Google is in the process of rolling out a rather helpful new update for its official Maps application, bringing users “quick access” to flight, hotel and restaurant reservations – providing they are linked to your Google account.

Microsoft is trying to persuade HTC to make new smartphones that run both Android and Windows Phone, and it’s willing to cut or eliminate its own license fee to make it happen. The software giant is hoping the move will encourage consumers to try out the Windows Phone platform and eventually make the switch to it — but could the scheme backfire?

Google is pushing out a new update for its Maps application, which received a rather hefty upgrade not too long ago. This new update makes accessing the navigation screen considerably quicker and easier, with the introduction of a Google Now route and traffic overview card. In addition, the development team at Mountain View HQ has implemented a brand new ‘Tips and Tricks’ section of the app which is accessible via the hamburger menu, mounted on the left-hand side of the screen.

Google has updated its Google Maps apps for Android and iOS to add real-time incident reports from the Waze community. This means that when Waze users — or “Wazers” as they like to be called — report accidents, construction, road closures, and other delays, the alerts will be displayed inside Google Maps as well as Waze.

The good people at Motorola will probably clock me in the head with a Droid Maxx battery for saying this, but shouldn’t Google open-source Moto X technology?