Google Maps for Mobile 4.1 for Android 1.6+ Released [Updated Google Maps App Offers Improved Search, Maps Live Wallpaper, Numerous Other Tweaks]

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Having earlier this month tipped you concerning Google Maps now offering directions for specifically catering for bikes, we can now advise you that Google Maps for Mobile has been updated to Google Maps for Mobile 4.1.

The newly released Google Maps for Mobile 4.1, which is designed for Android based phone running Android 1.6 or above, comes with a number of enhancements including a wholly revised search results page which comes sans tabs (allowing screen real estate to display the resulting information), a new swipe for more results feature (allowing you to simply swipe to the left or right to gain more search results) as well as a Latitude Widget and a Maps Live Wallpaper which Google describes thus:

Once you’ve updated to Maps 4.1, you’ll also have a couple different ways to put Maps up close and personal on your phone. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could quickly find your nearest friends or glance at the traffic conditions around you without opening Maps? Add the Latitude widget to a home screen panel to see your nearest Latitude friends by pressing the “Menu” button from the home screen and selecting Add > Widgets > Latitude. On Android 2.1+ phones, you can also turn your home screen into one big, updating map using the Maps live wallpaper. Press the “Menu” button from your home screen and select Wallpaper > Live wallpapers > Maps. Now you can see nearby friends or a map each time you open your home screen.

The newly updated Google Maps for Mobile App is available now from the Android Market and, should you give it a go, we’d like to hear your thoughts? How would you improve the app further, for example?