Google Maps 4.1 hits Android

Google Maps 4.1 is now available for Google Android.

According to the announcement on the Google Mobile Blog, version 4.1 brings a host of new options to the already excellent mapping app.

Google has revamped the search results page and done away with the tabs, replacing them with new shortcut buttons.

The end result is more space for details and reviews, all on the same page. You can also now move between search results by swiping the screen in either direction, eliminating the need to go back to the search results page.

The update also includes the Latitude widget and support for live wallpapers (Android 2.1+ only) meaning that you can see nearby friends or check traffic conditions without opening the app.

Recent updates to the Android OS have added support for syncing with more than one Google account and now the mapping software has been brought into line, allowing you to easily switch between accounts to independently manage your favourites, Latitude and Buzz on each.

The update can be found in the Android Marketplace and is available for Android 1.6 or later handsets.