The Android app for Google Maps was recently updated to version 4.5.1. If you will recall, it was recently updated to integrate voice search and the walking navigation Beta. I decided to take a look at this update and see if there was anything else interesting. Yes, indeed!
Weather on the Map Background
Of course, we would have to pick the only day in the last several months that South Texas hasn’t been absolutely covered in our normal summer clouds, but as you can see from the screenshot, I found some clouds over Matagorda Bay, near Victoria, TX. I am not sure how often this updates, but I have to confess that I really like the idea. Of course, you have to switch on the ‘Satellite’ layer to get this to show. Just normal map mode won’t do.
Speaking of Layers
Among the many layers available, there is a Traffic layer as well. You can use this to get a pretty good, real-time, feel for what is happening with traffic. Of course, this assumes that your location is one of those covered by Google for traffic. Sounds like a great way to get a heads-up before you leave that client’s office to head to the airport.
Google Labs on Android
Just poking around, I also found that there is now a Google Labs option, where you can turn on one or more of four current experimental feature to enhance your mapping experience. I choose one called ‘Measure the Distance’, which allows you to point to two areas on the screen and it will tell you how far apart they are. You can see some of the other features in the screenshot above.
This update is available in the Android Market. Grab it and let us know what you think. Enjoy!