Google announced few hours ago that the sixth version of Google Maps has been released on Android Marketplace. Thankfully, the new version is great leap forward for Google, as it will send Maps to the next level: indoor mapping.
But before talking about this, we are happy to say that users who don't own a GPS mobile phone will still be able to use Google Maps. How this is possible? Using the My Location feature, from now on anyone can text Google, and based on the cell tower identification, Google will send you a map that will indicate your approximate location. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6gqipmbcok] With indoor mapping, we will be able to view several indoor maps of airports, shopping malls, retail stores, and public places in the U.S. and Japan (for now). Your approximate location will be indicated on the screen by the usual
sign and each time you move to another floor, the map will be updated. Says Google:
We’ve initially partnered with some of the largest retailers, airports, and transit stations in the U.S. and Japan, including:This is quite cool and it might be easier to find a gate inside the airport or a store inside a huge mall using Indoor Maps. The list of available sites may be small right now, but Google promises to add more indoor maps soon. And if you are a "business owner interested in getting your location’s floor plan included in Google Maps," you can go here and do it. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gy-DI_bWElg]
- Mall of America, IKEA, The Home Depot, select Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s, Daimaru, Takashimaya and Mitsukoshi locations and more. Watch an IKEA demo here.
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Narita International (NRT), among others.
- JR and Tokyu Corporation
