Google Maps, My Maps, YouTube, Androidify, Slides, Music Updated–Here’s What’s New

In the last few weeks, Google has been one of the busiest company in tech world. In addition to the floating Android revision releases popping up every couple of days, the developers from Mountain View have also focused on providing updates to proprietary applications commonly known as GApps. You, however, may not be familiar with some of these applications because they aren’t shipped with latest factory images.

The list of updated applications isn’t too long and contains six main entries. Let’s take a closer look on what have changed since the last release.

Androidify :

• Translated into 13 more languages.
• Bug fixes
• Now you can share your Android character with a QR code.

Google Maps:

• 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
• Bug fixes

My Maps:

• New app name “My Maps” (from “Maps Engine”) and logo
• Improved search and marker adding

Google Slides:

• See all presentations that have been shared with you with the new “Incoming” view
• Make a copy of a presentation
• Improved accessibility
• Bug fixes and performance improvements

Google Music:

• Pick the perfect radio station for any situation easily on Listen Now (US/CA All Access only)
• Search for radio stations based on mood or activity e.g. ‘napping’, ‘jogging’, dance party’ or ‘brand new music’ (All Access only)
• New Listen Now that shows recently played music and improved recommendations
• Read descriptions of albums and playlists on newly designed landing pages

YouTube:

• Lots of bug fixes and stability improvements
• File size decrease to around 8 MB

The changelogs for these applications might be incomplete, as Google rarely posts in-depth lists of changes. Updates should be soon available through all update channels. But if you can’t wait for the update notification, you can download them directly from these Google Drive mirrors.

• Google Maps 9.1.0 (Android 4.3+): (ARM , x86)
• My Maps 87
• Androidify 2.1
• Play Music 5.7.1781Q.1595424
• YouTube 5.5.30

[Big thanks to XDA Portal Supporter MihirGossai for the news tip and links!]