I think most people will agree with me when I say that Google Maps is probably the most popular application for navigation available on smartphones. Sure, there are other options, but are they close to as good? I don't think so, especially with everything else that Google Maps brings to the mix.
We've covered additional features on Google Maps on multiple occasions and this time, the app is getting an upcoming update that cleans up a few visual elements for a generally neater look.
A Lot Of Google Maps UI Elements Are Getting Refined For A Neater Look
Many people use Google Maps every single day — I'm more of a once a week type of person. Regardless, I don't think there are very many people with Android devices who have not needed to use Google Maps on several occasions. It's a pretty straightforward app in terms of its looks, but Google seems keen on making a few minor tweaks to clean it up further.
One major change is that Maps has started prioritizing pull-up panels in the place of fullscreen pages for many aspects of the app's interface. Now, even when pulled up to the fullest, you'll still see part of the map in the background, which might be a better aesthetic choice to make it clear that you're in Google Maps at all times.
Another thing is that these panels are going to have top corners that are more rounded, along with the addition of an easy-to-spot Share and Close button in the upper-right corner.
Another thing is that the interface for setting directions has also changed to a larger extent, and in this case, I can certainly say that it's for the better. The panel at the top of the screen with your start location and destination is now contained in a floating rounded rectangle and no longer edge-to-edge. The little buttons to choose between routes for cars, trains, walking, and cycling, have now been moved to the bottom of the screen too, which is a sensible choice. The image above shows the previous look on the left and the redesign on the right.
This Redesign Is Relatively Minor (But Noticeable) And Is Still Rolling Out
This is not some drastic redesign that gives the entire application a fresh coat of paint but most changes are certainly noticeable despite being minor. It's a nice start for an app that has looked mostly the same for a long time now.
The only thing is that it can't be predicted when this update is going to have a wide rollout. It's still a server-side thing at the moment, so even if you're on the latest version of the app, it doesn't guarantee that you'll see these changes. It's also not the first time that Google is testing a Maps redesign, as they did so some months back but eventually reverted to normal before coming out with this.
This update doesn't bring any additional features so we can all likely be patient about its arrival, but when it is here for good, you can depend on us to tell you all about it.
