Google Releases 6th Maps update in 6 Months. Check out 'Places'

Places is Googles latest addition to the popular Maps app. Available through an update to version 4.4 on the Market, Places allows you to find restaurants, bars, coffee shops, etc, near your current location. Although the feature is available through a maps update, a dedicated icon is placed in the app launcher for quick access. Places shows business hours, and a 3D view of the surroundings through street view among many other useful details. Users will find it even easier to find what they’re looking for in their general area, check out the menu and call to make a reservation directly from the app. Add your own categories for more convenient searches and even speak your request into the google search bar widget. Share popular places with friends, with buzz and latitude integration. See who’s nearby and invite a friend for a cold one at the local Irish pub.