Google today released an upgrade to Google Maps for Android-powered phones. The upgrade includes new features and fixing a few issues with Google Latitude.

Users can now search Google Maps for Android by using their voice, making it easier to look up places while on the go. Just speak your query and Google Maps will find it. Google's voice recognition engine currently understands English in American, Australian, and British accents. Google has also improved their business listings to include store hours, prices, ratings, and reviews.



Google has also added transit and walking directions to Google Maps for Android. Data for public transportation is available for over 250 cities, including New York City and San Francisco. If you're looking for the best route on foot, use walking directions to take advantage of pedestrian-only pathways and to avoid one-way restrictions.

Google Maps for Android includes improvements to Google Latitude. Google has fixed an issue that caused background location updates to periodically stop for some of you. Now, once you select "Detect your location" from the Latitude privacy menu, your location will continue to update as long as your phone is on.

For more information visit Google Mobile Blog.

Labels: Google

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