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Google Maps 3.0 for iOS Released: Lane Guidance, Better Offline Maps and More [u]
Google has released a sizeable update to Google Maps for iOS, as 3.0 is now available with new features.
For parts of Canada, the U.S. and Japan, you now get lane guidance during turn by turn navigation. Offline maps are now available as you can save specific maps to use offline. New filters are also available to explore areas around you, plus now there is integration with Uber to compare route options (Google Ventures has an investment in the company), as the app will open with one-click. For transit users, you can now get walking information with your next bus or train.
Update: Also notice how the ability to access iOS contacts has finally arrived, plus the ability to use Google Voice Search and more (Thanks AI).
What’s New in Version 3.0.0
New features
• Turn-by-turn navigation now gives lane guidance and quick access to route overview (US and Canada only)
• View travel time, distance, and estimated arrival all at once in navigation mode (US only)
• Save offline maps to a custom list for when you’re traveling or have a slow connection
• Transit results now display total walking time of your trip and the next scheduled bus or train
• Filter search results for restaurants, bars and hotels by rating, price, opening hours, and more (US only)
• Sign in to see your “Places to review” list from recently saved or searched-for places
• If you have the Uber app installed, open it right from Google Maps when comparing route optionsThings you’ve been asking for
• Access your iPhone or iPad contacts directly from the Google Maps app
• Tap and hold anywhere on the map to drop a pin, save and share that location
• Search without typing using Google Voice Search
• Scale bar to estimate distances on the map
The update is rolling out right now. This is my maps app of choice as it just keeps getting better. Let us know how you like this update.
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“Notice in the list below of features people have been asking for, but haven’t arrived yet:”
I think you misunderstood the heading Gary. Those are requested features that HAVE been added.
You’re right. My app showed 3.0 when I wrote this, but I see the update is just out now.
The access to contacts’ addresses is a big one–no more copy/pasting their addresses! Since that’s such a trivial feature (Waze had it), I suspect Apple was rejecting GMaps with this feature up til now, to give their own Maps.app a chance to get some market share first.
I don’t think that’s a realistic assumption.
First, I said it was a suspicion, not an assumption.
Second… why not?
Semantics.
For one, there could be legal consequences, not unlike what Microsoft went through with Internet Explorer. Second, that’s just too “schoolyard” for Apple. If they are going to block something, they tend to tell it to your face. Third, Google would not have been silent about being rejected. It’s just logic, man.
Haha, I can’t see any logic in your comment. Sorry.
Don’t be sorry. Be sad… for your own inability to comprehend.
Yeah I’m surprised it took this long to get access to contacts. Apple Maps just can’t compete with Google here.
In previous version i was able to save satellite image of the maps with “Ok maps” in search field but with this update i can only save “normal” map. Thats a BS for me it was pretty useful for me when i was going fishing with no data connection
Interesting. Can anyone confirm there is no way to save satellite maps offline? Thats a deal breaker for me as I do a lot of 4x4ing with no service.
Interesting as with this exact update on android they improved this feature by allowing you to make multiple map caches and even name them, sort of bringing back what was once full on local map storage that they had a few years ago.
Google maps is just sooooo much better than Apple Maps. I’m sorry, I live in Vancouver and have consistently gotten much worse routes using Apple Maps than google maps. Still a big Apple fan, but the maps just suck compared to Google plain and simple.
And Google Maps sucks big time compared to Navigon.
(Although I haven’t tried this latest version, so…?)
Navigon is a turd. Gmaps (especially the voice guidance) is far more accurate, And less annoying while being way more detailed in the info it provides. That and its visuals are far smoother.
I took Google maps for a test drive last summer. 4 different destinations. 4 complete failures.
I think that’s ike saying eating food is better than starving yourself.
People need to stop comparing Apple Maps to anything…even no maps at all. I really think Apple Maps is that bad.
What people really, really, want but Google keeps on ignoring on both the IOS and Android side of the house is renaming of favorites or “places”. The saving of Offline maps is still atrocious. On Android at one time you were able to press and hold the area to save to offline maps. Now, it’s equally a pia, but not as bad as before where you had to say “Ok Google”. They could do a lot, lot better in finding places around you when searching. The sad thing is that Google is too full of themselves to change. Apple maps is a colossal failure and should really be removed from permanently, iOS 8 won’t get most people to use it more, that is for certain.
full of a great thing, I love this app, it helps me a difficult time.