Chrome

Chrome (opens in new tab) is no stranger to surprise - but still, it has some tricks up its sleeve that you’ll want to know before you commit to the cash-grab.

Of course, the Chrome web browser will not come with a keyboard or mouse. Instead, it will come with one of Chrome’s most important additions - a map interface that will be familiar to Chrome users.

You’ll have the option to use the map interface as a toggle or a “top-down” view, which will be an alternative to the map view on Windows XP or Vista.

The map interface will give you immediate access to all of Chrome’s tools, from the likes of the Quick Launcher, and the Edge tabs, which will let you zoom in and out of the pages you’re currently viewing.

The real treat here is the Google Maps interface, which will offer real-time information on your current locations.

It is very basic, but still comes with all the essential tools for navigation, shopping and travel, while being simple enough to use.

So if you’re a Windows XP user who needs a map, or you’re on an Android user who loves a home page, it might be worth checking out the map screen.

However, if you’re on a Windows 7 or 8.1 machine you won’t be able to use Google Maps. That’s a minor quibble in our opinion.

The new map interface does a good job of converting your current location, whether you’re exploring a town, or your current destination.

The main navigation bar shows all the current POIs, in a familiar formation. However, there are some really useful new settings which help your map better visualize the areas you’re in – for example, changing the elevation of the water that surrounds your home.

Right-click the map icon, then drag and drop it to the app icon in the top left-hand corner, where you can quickly see more areas that you’re currently in.

One of the biggest changes with Google Maps is the new GPS – it tracks distances accurately, is navigated in a logical way, and features GPS-tracking technology.

There are several new navigation functions too, including a compass, which can provide some guidance to you at all times.

It’s available as part of the new Mappack subscription plan, which includes 30-day coverage of the entire continent. You’ll need to pay £9.99 per month for the Premium plan, which has up to 90 days of coverage and up to ten city days of coverage.

At £6.99, this is a much more affordable way of getting into your city. As we’ve already mentioned, you’ll need to commit to the service to get the best experience.

Maps in this app are extremely detailed, with a new translucent map for your city and features like panning and zoom. When you’re looking at your routes, the map’s contents appear as a new track – with dots on the top of the map that show you the optimum route.

For some purpose, Maps can be navigated using a text, but the app uses your iPhone or iPad to highlight the route’s path. It’s very easy to find your way around the map, and, even better, it’s also easy to set up the app’s schedule by selecting each location you want to travel to.

The real benefit of using Maps is that you’re not only able to map a lot of areas, but also apply routes in a way that feels comfortable to use. The app has one of the most useful navigation apps you’ll find anywhere, but it’s also incredibly useful.

The Navigation app lets you pinpoint places with a grid view of whatever you’re traveling to – say, in your own home – but you can also tap the marked destination to find it by tapping the bottom of the map, or tapping the map icon to take a route that feels better suited for your own location. It’s also a very good tool for finding out where you’re going to be heading, and that you’re never given a clear map at all.

Unlike many of its contemporaries, the London Tour app has no need to download it. If you don’t need to do anything, though, you can simply start it over and get your usual GPS route data. We’re big fans of how it works, and even though we found that to be too much of a hassle, the GPS was super easy to use with just a few taps.

You want a dedicated Android location

It’s not much different to a general iOS location tracker like Google Maps.