Google Maps for mobile 4.4 adds updated Place Pages

Google introduced Google Maps for mobile 4.4, promising more efficient access to information on nearby locations. Maps for mobile 4.4 includes a new Places icon in the Android app launcher--users can press and drag the icon onto the home screen to look for restaurants, theaters, retailers and other local businesses, receiving a detailed list of the nearest sites along with individual Place Pages (webpages organizing all relevant information about a particular destination) for each point of interest.

"Search for several convenient types of places with the default categories or add your own for your most frequent searches," explains Google Mobile team product manager Michael Siliski on the Official Google Mobile Blog. "You can also use the search bar at the top to type or speak any query. I tend to use the 'coffee' search a lot, but I've also looked for 'gas stations' on the road, 'ice cream shops' in my neighborhood, and even specific places like 'Chelsea Market' on a recent trip to New York." Siliski adds that along with photos and reviews, Place Pages now feature new details like prices, parking and menu links, with the search results list highlighting business opening hours in addition to compass direction and distance.

Google Maps for mobile 4.4 is available now for smartphones running Android 1.6 and above. Place Page and search result updates are also coming soon for BlackBerry users.

For more on Google Maps for mobile 4.4:
- read this Official Google Mobile Blog entry

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