Is It true? Google Maps update previewed ahead of launch

Anyone who uses Google Maps regularly will be familiar with the sidebar, which has been a staple part of the design for quite some time. That is about to change, however, according to a couple previews Google has released ahead of a planned interface update that Google teases with a sly reference to its I/O conference set to take place next week.

The updated user interface will eschew the traditional sidebar for a series of boxes above the map, which will fill the entire screen after the update. Google calls the updated interface “more immersive,” and suggests that those on mobile devices will find that it works better than the interface that is currently in place. The moved sidebar won’t be the only change users see, however. According to the preview, the current interface is one that is focused on the navigational components of Maps, such as the sidebars and buttons and sliders. That design theory will change with the update, with the new redesigned interface instead featuring a focus on the map itself with the various elements building on top of it rather than taking up its valuable space. Along with the design’s change in focus will be some visual changes, which Google says includes updates to the service’s icons, text styles, and the colors of the map itself. When can users expect to see these changes in place? Google didn’t provide a date, saying that it isn’t clear, but then going on to mention that its I/O event is coming up, making it pretty clear it’ll be formally announced next week. [via Google] Google Maps update previewed ahead of launch is written by Brittany Hillen .