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Google Silently Working on a New Google Maps Widget

Android 12 is just around the corner, and Google is apparently considering this big release as the right moment to introduce a visual overhaul for many other apps in its portfolio.
The new Google Maps widget 6 photos
Photo: 9to5Google
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Including Google Maps, that is, as the search giant has recently started the work on a new widget based on the Material You design language and supposed to bring the app in line with the upcoming operating system.

A recent APK teardown of the latest beta build of Google Maps provides us with a closer look at this Google Maps widget, though right now, it’s important to keep in mind this version isn’t yet available for public testers and those in the stable channel.

This is because Google still seems to be in an experimental phase with the new widget, though there’s a chance it’d be released to everyone as part of an update coming alongside Android 12.

The new widget is all about the looks, so it comes with visual effects already seen in other widgets prepared by Google ahead of the Material You launch. It includes a search box to let you easily find a specific address right from the home screen of your Android device, as well as shortcuts for the typical searches, such as home, restaurants, bakery, and groceries.

Like the other Android widgets, it can easily be resized to better fit your screen, and its UI can adapt to the color of your wallpaper for more consistency.

In the meantime, Google Maps is also getting some features that are actually useful. Google has announced a new fire layer that will be available alongside traffic and satellite to display information about wildfires, as well as evacuation details in partnership with various local organizations.

This feature is already available on Android, and it should go live on iOS and the desktop as soon as this month.
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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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