Last week at Google Developer Conference I/O, the search giant introduced new and improved Google Maps. The new version is currently available by invitation only, and beyond show-y features that let users walk canyon trails and swim the oceans, they will now offer a number of more practical features including a redesigned user interface, full-screen mode, and the ability to filter search results according to top reviewers, Google+ circles and top results. Info cards will provide business information such as hours, ratings and reviews.
Users aren’t the only party that will benefit, though. Now search ads set with location extensions can appear directly below the search box and on the map itself, as seen in the example below. Ads directly on the map are annotated with a red circle icon with a white square inside.
