When you need to get somewhere, knowing how to get there is your top priority. But what can you do when that new place your friends want to meet you at isn’t on the map yet? Nowadays, we can no longer rely on physical maps when a new shop and a new business crops up every day. A physical map can get outdated really quickly in this day and age. We can always Google the establishment’s address, but if you’re not familiar with the area it’s in, you’ll still get lost. Thankfully, with how easy it is to be connected, we also have access to Google Maps.

With a slogan like, “whether you need directions to your destination, the closest good place for a bite to eat, or just a sense of where you are, Google Maps for Android can help,” Google Maps 6.5 for Android definitely delivers.

What makes this version really stand out is its crisp maps that show up gorgeously on high-pixel density screens, like the Galaxy Nexus, Galaxy S2, and the Droid Razr. This means that Google also rearranged map labels and reduced their sizes so that your view of the map is a lot less cluttered.

Google Maps 6.5′s interface has also been tweaked for those running Ice Cream Sandwich on their mobile devices, which means that you’ll find a new Navigation home screen. On top of that, Google Maps 6.5 even includes preferred public transit mode, as well as routes. You’ll never need to rely on an outdated physical map.

One of the main features Google Maps 6.5 comes with is its ability to understand what you’re saying. Say you need to go somewhere and you’re not sure what route to take or even where it’s located. Simply ask Google Maps 6.5 through the Speak Destination function for where an establishment is and it’ll pull up a map to get there. Alternatively, you can use the Type Destination function–you’d get the same results.

If you’re a visual learner and you navigate best with landmarks, Google Maps 6.5 comes equipped with detailed maps complete with 3D buildings.

Once you’ve got your destination and the route to get there, your hands are probably full with the steering wheel. Worry not, because Google Maps 6.5 also comes with voice-guided turn-by-turn GPS navigation. You won’t have to worry about getting stuck in a traffic jam because you’ll be provided with live traffic information, especially handy during rush hour and those surprise snags in traffic flow.

If you don’t have a car, Google Maps 6.5 also provides public transit, biking, and walking directions. Before you pull up directions, you can specify that you prefer a route with less transfers and less walking.

Even if you don’t have a specific place to be, and you’d like to try a new restaurant or a shop you’ve never visited before, Google Maps 6.5 also comes with a local search and business reviews. Once you get there, you won’t have to wander around to find your way around the place. For select airports, hotels, and retail stores, Google Maps 6.5 provides you indoor maps.

Though, some users have complained that Google Maps 6.5 has been erroneous in determining their location, while others say that the app spontaneously crashes. Other users also complained about how large the app is and how long it takes to launch. Despite these issues, a number of other users have been pleased with the new Google Map 6.5′s performance.

If you’re dying to navigate your way around your city, or to the nearest restaurant with the best dish in town, download Google Maps 6.5 from the Google Play Store today.

NEXT: Google Maps with Navigation now available in the UK

Google Maps Navigation Gets Update: A More Simple UI, For the Lost Wanderers Google adds Navigation to Maps on Android 1.6 in the U.S.

While it seems like Google Navigation has been the longest BETA in history, a new update has been added to give the interface a more basic and efficient feel. It might not seem like a ton of changes have occurred, however the small differences could assist drivers when navigating through the menus.

The update provides users with larger menu action buttons to enable them to quickly find what they are looking for. This certainly makes sense because when you are driving, it is a real challenge to interact with a touchscreen device, Thankfully, the small changes are welcomed, especially for those trying to navigate through cluttered traffic.

Besides the larger buttons, the menu key to access all of these actions is no longer next the the soft keys in Android 4.0 ICS. The button is now integrated towards the top of the title bar. This addition rids the packed spacing between the soft keys.

That about wraps up the update. Of course you can find Google Maps and Navigation in the “Play Store”, if it is not yet on your device. Looks like you will not be hearing the terms “Android Market” much longer.

So, if you have updated, have the changes added to your driving capability? Do you find it easier to have larger buttons than just a list? I would love to hear your comments on the new Google Maps Navigation update.

