Google Maps update brings biking elevation and voice actions support

Google-Maps-Nexus-4

Google has started rolling out a major new update for Google Maps (v8.2) that includes some new goodies, which should make cyclists and even general Maps users very happy. 

The biggest enhancement is the inclusion of Voice actions in navigation mode, which allows users to simply ask Maps questions like “how long until next destination” or the next turn by simply pressing the shiny new voice button in navigation.

For bikers, Navigation will now show you the elevation and even compare it with other routes, so that you can decide whether you want to climb less (or more) depending on how badass you are feeling. Other changes include minor UI improvements, a dedicated card for Uber under the Car tab along with other public transportation services and more.

As always, the update is rolling out in batches so you will have to wait for a couple of days for it to show up on your Android device. Alternatively, you can always manually sideload the APK from here.