Google has updated its brilliant Maps application for Android devices to include directions for large indoor venues and the ability to go inside shops.
While the app will do a great job at getting you to the shopping mall, it will now give you directions once inside, helping you navigate multiple floors and departments.
Once you’ve found the shop you’re looking for using Google Maps, you’ll also be able to go in and look around virtually on your Android smartphone or tablet. That’s right – Google’s Streetview mode will even let you walk in a shop and look around!
The ability to go in a shop and look around was launched in November 2011, but now Google is adding it, along with Indoor Maps, now in version 6.7 of Google Maps for Android. Both features are currently only available in the US and Japan, but knowing Google, we’ll be able to explore every store and shopping mall in the UK and Europe soon, too.
Participating businesses can submit their floor plans to Google Map Floor Plans to have them implemented into Google Maps. Once included, people will be able to use Google Maps to get them to the venue, then again once inside to navigate around.
When you’re looking at a shop or restaurant in the Google Businesses section of Maps, you may notice the option to “see inside”. Tap this and Google Maps will give you a Streetview-style look inside, giving you a feel for the place before you’ve even headed there.
Google Maps 6.7 can be downloaded right now from the Play Store, but as your Android device more than likely already has it, you’ll be notified that an update is available next time you open up Play Store.
