Google Maps 4.5 Hits Android Market with Walking Navigation Beta



Folks with Android 1.6 or higher on their handsets should be seeing the familiar Android Market update notification.  Google has rolled out yet another update to their increasingly awesome Maps application.  This time around (v4.5) Google has meshed the previously available walking directions and navigation features into one beta product – Walking Navigation (Beta).  Like the name implies, Google Maps now helps you with walking directions in the same manner they’ve been helping drivers with turn-by-turn navigation.Another feature baked into the latest release is the new Google Maps search bar which rests at the top of the app screen.  A quick tap gets you going with Search, Places, and Layers options.  Also handy in Maps 4.5 is the ability to filter search results by distance/ratings, view prices categorized with dollar signs, and look at cross streets for places.  If you haven’t already done so, go to the Android Market and update your Google Maps!

About the Author

Scott WebsterScott founded AndroidGuys on November 5, 2007 and has been hooked ever since. His other mobile efforts can be found on AndroidAtlas (CNET) where he covers Google's mobile platform. When not obsessing over phones and tablets, Scott can be found listening to house music, watching the Green Bay Packers, or catching the latest movie.View all posts by Scott Webster →

  • JoAnn

    All except for you Verizon Fascinate phone owners. For you we have Verizon Navigator which has……um……what does it have again? Oh yes, the privilege of paying VZW a few more bucks a month.

  • http://Androidguys Keefers

    Walking directions? The only place i walk from the bar stool to the men’s restroom. The app was of no help. Uninstalled.

  • benw

    Good idea – though running GPS, whether my battery will last the duration of that 1hr walk I’ve planned.. hmm..

  • http://twitter.com/Hyonfestaalom Hyonfest aalom

    Nice ideas to here so I really impress to this..

    Leanspa

  • http://healthproductreviewsite.com Glenn Schueler

    You made some decent points there. I looked on the internet for the issue and found most individuals will agree with your website.

  • http://www.the-next-evil-empire.com Anders

    Currently the actual display of the walking route on maps is gray, which is absolutely impossible to see when… walking around town. I’m stunned that the Google team make such horrific usability mistakes,