Google will be holding its annual Google I/O event next week from the 15th-17th of May and we are expecting many a change and new product from the big G, and it’s now looking like Google will be debuting an updated and improved Google Maps design.
A leaked image of the supposed updated Gmaps design shows that Google will be integrating their mapping further with their Google+ Social networking service and that they will be dropping the large sidebar in favour of a cleaner interface.
The display information that normally sits in the sidebar about locations and info will now pop up in messages and titbits when they are selected instead of being permanently displayed.
With the Google+ integration the Mapping system will place a bigger favour on sharing and the new interface will allow users to filter local search results based on reviews, either on Google itself or from within their Google+ circles.
See also: Apple adds Flyover and 3D Maps to 15 new cities in Apple Maps
The last time we saw an update to Google Maps was last October so it’s does seem an odd time to update the system, but with the new look operating as a full re-design we would think Google has no better time to announce it than at next Weeks I/O) conference.
If the re-design is real it’s clear that Google are once again looking towards more touch and tablet based applications and features than ever. All we really are hoping for is for Google to release something to replace the parting Google Reader service at the conference.
Source: Google Operating System.