Gadgetory

hey everybody welcome to tap that app I'm Jason Parker and this is the show we check out the hottest apps in the mobile space Google Maps is finally back on the iPhone with a complete interface redesign turn-by-turn directions with Voice Street View and Google's mapping accuracy it's the best navigation app available on the device with this version you get a search field at the top to search for locations or addresses the main map window and front and center as you would expect and a tab in the lower right that slides out so you can choose layers here you can toggle traffic public transit and satellite views and you have a link to the Google Earth app for 3d views and other features you'll notice this is a completely different design than the version from iOS 5 and I think it looks great one of the features people have understandably missed from the old Google Maps is Street View and fortunately it's back in this version just perform a search then swipe up from the bottom and hit the Street View button to get a look at your destination in full swipeable 3d back on the search results screen you can call save to favorites or share the location but you also can scroll down for reviews from other people who have been there when you want directions to your location just tap the car icon in the lower right on this screen Google Maps lists out various routes you can take and estimates your time of arrival even with traffic you also have the old buttons at the top to switch between directions by car public transit or walking directions from here you can tap a route to see it on the map or touch the bar at the bottom to see directions listed out for you but perhaps the most long-awaited feature for Google Maps on the iPhone is turn-by-turn directions with voice once your address is entered all you have to do is hit the start button in the lower right with turn-by-turn Google Maps switches into a sort of 3d view and continues to give you directions as you travel to your destination there's also a button in the lower right where you can go back to the step by step list or mute the voice guidance last but not least the latest version of Google Maps lets you enter search terms to find things around you just enter what you want like burger for example and Google Maps shows you nearby locations to get hamburgers just like any other destination you can tap the car button in the lower-right and you'll get directions to your next unhealthy meal google maps is free and available now at the app store it's important to note it is iPhone only on the iPad it doesn't look as good obviously but it will get you there either way if you want the power of Google Maps back on your iPhone I definitely recommend you tap this out today that's it for today's show but if you have any suggestions send them to tap that app at cnet.com I'm Jason Parker for CNET thanks for watching