Android smartphone users, Google Maps has just got a brand-new look

Google is making it easier for users to get information about places and routes in its Google Maps app. The search giant has rolled out an update to its Android app giving it a redesign from up top to bring most of the travelling details in minimal screen taps. The new version of Google Maps is rolling out in phases to Android users.

“Starting today we’re rolling out an update to Google Maps on Android that provides helpful everyday info—in real time—at the bottom of your home screen,” says Marcus Lowe, product manager at Google Maps.

Most of us have heard of Google’s well-publicized moonshots: Self-driving cars, smart contact lenses, internet-beaming balloons, and more.

While those products and services sound amazing, most of us can’t use them just yet. But the company actually has a bunch of other ones that are incredibly useful that you might not even know existed.

For example, did you know Google has a massive free font library?

Here are some of the under-the-radar services Google offers.

Table of Contents

Toggle

Google Keep

Google Keep is a killer notes and reminder app that works across both desktops and smartphones.

Timer

You can set a timer on Google (and get an alarm to sound when time is up) by Googling any amount of time followed by “timer.”

Google Sky

Google.com/sky lets you explore the far reaches of the universe using images from NASA satellite, the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, and the Hubble Telescope.

Google Books

Google Books nGram Viewer is a fun tool that lets you search for words in 5.2 million books published between 1500 and 2008 so you can see how they’ve been used.

Google Input Tools

Similarly, Google Input Tools lets you type in over 80 different languages without having to download a special keyboard.

Google Scholar

Google Scholar makes it incredibly easy to search for information in professional journals and papers.

Google Art

Now users will be able to see a tab when swiping from the bottom of the screen inside the Google Maps app. The tab will show three sections giving details on nearby restaurants and other locations, travelling time between locations along with traffic and public transportation available in the area.

The ‘Places’ tab curate lists of places to eat and drink under different segments such as ‘best dinners’ or ‘cheap eats’ near you. It is also possible to search for ATMs, Pharmacies, Gas stations and more.