Google (GOOG) Debuts New Google Maps for Android; Will Include More Reviews, Ads

Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) is rolling out a new Google Maps application for Android-equipped smartphones and tablets.

Below are a few of the key highlights of the new app, according to an offical Google blog post:

• Explore: Explore is a fast and easy way to visually browse and discover new places without even typing. Simply tap the search box and you’ll see cards showing great places to eat, drink, sleep and shop.
  
  
• Enhanced navigation: In addition to current traffic conditions, we’ve added two new features to help you navigate around traffic. You can now see reports of problems on the road that you can tap to see incident details. While on the road, Google Maps will also alert you if a better route becomes available and reroute you to your destination faster. This feature is available only on Android and is coming soon to Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) iOS.
  
  
• Designed for tablets: A dedicated tablet design brings all the features of this new app to Android tablets and iPads, which makes exploring the world from the comfort of your living room much more fluid, smooth and fun.
  
  
• Reviews, Zagat and Offers: There’s a new 5.0 star rating system that gives you a quick read on how your friends and others rate places like restaurants, bars and cafes. For an expert’s opinion, the Zagat badge of excellence and curated lists are integrated into search results so you can quickly spot the very best places. From “Best Restaurants to meet for a drink in NYC” to “Best Restaurants in the Mission” in San Francisco, Zagat’s there to help you uncover the local gems.
  
  
• And finally, Google Maps for mobile is a great way to discover valuable Offers from national brands like Macy's, Michael's and Toys "R" Us, labeled right on the map.

The new Google Maps for mobile is compatible with Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean Android devices and iOS 6+ when available.

Google also noted that "Latitude and check-ins are no longer part of the new Google Maps app, and will be retired from older versions on August 9."

Shares of Google are largely flat in early trading Wednesday.

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