Google Maps updated its iOS app on Tuesday with new route and traffic features. According to Google, the update brings "faster access to navigation," "tips and tricks" for beginning users, and support for Arabic and Hebrew.

Version 2.3.4's navigation feature helps users better decide among various traffic and route options. The app now has a smaller map within the route selection screen, which lets people more easily compare directions based on traffic and other conditions. The "tips and tricks" section gives users advice on how to use the app and its various features, like turn-by-turn directions.

Google acquired the mapping app Waze in June, which is an Israeli startup. So, adding in language support for Arabic and Hebrew makes sense. In August, Google added real-time traffic reports from Waze users into its iOS and Android apps.

Google released its standalone maps app for iOS last December, three months after Apple replaced Google's technology with its own inside the Maps app that ships on iOS devices. The main attraction, besides Google's more mature set of mapping data, was spoken turn-by-turn directions, something that Android users had enjoyed for years but wasn't offered out of the box for iOS users until iOS 6.

By: DocMemory
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