- Google Maps for Android is testing a redesigned interface for improved usability, featuring translucent "sheets" for menus inspired by Apple Maps.
- Streamlined direction selection and cleaner design tweaks based on user feedback hint at a better user experience in future updates.
- Currently in limited testing (version 11.127.x), Google is refining the new design before wider release, promising a more user-centric navigation experience.
Google Maps for Android is again in the early stage of experimenting with a redesigned interface that adds more user-friendly features. The developers who tried in February and quit later brought a new version in the recent past. This opinion is about addressing past flaws.
Google Maps Redesign Offers an Advanced Overview
According to a report by 9to5Google, a big change here is switching to the translucent “sheets” instead of the full-screen menu. This design concept that Apple Maps served as inspiration for, will allow the user to still see the map underneath while operating menus without losing current location during searching or settings adjustments.
The direction interface has been made easy to use by the merging of elements. Featured origin and destination areas, at the top of the screen, are now larger than before and replacing full-screen displays. At the same time, options for different modalities of transportation have been relocated to the bottom of the screen to be more easily reached, especially on mobile phones.
Google has listened to people’s feedback; this is demonstrated in a cleaner one-page design and smoother and more rounded corners. These tweaks with time add polish to the interface by providing a bit more information on each view.
It would be significant to mention that currently, this version is still at a testing stage, with a limited release (version 11.127.x) managed by Google. Being only seen in the test account, it pointed out that `Google’ is not yet ready for wide distribution.
By making the map the centerpiece, together with increased selectivity on directions, the new version of the app will certainly provide a better user experience for those of us on Android. Although it is not widely available yet, the upgrade nonetheless serves as a preview of how navigation with Google Maps might tend to look in the future.