Google Maps Gets New Logo, Redesign And Updates On 15th Birthday- Here Is What's Changed

Google Maps turned 15 on Thursday and Google celebrated the milestone in style. It rolled out several new features and updates for the Google Maps app including a new logo, a major redesign and some new tricks. The new logo is a colorful version of the pin that you've been dropping on Maps for the past 15 years.

However, the biggest change in the Google Maps is its updated UI. The new Maps implements a redesign that organises the app's various features and pages into five new tabs. The five new tabs - Explore, Commute, Saved, Contribute, and Updates - line the bottom of the app screen. That's a noticeable difference from the previous version of the app, which only had tabs for Explore, Commute, and For You, a section that pulls together recommendations for places to visit.

Google Maps New Menu: What The New Tabs Mean And Do

Explore: Offers reviews and recommendations for nearby restaurants, activities, and attractions. This tab is almost the same as in the previous version.

Commute: Gives directions to a location, travel time estimates, traffic alerts, and more. The Commute menu is also remains unchanged.

Saved: This tab will let you save your locations with a customizable list for quick access. The list can be organized by category and shared with others. 

Contribute: It lets you add details about the places you visit with Maps, as well as write up reviews and upload photos if that's something you want to do in Maps.

Updates: The section provides information about what's happening near you from local experts and publishers. A feed of recent reviews and other updates for places you have visited in the past, trending locations, and recommendations from Local Guides. You can also interact with businesses listed on Google Maps directly through this tab.

New Transit Attributes, Live View Assistance 

Google also included new helpful updates to people get around more effectively and safely. The new transit features in the Google Maps app help one stay informed when taking public transportation.

We’re celebrating our 15th birthday with a fresh look.

A new icon and everything you need at your fingertips with five helpful tabs, rolling out starting today on Android and iOS. https://t.co/EE3dTV5Vno #GoogleMaps15 pic.twitter.com/5WzgeEuv04

— #GoogleMaps15 (@googlemaps) February 6, 2020

For those who are traveling by public transportation, Google Maps will display important information about the vehicles and facilities along your route. Google Maps already shows how crowded your route is but users can now find (and contribute) information about several other "transit attributes" like the current temperature in the bus or train; whether there are wheelchair and disability-accessible entries, seating, and other assistance; and if there’s security personal and other safety measures onboard. In regions where transit systems have designated women's sections or carriages, Google will help surface this information along with whether other passengers abide by it.

The Live View mode, which offers real-time AR assistance when you’re walking to a location, will now show you the exact distance and direction of your destination.