new beta brings more travel options and interface changes

Google has released a new beta version of Google Maps for Android. This new version makes it clear which way Google wants to take with the design of the popular map service.

Google Maps gets changes

It seems that Google continues to fine-tune the interface of the Google Maps Android app. The new screen for entering the destination has been tested for some time now. The entire route overview has been overhauled, where you only see the departure and arrival location at the top of the screen. Below that, the icons and options are no longer shown for, for example, the route by public transport, cycling or walking. This screen also no longer takes up the full width of the screen.

We also see this change in the latest beta version of Google Maps. The travel options have been moved to the bottom of the screen. That can certainly take some getting used to in the beginning. The screen with travel options is also new. This allows you to determine the preferred settings and choose which means of transport you give priority. You can indicate which means of transport you want to see first in the screen. Handy if you never go by car, and would like to get your route by bike first.

At the moment these are changes in the beta version. It is not known whether Google will roll out the changes to the final version. The chance of this is high; given that Google has been testing the new interface in beta since February and doesn’t seem to be getting back to it.