The Maps app is constantly being updated and improved upon by Google. The basic things that the Maps app does hasn't changed much, but they've offered some new features and new ways to accomplish the things I wrote about in the book.

Rotate. You can now rotate the map using two fingers: Turn your fingers to rotate the map clockwise or counterclockwise. Touch the compass icon that appears to re-orient that map to the north.

New buttons. There are three buttons that appear in the upper left of the Maps app screen, shown here:

The Search Nearby button brings up a selection of things to search for near you. The Layers button displays a Layers menu, where you can turn off or on items such as satellite view, traffic, Google Latitude, and others, including the new Terrain view. The My Location button is used to instantly zoom to your current location.

Perspective View. With your current location on the screen, you can touch the My Location button to enter perspective view. The image on the screen changes to look at the map from an angle. When combined with 3D building and terrain effects, it looks like you're actually hovering in the air instead of looking at a flat map. Touch the My Location button again to leave Perspective View.

Clear Map. Touching the Layers button displays the Layers menu. There is a Clear Map button on that menu that removes all items from the map, including layers and things you've searched for. I know several readers have written in about wanting this feature.

Getting Directions. The methods for getting directions has changed subtly. After touching the Get Directions button you'll see a handy list of directions. There's a spot where you can input a new starting location or destination, plus easy access to change your method of transportation. There's also a Navigation button that instantly switches you to the Navigation app.

The Navigation App. The Maps app cousin, the Navigation app has also been updated. It's pretty easy to figure out, but there are some new options, including a method for quickly getting an alternative route. To see those options, press the Menu soft button and choose Route Info. That screen offers an overview of your route. Touch the gear button to set options to avoid highways or toll roads. Touch the middle button to see alternative routes.