google maps
IN PHOTO: People look at a view of Google Maps on the new ''iPad'' during the launch of Apple's new tablet computing device in San Francisco, California Reuters/Kimberly White

Google brings some relief to its Google Maps users who resented the user interface (UI) elements that appeared on the Maps. With the version 9.11 coming soon, users will be able to dismiss most of the UI elements in the Maps app, according to reports.

According to a report on PC World, users just need to tap the map to make all the UI elements disappear and in order to get them back, they can tap again. Except in case of turn-by-turn navigation, the hidden UI mode only functions in all maps views, reports Android Police.

The app sports other minor changes, as well. For instance, users having Google Photos that are location tagged and are visible under the ‘your places’ area of maps can now edit the captions for those photos inside the Maps app itself. With this update, users can also share their ‘My Maps’ maps in the Maps app, which could not be done before, as per the Android Police report.

As per 9 to 5 Google, the updated Maps app is yet to be rolled out on the Google Play Store but it can be downloaded from APK. The APK is signed by Google and the cryptographic signature assures that the file was not tampered in any way, making it safe to install, reported Android Police.

At times, minor app updates have a great impact on usability and with the growing competition in the mapping software segment, Google needs to work on various improvements, which will deliver a better user experience, making the app stay ahead of the game. With the new update which allows users to remove UI elements, the Maps can be viewed with more clarity, as per the PC World report.

The new Google Maps update for Android is aimed at improving the overall navigation experience on mobile devices, reports BGR.

(For feedback/comments, mail the writer at pragyan.ibtimes@gmail.com)

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