Google Updates Maps Experience For Mobile Browsers

One reason to stick with Android, particularly for avid travelers, has been Google Maps Navigation. It's a built-in turn-by-turn navigation system that comes free with Android, and isn't available on iOS. But Google may be shooting themselves in the foot somewhat here. The company recently reported that 40% of all Maps usage is on mobile devices -- not surprising given that people really need to know how to get from place to place while on-the-move. And now, they've upgraded their Maps for Mobile service by making it even more robust in mere mobile browsers. Browsers that work on both Android and iOS.


Now, whenever a user visits maps.google.com on a phone/tablet browser, and you opt-in to share location, you can use many of the same Google Maps features you’re used to from the desktop. This will allow you to:

• See your current location
• Search for what’s nearby with suggest and auto complete
• Have clickable icons of popular businesses and transit stations
• Get driving, transit, biking, and walking directions
• Turn on satellite, transit, traffic, biking, and other layers
• View Place pages with photos, ratings, hours, and more
• When signed into your Google account, access your starred locations and My Maps

Give it a shot -- chances are you'll find your way around a lot more efficiently than you could yesterday.