Google Comes into Action: Google Maps for Android Are Updated to Version 4.4

“Yelp” – the massively famous business rating application just got another dose of competition from a much larger source. This time, Google came into the action, by updating its Maps for Android application to version 4.4. In doing so, Google had to list its solutions to mobile users, the process was pretty much similar to that of Yelp’s.

We don’t know what Yelp will be up to besides yelping with pain because of Google’s involvement. Obviously, Yelp doesn’t stand a lot of chance against Google from long term perspective, that’s why they are devising new strategies to survive the competition.

For Android users, the update comes with a new Places icon in their applications list. This time, there is a search bar at the top, shortcut to Google Maps and an all new mode for GPS location settings. There’s an “add” button as well, which lets you create your own shortcuts for often searched items.

Yelp is enabled with the new Places interface that provides information about businesses that are located in your neighborhood, i.e. you can get the following details: user review, rating, address and even if the business is opened or closed for the day.

If you tap the entry, you are able to get more business details, including the Wi-Fi hot spot information, price level, shortcut buttons in order to plot the location on a map, Web site address, call the business, get directions and even get a Street View image.

But Yelp haven’t released any update for their application on the Android OS. Chances are that the company will be introducing something new to add up to the appeal factor. Users have grown tired of the typical “what’s going on in the neighborhood” features of Yelp and they want something new this time.

Furthermore, Google is to announce another update for Google Maps and a couple of different applications. They haven’t given a date yet, except for the “Coming Soon” heads up…