Google intros new-look Maps for mobile, plus Uber and OpenTable integration

By Trevor Mogg November 6, 2014

google intros new look maps for mobile app — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Google has unveiled a new-look Maps for mobile, with the changes set to roll out to Android and iOS users in the next couple of days.

Besides a refreshed design, the update also brings deeper Uber integration and, for users in the US, now lets you make reservations at participating restaurants from right within the app thanks to OpenTable support.

Related: Create custom, shareable Google maps with new My Maps tool

The Mountain View company is promising “bold colors and textures….and a slick new style” with its latest update to its popular Maps app.

“This new look is all about creating surfaces and shadows that echo the real world; with Google Maps’ new material feel, layers and buttons come to life so you know just where to touch to get directions, recommendations and imagery,” Google Maps’ Evelyn Kim wrote in a blog post announcing the update.

Tapping on a place’s info sheet will cause an info layer to “glide up” from the bottom of the display, bringing with it photos, reviews, and other useful tidbits. If the offered details don’t satisfy, pull up some extra data by hitting the ‘more to explore’ button.

Deeper Uber integration means you can now see estimates for how long it’ll take one of the ride-sharing service’s cars to reach you, as well as how much the journey is likely to cost – though you’ll need to have the Uber app installed to enable this functionality.

Keep an eye out for the update, it should be here by the end of the week.

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