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Google Releases Several New Google Maps Updates for Android and Android Auto

While the latest update Google Maps has received on iOS for iPhone and CarPlay landed on December 1 last year, the application seems to be getting a lot more love on Android and Android Auto. That's because the Mountain View-based search giant keeps rolling out more and more builds.
The new Google Maps route selection screen 1 photo
Photo: XDA
In the last few days, for example, Google published no fewer than four different updates for Google Maps stable and beta. Now it’s believed another big update for production devices is just around the corner.

Google shipped a total of eight different new Google Maps builds in January, with the latest stable one landing on January 28 when the company rolled out version 10.59.1.

Earlier this week, however, the company worked hard on improving the beta channel, first rolling out version 10.59.2 and then 10.60.0. A few hours ago, it pressed the go-ahead button for Google Maps 10.60.1 beta.

As usual, Google hasn’t provided any specifics on what’s been changed in these updates, but it’s not hard to tell the company is likely experimenting with several changes and probably testing new features that could soon go live for everybody.

And lately, we spotted two different improvements in Google Maps not yet available for all users.

The first one concerns the Street View mode, which now supports a split-screen design that also allows us to see the rest of the map in the lower part of the UI. So technically, you can now browse a location in Street View and check out the map on the same screen at the same time, pretty much as you do on a desktop, despite the smaller display.

The second change concerns a Google Maps interface overhaul, as Google is working on refining the experience on the route selection screen. The company wants to give up on the outdated UI and go for a more modern approach that would include floating panels at the top of the screen and a sliding-in list at the bottom.

Both these changes have recently been spotted in Google Maps and are available only for a limited number of users, all powered by a server-side switch.
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About the author: Bogdan Popa
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Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones.
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