Google Redraws Maps For Android PhonesGoogle Redraws Maps For Android Phones

Google has updated Maps for Mobile again for Android phones. There are several new features with this latest update, but the new version isn't compatible with all the variants of Android that are out there.Google Maps for Mobile 3.3 can be downloaded from the Android Market, but only if you're using a device that runs 1.6 Donut or 2.0 Eclair. If you're still rocking an Android handset running 1.5 Cupcake, stop reading now. Your device isn't supported.

Donut and Eclair Android phones get all the new features.

First up is the "What's Nearby" bubble. This is a feature that's available on the desktop version of Maps. You can click a little bubble to see the points of interest that are nearby. The menu uses your location data to provide locally relevant results.

Next is an interesting bit, support for Google Maps for Mobile Labs. Similar to Google Labs and Gmail Labs, Maps for Mobile Labs will let users check out pre-release features for their handset. Right now, those features include: display a scale bar on the map; show a terrain layer; search for popular categories; turn the blue My Location dot into a compass arrow that shows the direction you're facing when stationary; and add a Layers button to the screen so you can quickly toggle layers like Traffic, Satellite, Latitude, and Transit Lines. Cool!

Last is a new bug-reporting tool. Basically, if Google Maps messes up, Google wants to know about it. Users can fill out a little report that will be sent to Google. You can even ask Google to let you know if/when the problem has been fixed. Google cites such things as incorrect addresses, phone numbers, and closed businesses are the types of reports it is looking for.

The download is free from the Android Market.