In a blog post, Microsoft outlined the new features for an updated Windows 10 Maps app that is now available only to Windows Insiders in the Fast Ring. Microsoft made a majority of the changes to the Windows 10 Maps app based on user feedback.
In addition to already available features like local search, offline capability, 3D cities, and streets, the biggest feature available in the new update is the multiple map search functionality, which allows users to view several searches within a single map view, all at once.
The Windows 10 Maps app features and improvements are available for Windows 10 Insiders on the PC and on Windows 10 Mobile. On the Windows 10 PC, navigation is now located at the top (instead of the side) and on Windows phones, the navigation is located at the bottom (instead of the top), allowing for easier one-handed use.
In addition to the already great features in the Windows 10 Maps app, Microsoft added a number of “new improvements and features based entirely on user feedback,” including:
- We’ve added labels for your search results directly on the map instead of referencing numbers on the search list. You can now see the name of each place directly on the map.
- For those markets that offer nearby search results, we’ve made improvements to our algorithms that result in closer and better search results.
- You can now minimize search results, directions, and location info to enjoy more of the map, while keeping them in easy reach.
- We added search to 3D cities so you no longer have to scroll to find the city you’re looking for.
- Your favorites are now available offline so you can truly enjoy your offline maps and take advantage of all the places you have saved. You can also add notes to your favorites to keep track of things you want to remember about that place.
- When Cortana is enabled, you will receive turn-by-turn directions in Cortana’s voice, currently supported for English (United States), English (United Kingdom), Simplified Chinese (China), French (France), Italian (Italy), German (Germany) and Spanish (Spain).
- We’ve made it easier for you to follow your public transit route and know when it’s time to get off the bus with updated turn-by-turn instructions.
- And finally, based on the greatest amount of user feedback we’ve made improvements to the UI of turn-by-turn instructions to improve glanceability and the layout in landscape mode.
Microsoft will continue to improve the Windows 10 Maps app based on user feedback, and so let Microsoft know what other new features and improvements you would like to see in the Windows 10 Maps app through the Feedback Hub.
