Tip o’ the Week 334 – Windows Maps app updates

A few months ago, ToW #318 talked about mapping on Windows 10. Well, a new update to the Maps app on Windows 10 desktop and mobile has appeared recently, and at the same time, the old Here Maps apps will stop working on Windows 10 Mobile devices at the end of next week.

The Maps app that is now native to Windows 10 devices has been given a fresh look, moving from old version’s dark and vertical icon placement on the left to a more minimalist look where the principal navigation icons are along the top.

There are loads of functional and fit-n-finish UX improvements throughout the apps on both PC and mobile, plus some notable new or overhauled features. A few highlights:

· Details Card – now displayed when you select a point on the map, with clearer display of info including what’s nearby and giving you common actions like directions, sharing etc.

· Favourite places improvements – it will keep your favourites offline, sync between devices if you sign in with your Microsoft Account and will migrate previous faves from Here Maps too.

· Guided navigation – the nav option, especially useful for phone users with offline maps, works much better in landscape mode with a clearer layout.

Find out more about the updated maps app, here. And see what Paul Thurrot has to say, here.

To check your current version, launch Maps and look in the ellipsis (.,,) and under Settings, then scroll to the very bottom – the previous version was v4.1603.nnn whereas the new release is showing up as 5.1606.nnn.

To force an update, try going into the Store – here – or just look in the Store App under Downloads/Updates (click on your own avatar on the top right on PC then select that options from the list, or tap the hamburger icon on the top left of the Phone app).

Either view will let you force a check for app updates, which may be delayed from arriving automatically if you’re not on WiFi or plugged in.