The new Google Maps is bold and beautiful. Screenshot: Google

Google Maps for Android is the latest Google app to get a Material Design makeover for Android 5.0 Lollipop, following the improvements to Calendar on Monday. It’s not just more colorful than it was before, however; you’ll also find new services built–in, including Uber and Open Table.

Android Wear support could be coming to your iPhone. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Android

One of the easiest ways Google could compete with Apple Watch is to make its Android Wear devices compatible with iOS. Some say it’ll never happen, but according to Android Wear product manager Jeff Chang, support for other platforms is something the search giant is “very interested in.”

HERE for Android. Image: Nokia.

Samsung has reached an agreement with Nokia to secure exclusive rights to its HERE maps service as it looks to give its Android users a new alternative to Google Maps. The new HERE app for Android will only be available on Galaxy-branded smartphones and tablets, and there will be a HERE companion app for Samsung’s new Gear S smartwatch.

The latest Google Maps release for Android introduces some nifty new voice actions that make it even easier to get travel information while you’re behind the wheel. It also improves bicycle directions, makes the Your Places feature easier to find, and makes the Uber card available under both the car and public transport tabs.

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.