Google Maps 5
T3 Rating
5Maps gets a marvelous 3D makeover on Android
Google Maps 5 Review
by on December 22, 2010
Google Maps for Android has finally been given the update it deserves, offering up offline viewing and 3D visualisation.
We’ve been waiting a long time for Google to sort out its Maps for Android. Not that there was anything inherently wrong with the app – but the promise of 3D views and offline modes made the current iteration look rather bland.
Lucky, then, that Google’s added vajazzle sparkle doesn’t disappoint.
It’s the 3D maps that’s the killer here. Viewing some of the major cities in the world on your smartphone and in 3D is more than impressive. Well it would be if London was one of the cities chosen to be emulated in 3D. Instead in the UK we get a virtual representation of Birmingham and there’s also Dublin for the Ireland contingent.
While we can only guess how cool a vectored Hyde Park is, it was oddly compelling viewing Brum in this way.
Using finger gestures (not those kinds) you can tilt, rotate and zoom through the 3D map.
The offline mode is a bit of a lifesaver; the caching of content isn’t for everywhere but it’s useful when you are in a town that has been given the offline treatment.
Given the fancy new graphics, you would expect some lag using the app but there really isn’t. Some fancy behind-the-scenes tech means that the maps are faster than before.
To use the spangle new features, you need to be packing Android 2.0 and above.
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