Google Maps 5.7 Update for Android Adds Transit Navigation

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Not everyone needs turn-by-turn instructions for driving, especially folks who use public transportation like buses and light rail. Google’s latest Maps update for Android gives public transit users navigation options for more than 400 cities worldwide.

Google’s recent updates to Maps involves offline capabilities and better map caching. This time around, Google focuses on commuters, with a turn-by-turn and stop-by-stop navigation for buses and trains. The system alerts users when their stop is up, so this means no more riding past your destination because you dozed off.

This system is also great for traveling abroad, since you don’t have to be on the lookout for signs in foreign language. Just set it with your destination, and your Android smartphone will give you a notification (via vibration and the notification bar) when your stop is nearing. But since this works with GPS, it’s best for use on above-ground transport systems like buses and light rail transits (subways might prove to be difficult).

Google Maps 5.7 for Android also features better search suggestions, quicker navigation mode access and a photo viewer under Places. You also get offline support for directions as a beta Labs feature. The update is now available on Market, and supports Android 2.1 Eclair or higher versions.