Google Maps 5.9 for Android: Bubble Buttons and Transit Alerts
What changed in version 5.9
- Bubble buttons. A Labs feature that adds call and navigate buttons to results on the map.
- Transit alerts. Voice and ringtone notifications for transit navigation.
- Tablets. Transit navigation now worked on tablets.
- Place pages. You could personalize a place page by uploading pictures.
- My Places. A tab for managing starred places and recently visited ones.
Update pace
The original post pointed out that Google seemed to update Maps a couple of times a month. The author’s wish list was simple: the ability to cache larger map segments and use them for navigation offline.
Why it matters now
This is a historical record of one release. Google Maps has changed a great deal since version 5.9, and offline maps are now a built-in option. Check the Play Store for the current version and its features.
Frequently asked questions
What were the bubble buttons?
Small call and navigate buttons shown on map results, so you could act on a place without opening extra screens. They were enabled through a Labs setting.
Does version 5.9 still work?
You would not want to run it. Current Android phones get Google Maps through Play Store updates, which include security and compatibility fixes.
Where did the My Places tab help?
It kept your starred and recently visited places in one spot, so you could manage them without searching again.