Google Maps celebrates its 15th birthday with a new look

This week marks 15 years since Google launched its Maps service and to celebrate the occasion, Googe Maps is getting a new look and features.

The icon for the Google Maps app is also getting a new look, which you can see in this video below.

Beyond the new icon, the Google Maps app for Android and iOS is getting a slight design overhaul.

Across the bottom of the app there are five tabs, Explore, Commute, Saved, Contribute and Updates.

Explore is for when you’re looking for a new place to eat or places to see. You’ll see info, ratings, reviews for more than 200 million places worldwide including local restaurants, nearby attractions and city landmarks.

Commute lets you set up your daily commute and get real-time traffic updates, travel times and suggested routes.

Saved is where you can see all the places you’ve saved on Google Maps and your lists.

Contribute allows you to share your knowledge with the world such as addresses, details about roads, business reviews, missing places and more.

Updates is basically a feed of trending and must-see spots from local experts and publishers.

Google says they are also adding new details about your route when commuting such as:

• Temperature: For a more comfortable ride, check in advance if the temperature is considered by past riders as on the colder or warmer side.
• Accessibility: If you have special needs or require additional support, you can identify public transit lines with staffed assistance, accessible entrance and seating, accessible stop-button or hi-visible LED.
• Women’s Section: In regions where transit systems have designated women’s sections or carriages, we’ll help surface this information along with whether other passengers abide by it.
• Security Onboard: Feel safer knowing if security monitoring is on board—whether that’s with a security guard present, installed security cameras or an available helpline.
• Number of carriages available: In Japan only, you can pick a route based on the number of carriages so that it increases your chances of getting a seat.

Google says the new design and features for Google Maps is rolling out now.

Source: Google