Back in May 2013, Google unveiled a new and improved beta version of Google Maps. It was nice and shiny, and had many new features. Now finally the doors are being swung wide open, and everyone will be able to get the new Google Maps on their desktops in "the coming weeks".

So apart from the spruced up user interface, what else can you expect to see in the new Google Maps?

One often talked about feature is where you can type in what you are looking for, and the map will show you where in your neighbourhood, you can find it. It will also provide reviews and related results for each place. So if you search for "coffee", it will show you cafes. "Food" shows restaurants, and so on.

As well as normal map, earth, and satellite imagery, Maps will also show things in 3D to try and give things a bit more of a natural feel. If you click on pictures at the bottom of the screen, you will be shown images which are presumably from Google Street View.

Next, and this is a good one, when you are looking for directions from point A to point B, Maps will give you alternative routes (driving, walking, bus, subway), along with the estimated travelling time. You can then choose which route you would like to take.

If you have the new Maps, let us know in the comments what you think of it. Is it a vast improvement, or are you already missing the old version?

Source: 9to5Google