Google Maps gets streamlined with a new bottom navigation bar update
Google Maps on smartphones is getting a new interface update. With the latest version, a new navigation bar will appear at the bottom of the screen, which was announced many months ago. This improvement aims to make Google Maps more straightforward to use.
According to 9to5Google, Google Maps users should pay attention to the update to version 11.138.x, which brings changes to the bottom options bar. Three options have replaced the previous bar with five buttons: Explore, You, and Contribute. This is a significant simplification of the interface, which many Google Maps users may have found complicated due to the many available options.
The new configuration is intended to make Google Maps more intuitive. Over the past few years, the app has gained many features, ceasing to be just simple car navigation. Today, it is also a valuable tool for planning holiday trips and checking information about landmarks and places of interest.
In the Explore tab, users can browse interesting places nearby. The You tab contains user lists and history of visited places, while the Contribute option allows users to check information about their profile in Google Maps, including the list of submitted reviews.
As noted by 9to5Google, all Google Maps users with the latest version of the app installed should already see the new menu. If not, it is worth forcing the app to close and reopen it, ensuring you have the latest version of Google Maps beforehand.
Google Maps on the phone
One of the most valuable features of Google Maps is the ability to use the immersive view. It includes famous landmarks worldwide, combining the advantages of satellite images and Street View images. Thanks to this technology, users can admire famous places from a bird's-eye view, particularly useful when planning trips to new cities.
Google Maps also offers the option to save map sections for offline use. This is especially useful in areas with weak internet coverage or when we want to limit mobile data usage. You select the appropriate map area and save it on your device.
Another valuable feature is Bluetooth beacons, which improve location accuracy in long tunnels. Beacons register the travel time of vehicles, allowing precise monitoring of speed and traffic, significantly enhancing navigation in places where the traditional GPS signal is disrupted.
