Google I/O 13 takes place this month in San Francisco, and all indications are that Google Maps will receive a substantial makeover. Many suspect this Google Maps update is aimed to make the service much more targeted toward mobile users. This promo for I/O session “Google Maps: Into the Future” definitely hints in that direction:
“Google Maps and the Maps API enjoy huge popularity around the world. The Google Maps API is the most used API on the web. maps.google.com is the most used mapping site. Android and iOS SDKs are branching Maps out into new platforms. In this session, the Product Management Director of Google Maps (Ken Hoetmer) teams with the Product Manager for the Google Maps API and the lead Developer Advocate (Mano Marks) to walk you into the future of Google Maps.”
Google Maps Update: The New Look of Google Maps Interface
The complete list of changes that will occur in this Google Maps update is still a mystery, but a few industry analysts seem to have an inside track. Alex Chitu posted images as well as his thoughts about the Google Maps Update “The update will remove the sidebar and will display everything on top of the full-screen map. One of the new features lets you restrict local search results to places recommended by top reviews or your Google+ circles.”
Brittany Hillen has expanded on the Google Maps update, stating:
“The updated user interface will eschew the traditional sidebar for a series of boxes above the map, which will fill the entire screen after the update if the screenshots are to be believed. The interface is called “more immersive,” and suggests that those on mobile devices will find that it works better than the interface that is currently in place. The moved sidebar won’t be the only change users see, however.
According to the preview, the current interface is one that is focused on the navigational components of Maps, such as the sidebars and buttons and sliders. That design theory will change with the update, with the new redesigned interface instead featuring a focus on the map itself with the various elements building on top of it rather than taking up its valuable space.
Along with the design’s change in focus will be some visual changes, which includes updates to the service’s icons, text styles, and the colors of the map itself. When can users expect to see these changes in place? A date isn’t provided, but it is worth mentioning the I/O event is coming up, and we may very well see it rolling out then.”
Google Maps Update: The New Look of Maps
There is excitement and anticipation from mobile users as to the specifics of the Google Maps update. Chitu’s screenshots give users a preview, but there is no substitute for the actual interface experience.
