Google Maps Crosses The 50 Billion KM Mark, Receives Update With Crisper UI And More

Google has announced an update to its popular Google Maps for Android, bringing the app to version 6.5. The update adds a redesigned navigation home screen, crisper look on devices that have a higher pixel density, a faster experience, and more. The Maps team also announced some pretty interesting statistics about the app’s all-time usage.

Since Google Maps for Android was launched, the app has provided its users with a whopping 50 billion kilometers of turn-by-turn directions. That’s a huge number. Google says it’s the equivalent of 130,000 trips to the moon, 334 trips to the sun, 10 trips to Neptune or 0.005 light years.

The updated pixel density included in this update is especially interesting, which will make the app look better on higher resolution devices like the Galaxy Nexus, Galaxy S II, Droid RAZR, and more. You can see the real difference below.

Lastly in the update, you can now prioritize your preferred transit mode, such as the bus or subway, and your preferred route, like one with fewer transfers or one with less walking.

Google Maps 6.5 is available on the Google Play store.