It's time to map out a new path with Google.
I'm Bridget Carey, and this is your CNET Update.
Everyone can now try out Google's new redesigned maps interface on their web browser.
Google first talked about the changes two months ago.
But it's only now that everyone can try out the new features by going to maps.google.com/preview.
Google added more detail on the map when you're doing a search for
place including reviews and more street detail.
And the more you use it, the map gets smart enough to make recommendations for you.
It also has more ways to compare public transit options and more images of the area to scan including a new earth view that let you see cities rendered in 3D.
And the Google maps app for iOS devices also had an update.
Google maps 2.0 has features to support the larger iPad screen and it has new navigational features like traffic updates and indoor navigation.
It's similar to
the new Android version that came out a week ago.
There's also the explore function that let you discover neat things nearby, which is the same thing that you could do on Foursquare.
We are approaching a busy season for new smartphones.
Verizon is teasing an event next week on Tuesday with a company little show off new phones and that likely means new Droid models like the Droid Ultra Line.
It's the successor to the Droid Razr line up from last year.
And maybe we'll hear something on the Moto X, which is expected to be Google's top
phone this year.
And it looks like Nokia's coming out with another Windows phone called the Lumia 625 and it'll have a 4.7-inch screen.
That's the largest screen yet for a Lumia smartphone.
But it'll be a low-end model according to a report from the Verge.
No word on Win or if this will come to the US.
But it shows you Nokia's pushing out Windows phone at several price points, The top-of-the-line Nokia Lumia 1020, that's gonna hit AT&T next week on Friday sporting a 41 megapixel
camera.
But with that mega camera comes a mega price, $300 with a 2-year contract.
The popular instant messaging app called WhatsApp is changing its pricing for iOS users.
The App used to cost a dollar, but now it's free with a catch.
Only the first year is free.
After that, users pay a dollar every year.
This was actually the way it worked on Android.
But now Apple users are on the same payment system.
The app gives the iPad touch the power of text messages since it works over Wi-Fi.
It also let you set up group chat messages and send unique things like voice messages and your location among the usual stuff like videos and photos.
That's your tech news update.
You can find more details at cnet.com/update.
From our studios in New York, I'm Bridget Carey.
