Google today announced it is opening up the new Google Maps preview to everyone. All you have to do is head to maps.google.com/preview, sign up, and you’ll get access immediately.
Previously, you had to go through an invite system to access the preview of the new Google Maps for desktop, which debuted in May at the company’s Google I/O 2013 conference. Now invites are no longer required, though the fact you still have to sign up is a bit annoying.
Yet this is likely a requirement because the new version of Google Maps is heavily customized for the user. It keeps track of new places for discovery and uses the same data as Google Now.
If you haven’t checked it out yet, here’s a YouTube video to give you a peek, in true Google fashion:
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As you can see, the new version collates content from Google Earth, Google’s Street View, and special projects that give the company underwater and even space imagery. Instead of using multiple products, you’ll soon be able to access everything from a single service.
Yet clearly the new version is still being tweaked, as Google today said:
For those who have already taken the new maps for a test drive, thanks for all your support and feedback. We’re listening and continuing to make the experience even better.
This is why we’re not exactly surprised Google still hasn’t given a release date for the final version of the new Google Maps. The Android app was recently updated, but we’re still waiting on its iOS counterpart to get the same treatment too.
See also – Google Maps update rolling out to Android devices, brings navigation and discovery improvements and Google debuts two-week online mapping course to teach you Google Maps, Maps Engine Lite, and Google Earth
Top Image Credit: calsidyrose / Flickr
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