Google have announced version 5.7 of its Google Maps application for Android smartphones. The new version has a number of new features and improvements which make the already excellent application

even better.

The flagship new feature is "Transit Navigation which is included in version 5.7 in beta form. Transit Navigation is for use on public transport and uses your smartphones built-in GPS in order to tell you when to get off the bus or transfer.

Transit Navigation is a great new feature especially for tourists who may have trouble communicating or reading notice boards.

However, it's not the only improvement that the new version of Google Maps brings to the table. The search has been improved by adding icons to each result to show its nature i.e. whether its a place, landmark, business or person. A new photo viewer is also now present which enables you to view photos  of relevant landmarks and businesses on the move.

You can download Google Maps 5.7 from the Android Market right now by clicking here. All smartphones running on Android 2.1 or later can download Google Maps.