Google Maps seems to be testing a new UI route option

Since travel now feels more like a necessity rather than something you do for fun, you probably do not use as many Google Maps as before. However, the Google Maps app on Android seems to be testing a UI update for the route options section.

If you’re pushing Google Maps and want directions to or from a place, you’ll be happy to see a new route user interface. The change does not appear to be publicly available, but the team noticed it XDA, with the map view less obscured by portions of the traditional UI.

You can see from the images below that there are some adjustments to the start and destination input bar, which are now floating above the wider map view. Transportation options also appear to have moved – no longer attached to the route options section at the top of your Google Maps window:

Every mode of transport – from bicycle to taxi – is now found in a scrolling list in the lower half of your screen. This may make it easier to reach on larger screens, but it’s a big change that, at least during the initial investigation, feels a bit complicated. There is also a new “Options” button from within this bottom bar that will allow you to change route directions and toll roads, etc.

This new route options user interface is not really expanding and is probably only being tested with certain Google Maps users there. It certainly looks much cleaner, but the current implementation is not exactly difficult to use or understand. Let us know in the comments section below what you think of this potential change.

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