Google Maps on Android adds Voice Search, Transit Directions

Google has released new features for Google Maps on Android with search by voice and transit directions. You can now search Google Maps for Android using your voice, making it easier than ever to look up places while on the go. Google also added transit and walking directions to Google Maps for Android. You can now get directions using public transportation in over 250 cities, including New York City and San Francisco.

Google Maps for Android includes some big improvements to Google Latitude. Google fixed an issue that caused background location updates to periodically stop for some of you. Now, once you select "Detect your location" from the Latitude privacy menu, your location will continue to update as long as your phone is on.

Another feature called 'Updates' lets you communicate with friends and post messages. Start Latitude and click the "Updates" tab to shout out updates at friends when they're at interesting locations, start a conversation when you're at your favorite restaurant, or just add more details to your Latitude location for your friends to see. Your friends will also need to download this new version of Google Maps for Android in order to use this experimental Updates feature -- they will not get your messages otherwise.

The upgrade is available for download in the Android Market. Just search for "Google Maps" and install.