Google Maps 5.0 for Android Now Available

By Susan J. Campbell

TMCnet Contributing Editor

 

Google has announced the Google Maps 5.0 for Android. According to a Phone (News - Alert) News report, this app is now available for download and updating within the Android (News - Alert) Market.

This latest update adds features of 3D maps for high-end devices, a compass mode and offline map caching for navigation. The latest release also enhances several features that are already available on this platform.

The offline maps caching is a significant addition from a functional standpoint. Good Maps for Mobile can now be used to store map data on the device and it will work even when data services are not available.

This change will help those using Google (News - Alert) Maps for Mobile on WiFi only Android MIDs and tablets. The Google Maps Navigation tool will also work in the offline mode, granting users to basic rerouting functionality when they are driving or walking off the provided course.

For those seeking some visual improvements, the addition of 3D dynamics mapping for Android is a pretty cool bonus. The feature provides Google Earth-live functionality to Google Maps. As a result, the users can see standard map data with depth and buildings are presented in 3D.

The feature was already partially implemented in the Google Maps Navigation to make turn-by-turn directions easier to follow; it is now accessible in the standard Map view.

There are varying requirements for Google Maps for Mobile 5.0. Indications from Google suggest that the offline map features will be available for Android 2.0 and later devices, although dynamic map views will require more powerful devices. And, while Google did issue an initial device list, it still seems incomplete as certain Galaxy and DROID models were missing.

In other Google news, TMCnet reported this week that the company squaring off against ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and Viacom (News - Alert) over Google TV. The focus is to contain Google's experimental hybrid of television and Internet but given Google's strength in the market, how long can these broadcasters hold out?

Google also published a new list of the fastest rising queries. This list excludes those queries that are always popular in an effort to capture the true spirit of 2010.