Google Maps revamped for Android Ice Cream Sandwich

Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) released version 6.5 of its free Google Maps for Android navigation service, touting new features as well as a fresh look for devices running the Android 4.0 mobile operating system (a.k.a. "Ice Cream Sandwich").

Click here to watch a video about what is new in Google Maps for Android 4.0.

Google Maps 6.5 for Android 4.0 brings a redesigned Navigation homescreen enabling users to enter a new destination or select from recent and favorite sites by swiping from left to right. In addition, devices with high pixel-density screens--e.g., the Galaxy Nexus and Droid Razr--now feature higher-resolution map tiles translating to less cluttered, more readable maps as well as improved responsiveness to panning, zooming and twisting.

Google Maps 6.5 for Android also features expanded public transit mapping options. Users can prioritize a particular transit mode like the subway or bus, followed by route options like recommended routes or fewest transfers. Google offers transit directions and schedules for 475 cities worldwide.

Google states that millions of users access Google Maps for Android each day. The service has now provided 50 billion kilometers of turn-by-turn directions--Google software engineer Harlan Hile said that number is equivalent to 130,000 trips to the moon, 334 trips to the sun, 10 trips to Neptune or 0.005 light years.

For more:
- read this Official Google Blog entry

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