New Google Maps will Navigate Indoors
Do you get lost inside malls and airports and wish you had GPS to guide you to your favorite shop? If you're directionally challenged Google's new feature will be a lifesaver.
Google Inc. introduced on Tuesday its new Google Maps 6.0 for Android phones that will let its Maps service navigate indoor spaces.
"When you're inside an airport, shopping mall or retail store, a common way to figure out where you are is to look for a freestanding map directory or ask an employee for help," Google wrote in the company's official blog. "With the release of Google Maps 6.0 for Android, that directory is brought to the palm of your hands, helping you determine where you are, what floor you're on and where to go indoors."
Google Maps have been helping users navigate the great outdoors using GPS and now the company is bringing the same feature for Android smartphone and tablet users who want to use it indoors. Users can bring up detailed floor plans when they zoom in on a building where an indoor map is available. The familiar "blue dot" icon indicates the user's location within several meters and it automatically updates when the user moves up or down a building floor.
The feature is only available in select locations but the company said it's working on expanding its list of partners. Currently Google is partnered with various retailers and transit centers in the U.S. and Japan including the Mall of America in Minneapolis, IKEA, The Home Depot, select Macy's and Bloomdale's, Chicago O'Hare airport, San Francisco International Airport, and Narita International airport in Tokyo.
The new Google Maps 6.0 for Android also includes a new toolbar to quickly navigate through features and new home screen for its Places feature which highlights popular searches. The update is available for download from the Android Market for Android 2.1 devices.