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New Google Maps update is much, much better

So now that I have been playing with G+ locations, Googles sheer lack of consistency is annoying. This is one of their biggest problems and one thing I really don't like about Google. G+ locations is really total crap compared to Google latitude. Not only can you not tap and hold/scroll to zoom in, you can't even freaking double tap to zoom in on the map. I hope Google doesn't consider this to be a viable replacement to latitude. They are going to have to make a lot of improvements before it even matches up to current functionality, let alone improve on the original idea.

So far this "update" has proven to be quite a downgrade...
 
Mine updated OTA on Thursday on my phong and tablet but I didn't realise and installed the apk on my phone. I like the new design and functions. Design wise it reminds me of the current iOS version of google maps. It's nice that all my devices have the same design as it makes it easier to use across devices. It's quickly to use now as I don't have to stop and think about where things are.
 
xraydoc said:
And does it auto-update one's location, or do you have to manually update? I like to be able to look at a map and see where my kids are (and if they are actually where they say they're going to be). I don't use Google+, so please pardon any ignorance of how it works.
Click to expand...

There are several apps in the Play Store that also in the Appstore that you can install on your devices your friends and family without them having to do anything to locate them. The app I use is called Life360. I installed on all my Android and iOS devices. My girlfriend and her daughter has it on their iPhones. It is actually better than Find My Friends. It has so many more features. You can even set up geofences for them so you will know exactly when they arrive of leave a certain location. You can also track their movement history and find where they have been. My girlfriend feels so much better now she can track her teenage daughter's whereabouts. It also has a panic/emergency button if something happens, it send out an distress signal and notification to all family and friends you set up on the list with their location.
 
Not too crazy about the new Google Maps. It seems like there's a bit of a delay when it's tracking you while drving.

Am I the only one?
 
strausd said:
So now that I have been playing with G+ locations, Googles sheer lack of consistency is annoying. This is one of their biggest problems and one thing I really don't like about Google. G+ locations is really total crap compared to Google latitude. Not only can you not tap and hold/scroll to zoom in, you can't even freaking double tap to zoom in on the map. I hope Google doesn't consider this to be a viable replacement to latitude. They are going to have to make a lot of improvements before it even matches up to current functionality, let alone improve on the original idea.

So far this "update" has proven to be quite a downgrade...
Click to expand...

??? I have no issues with double tap to zoom, or tap-hold/slide finger to zoom. Both work just fine for me. Are you on v7.0.1?

Pinch to zoom in/out also works.
 
Assault said:
??? I have no issues with double tap to zoom, or tap-hold/slide finger to zoom. Both work just fine for me. Are you on v7.0.1?

Pinch to zoom in/out also works.
Click to expand...

Maybe try reading my post again. I was clearly talking about locations in the G+ app...
 
this definitely the best update for google maps, it further ensured that google maps stays in majority.
 
Still waiting for my update..... But wanting to know how the dynamic traffic updating is working?

I have a 22 mile commute ever day to and from work and with ever changing traffic conditions, looking forward to the update, if they got it right.

Thanks
David
 
strausd said:
G+ locations is really total crap compared to Google latitude. Not only can you not tap and hold/scroll to zoom in, you can't even freaking double tap to zoom in on the map.
Click to expand...

Yes it is quite strange that they didn't include the tap to zoom functionally there. Send them a note (via the settings menu "Send Feedback") letting them know of this (I just did), they listen :)
 
xraydoc said:
Actually, that's very unfortunate. I rely on iOS's Find My Friends not infrequently (lets me check on the location of my teenaged kids; and yes, they know I may check on their location).

If I had wanted to do the same thing on Android, if I had switched them over, I would have used Latitude.

Not sure now what equivalent I would use on Android that would allow me to check on a friend's (or family member's) location without it being an active function on their part. Latitude (and Find My Friends) is nice because the target doesn't have to do anything.
Click to expand...

Check out life360.
 
Waze next major version?

spinedoc77 said:
I wish they brought over the police speed traps alerts from Waze, I won't ever give up Waze for that feature alone, it's saved me countless times.
Click to expand...

I love Waze and Google Maps. I suspect they will integrate the 2 products in the next major version. It will be the killer mapping app then.

By the way, where does google get its current real time traffic information?
 
My HTC One just updated to the latest version a couple of days ago (7.02, I believe). Unfortunately, touching on addresses of contacts in my People app no longer automatically opens Maps--in fact, nothing will open.

I uninstalled the update (reverted back to 6.xx, don't know version offhand) and the problem disappeared. Tried the update again and the problem was back.

Anyone else having this problem? My One is the Dev Edition, running stock Sense 5 over JB 4.1.2, not rooted.
 
tbayrgs said:
My HTC One just updated to the latest version a couple of days ago (7.02, I believe). Unfortunately, touching on addresses of contacts in my People app no longer automatically opens Maps--in fact, nothing will open.

I uninstalled the update (reverted back to 6.xx, don't know version offhand) and the problem disappeared. Tried the update again and the problem was back.

Anyone else having this problem? My One is the Dev Edition, running stock Sense 5 over JB 4.1.2, not rooted.
Click to expand...

Ditto.

I blame HTC.
 
gswilder said:
I love Waze and Google Maps. I suspect they will integrate the 2 products in the next major version. It will be the killer mapping app then.

By the way, where does google get its current real time traffic information?
Click to expand...

I don't know, Google seems kind of squeamish about something like crowdsourcing Police traps. For me it's really the absolute KILLER feature of Waze. I commute so much and it's amazing to be able to predict speed traps and such. They will have to pry Waze out of my dead cold hands before I give it up, hopefully Google doesn't shut them down too soon.
 
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