Google Maps For Android Updated, Now At Version 4.4 With Dedicated Places App Icon [Google Maps For Android Moves To Version 4.4, Places Gets An Icon & Place Pages Becomes More Like On Your Computer]

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Google has offered up yet another update for the Maps app on Android. And by yet another, this latest is the sixth in six months. As for what is new and/or changed — Places now has a dedicated app icon and Place Pages have moved one step closer to being like what you have come to expect on a regular desktop browser.

To begin with, the Google Maps app on Android is now at version 4.4 and remains available for most Android devices. And by most, I should really say those running Android 1.6 or later. Sorry 1.5. Moving on though, the update process is simple, hit up the Android Market and click to update.

Of course, after the update has been downloaded and installed is when you will likely notice the first change — the app icon for Places. And just like what you would expect, its the little red map marker. As for using the Places app, it will launch to a start screen where you are presented with a search box as well as some pre-selected categories and your current “near” location. The categories are the usual suspects including restaurants, coffee, bars, hotels, attractions, ATM’s and gas stations — but you also have the option to add more.

In terms of searching, nothing surprising here as that can be done by text or voice. As for the results, they are sorted by distance from your location, though its worth noting that you will find ads listed in the top place. Anyway, once you pick where you want to go, you are given information to include the address and phone number as well as options to see the location on a map, get driving directions, call the location and to see the location on Street View. Other information that can be found on the Place Pages will include details such as prices and parking as well as in some cases — the menu.

In short, if you are sitting around wondering where to go, Places sounds like a good place to start, especially if you are either in a new area or just looking to try someplace new.