Google Maps is receiving minor updates as part of its Material 3 redesign.
Google makes small improvements to the Android version of Google Maps.
Google is refining some of the Material 3 Expressive design changes in Google Maps. In the Overview section, the tabs for Directions, Start, Ask, and Call, previously in a top carousel, will now be fixed at the bottom of the screen. This adjustment has led Google to relocate Overview, Reviews, Photos, Updates, and About to a space above the image previews.
This modification aims to improve usability. Placing the tabs at the bottom is intended to make it simpler for users to navigate the app with one hand. Additional changes to the Overview are located directly under the destination's name. The average star rating is now displayed numerically to save space.
For instance, instead of showing "four stars and .8 of a star" for a 4.8-star rating, the app now displays "4.8" followed by a star icon. The number of ratings is also rounded; 83,669 ratings are now shown as 83.7K. The wheelchair access icon has been moved to the top of this line. The destination type, such as "Bridge," is on the first line, while the travel time is on the second line.
Material 3 Expressive uses containers to visually separate items in lists, similar to a phone's settings menu. In Google Maps Overview, a container separates the description, name, address, website, phone number, and other details of a destination. Previously, these fields were divided by a thin line that was easy to overlook.
The latest Android version of Google Maps featuring the Material 3 Expressive design is the Google Maps beta (version 25.37.x). To check the Google Maps version on your phone, go to Settings > Apps > See all apps, find Maps, and check the App info. The version number is at the bottom.
To install Google Maps on your Android device, visit the Play Store, search for Google Maps, and download the app.
In other news, a new book titled "Iconic Phones: Revolution at Your Fingertips," is scheduled for release in a few months. This book explores the technological advancements of the 21st century and is aimed at tech enthusiasts. More information is available via a provided link.