Google has updated Maps for Android, iOS and desktop which brings a cleaner design and visual improvements.
Maps now gets a cleaner look as it gets rid of road outlines which according to Google are not necessary. The update also focuses on making it easier for users to see helpful and actionable information like traffic and transit. Along with the UI, Maps is getting improved typography for street names, points of interest, transit stations which makes easily distinguishable from other things on the map, thereby improving the navigation.
Along with the UI tweaks, Maps will now show area of interest in shades of orange. The areas of interests basically helps you know about lot of activities and things to do in your area. In order to find an “area of interest” you will have to open Google Maps, find an orange-shaded area and zoom in to see more details about each venue and tap one for more info. Google says it determines the areas of interest” with an algorithmic process to highlight the areas with the highest concentration of restaurants, bars and shops.
Finally, the new Maps has a subtle color scheme to help you easily differentiate between man-made or natural features, and quickly identify places like hospitals, schools or highways.