Google today announced another new version of Google Maps for the Android. The new version adds a “Places” feature with a new icon on the main menu.
Places is Google Maps’ search tool for finding nearby businesses and other points of interest. With Places as a separate search tool, searchable categories can make local searching faster. The tool has a search bar, and users can also speak their queries.
TechCrunch says the previous incarnation, with Google Local, used content licensed from providers. But apparently, that’s no longer the case. According to TechCrunch, Google doesn’t have such an agreement with Yelp and yet Yelp content is appearing in Google Places.
Place Pages now have new details, such as prices, parking and menu links as well as business hours in addition to compass direction and distance.
Google say that Maps for Mobile 4.4 will work on all Android handsets running Android 1.6 and up. The software is a free download.
