Google Maps for iOS
Google Maps proves that developers can improve upon an already feature-rich and well-designed navigation app. The latest iteration brings fullscreen street view, transit line colors, a Zagat-rated restaurant filter, and the ability to tap on the mic for easy voice control.
Pros
Easy to navigate: Open Google Maps and you'll see your current location with surprising accuracy. Click any destination around you, or summon another destination by entering it manually or speaking into the mic. Click the walking symbol to pull up directions. You can also switch to car, public transportation (now with color-coded routes), or biking directions. With Google Maps' latest update, you can tap an empty spot on the screen to switch to fullscreen view for better visibility. Once you've planned your route, share it with the person or people you're meeting.
Real-time traffic: Google Maps offers a color-coded traffic map: red for gridlock, yellow for slow, and green for steady. You will also notice community-sourced accident info, courtesy of traffic app Waze.
Hands-free: Just tap the mic button and speak your location by name, address, or "Work" or "Home." This feature is particularly useful for drivers, who need to keep their eyes on the road.
Great discovery tool: Click Explore Nearby in the main menu to get weather details and many popular destinations and activities in your vicinity. The default setting is a five-minute walk starting now, but you can set the time, duration, and travel method, such as a 20-minute drive later tonight. Click your destination for its contact info, hours, photos, and menus. You can add photos and post reviews.
Filter by Zagat rated: You can now filter restaurant searches to include only Zagat-rated restaurants. Just type or speak what you're looking for, tap Filter in the lower-right corner, then press Zagat Rated and Apply.
Offline maps: If you're heading to a poor-reception area, this handy feature lets you create and save maps for later access, even when you're without an Internet connection.
Extensive help: The Help & Feedback section in the main menu helps you get started, search and manage contacts, and use quick gestures. But there's also a Tips & Tricks tab that shows you more, like how to save an offline map and how to zoom in and out in multiple ways.
Shake to send feedback: You can easily shake your phone to report a data problem or send general feedback.
Cons
Confusing color: In traffic mode, we immediately recognized what red, yellow, and green symbolized but could never figure out burgundy.
Another app to download: If you would prefer to see your surroundings through the 3D satellite view, you can click the Google Earth tab in the main menu. But you won't immediately switch to that view, as you would suspect; instead you'll be taken to the App Store to download it.
Bottom Line
If you're looking to get from point A to point B with little hassle, there's no better navigation app than Google Maps. Its extensive location info helps you make the most of your experience once you get there.
