS navigation system, like 3D views, turn-by-turn voice guidance and automatic rerouting. But unlike most navigation systems, Google Maps Navigation was built from the ground up to take advantage of your phone’s Internet connection.”

Features include:
-Most recent maps (and business listings) by downloading them as you drive
-Search in “plain” English by using the simplicity of Google search
-Search by voice
-Traffic view by downloading live traffic information while you drive
-Search along route
-Satellite view
-Street view

The first phone it will be available on is the Droid from Verizon.

So, will it come to other platforms such as Windows Mobile? Or is this another way to pull people into Android?

Source: Google Blog