Today Google+ was updated with a new “local” tab that integrates Zagat reviews and ratings for restaurants around you. This new feature is also carried down into Google Maps for Android and the update is waiting for you now.
The latest version of Google Maps throws the option to jump into the new local section right in the middle of the action bar in the application. When you’re on the local page, you can easily see what’s around you, filter your searched for a specific cuisine, read Zagat reviews and scores, and even look into one of your Google+ Circles to see where your friends have been too. You can even write your own review right from the business’ page within the application.
It appears that Local has replaced Places in Google Maps, as you’ll now find a new Local icon in your app drawer, and the Places icon nowhere to be found.
Google bought up Zagat in early September of last year, so we’re glad to see some benefits from the acquisition finally. Even if you don’t use Google+ much (or at all), the integration is nice and tight and sharing a review is now easier than ever.
Google Maps has long been one of our favorite Android applications and we’re sure that the search giant has a few more tricks up its sleeve for it, too. With iOS 6’s new Maps application already leaked and looking very nice, Google may indeed have some new features to show off next month at its I/O conference.
[Via: Droid-Life]