NEXT: Google Maps with Navigation now available in the UK

Google adds Navigation to Maps on Android 1.6 in the U.S. Google Maps App for Android to Get True Offline Navigation Soon

Even with all of the maps and directories now a days, people still manage to get lost- indoors! No pointing fingers, but you know who you are. And to be fair, some malls, airports, and large stores (take IKEA for example) are near impossible to navigate through. This is why Google Maps for Android now enables you to figure out where you are and see where you might want to go when you’re indoors.

More specifically, on Tuesday (November 29, 2011) Google announced Maps 6.0 for Android. This new update will allow your Android device to track your location, with a little blue dot, and guide you through the insides of IKEA, Macy’s or several airports. Not only can you flip through a map on your phone like a normal directory, but Maps 6.0 will be able to tell you exactly which floor you are currently on. For a full demo of the new version of Maps, and the new indoors functionality, visit Google’s website here.

Finally, Google has gone so far as to allow it’s loyal users to input their own floor plans. That’s correct, own a store, house, or maybe even a waffle-house. Upload the Floor Plans to Floor Plans Website.

*Note: The website is still in beta, but then again, everything Google makes is a beta.

Keep reading for some informational videos and pictures straight from the official Google blog.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gy-DI_bWElg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P42INh3QATs

NEXT: Google Maps for Android introduces Hotpot

Updated Google Maps App for Android Makes Paper Maps Useless Google releases My Maps editor for Android

For those of you in the UK, check it out if you have an Android 1.6 or better device.  It’s a pretty slick application.

NEXT: Google Maps turn-by-turn navigation demoed on the Sony Ericsson X10

Google adds Navigation to Maps on Android 1.6 in the U.S. Motorola DROID for Verizon launched, includes Google Maps Navigation beta

[via Daily Mobile]

NEXT: Google adds Navigation to Maps on Android 1.6 in the U.S.

Sony Ericsson hesitant about Android and Google Sony Ericsson joins the Google Android Open Handset Alliance

Unlike the iPhone version, which allows users to submit photos and quick tips from their mobile phone, the Android version of Yelp is read only with users only being able to view and not contribute to the content. Despite its limitations, it is a promising start and can only improve in the future.Yelp-loving, Android users can download Yelp from the Market now for free.

Another high profile application, this time from NPR, will hit the Android Market at the end of December. The NPR News application for Android will provide quick and easy access to all of NPR’s online content, streaming your favorite NPR programs to your phone while you browse, text, or send an email. Customization is the buzz word for this application with local NPR stations being able to serve up their own custom content, not just NPR content, and Android users being able to customize the content according to their interests. Sounds interesting, doesn’t it?

[via Mashable and Tech Crunch]

NEXT: Video: Some news from the Android Market

Paid apps coming to UK Android Market on March 12 Google provides details on Android Market, its app store

The current Android app of choice for scanning QR codes is Barcode Scanner, which you can download for free from the Android Market.  Sadly, this initiative is limited to the United States for the time being, but Google does plan to send out new decals in waves sometime in the future.  A Google created Youtube video demonstrating the entire process can be viewed after the jump.

[via - Official Google Blog]

NEXT: Application Roundup: Dictionaries, Places Directory and Privus Mobile Caller ID

Google add search synch for Android and update local search T-Mobile UK launches ShareAnywhere, new document sharing application

My Maps for Android

For those of you not familiar with the “My Maps” feature of the main Google Maps website, it allows users to draw lines and shapes on a regular Google Maps view, as well as place icons for things like people, cars, water, and similar features.

The customized map views can then be saved and referenced later, or even made available for the public to view and use.

Well, now Brian Cornell of Google has built a version of My Maps for the Android software platform that everyone can use while on the road.  Now it is possible to build a map from the comfort of your desktop computer and use, view, and edit it while on the go with your Android powered smartphone.

I can see a lot of potential applications for real estate or just plain hiking and biking type tasks that require a lot of locations be hit.  In any event, it is, of course, a free application and one worth checking out.  It can be downloaded from the Android Market on your Android powered smartphone.

NEXT: WeatherBug releases free Android weather application

Google posts Android timeline, 1.0 SDK still to come Aardvark releases screen shots of its Exchange for Android client