1y ago

Google Maps redesigning directions search, drops fullscreen UIs, more

Google Maps is changing with pretty significant redesigns across key surfaces, including when searching for directions...

18 comments

Yeah not that ground breaking. Also if you want good alternative I found MagicEarth, you should give it a try. It uses OpenStreetMap, no tracking or ads.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.generalmagic.magicearth
- The ui feels really unpolished though ):
  Edit: I'm still using it, just not thrilled about it
  
  Haven't tried that, but Organic Maps is another OSM based app that has a pretty clean UI
- Magic earth is just as proprietary as Google Maps. If you can, use Organic Maps
- I believe Magic Earth has plenty of trackers?
  
  https://reports.exodus-privacy.eu.org/en/reports/com.generalmagic.magicearth/latest/ it doesn't seems like it
Can we please have an option to completely disable the hovering mini pop-up Maps when switching apps?
- App Settings -> Disable "Draw over other apps"
  
  I'm not seeing that option anywhere.
  The last time I looked into it, there was no way to disable it. I'll check again though.
  Edit: I managed to find it in the third settings menu I found for the app, so thanks for getting me to check again!
  
  Also disable picture in picture
- I believe that's an android feature. If you're not using it for videos, you can disable it altogether.
Looks promising
That's pretty neat, especially the reduced need to get to the top of the screen to change mode of transportation when looking for directions.
- Why not make it a button that opens up into the different mode options? Do people really use it to compare different modes travel time?
  
  Living in a large enough city, I can say I sometimes do get influences by public transport vs bicycle vs car times. But I also think it's to get people to consider non-caroptions more.

18 comments