Google Maps 4.0 - New material design brings bold graphics and fluid motion

If this was the only app on my phone, it would justify having a phone.

Thoughts on the new app icon?

Lots of improvements around the app, but I find the new icon completely unappealing - a bunch of clashing colors, two different symbols...I think it's a mess. @thomasmeagher

I know it's probably not cool to admit this in a product community but don't really get a lot of the excitement about the update. As a light user it looks and feels mostly the same, seems to do the same things and generally work the same way.

" New Material Design brings bold graphics, fluid motion, and tactile surfaces Make a restaurant reservation right from the app (U.S. only) See estimated wait time and cost of taking an Uber, if you have the app installed"

This update feels easier to use than prior versions. I find the process of setting a destination/origin and picking a route option to be far more intuitive, and as a result much faster.

They finally made a clearer distinction between the blue user current location dot and the blue dots they used for walking routes. (Still blue on blue though...)

Much prefer the hamburger icon in the text field to the old three-dot drawer they had in the old app. Also like the two buttons on the bottom right, making it easier to choose between locating yourself and getting directions.

Excellent improvements in this app. Ability to swap transportation methods while seeing the potential times and routes is great! Everything moves so smoothly as well.

Picking up smaller side street traffic and the search results in pin layout are big pluses for me. Remembering to reset using start pin a new habit, maybe a negative. New colors slightly better for me. Have not made or shared custom maps but very happy with the update. Kudos!