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Two big new features in this release are 3D view and offline rerouting. The 3D view uses vector graphics to dynamically draw the map on the screen of your device. You can tilt it, rotate it and smoothly zoom in and out the map with [COLOR=#366388 !important][COLOR=#366388 !important]finger [COLOR=#366388 !important]gestures[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR]. Another new feature is the compass mode, which will make the map rotate to match your perspective, so you can get a better idea of where you are.
Also, you don't have to worry (so much) about being offline, as the app now caches the areas next to the one you're currently in, meaning you'll be able to seamlessly keep navigating for a while even when offline. If you're using Google's turn-by-turn GPS navigation, the app can now calculate a different route, even if you're offline. You still need a connection to start a route, however. This feature will be rolled out gradually over the next couple of weeks.
 
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The 3D view uses vector graphics to dynamically draw the map on the screen of your device.
Actually the whole App now uses vector graphics, both 2D and 3D. This means that the map does not turn into pixelated garbage when you zoom in anymore, and the only new information the phone needs to load are newly visible details.

File sizes for vector images are also smaller, so maps should load faster. This is also why navigation can now cache more route information for you :)

Clark
 
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I'm on stock DI18. I can see the new 3D view using the 2 finger swipe gesture but can't seem to get the 2 finger rotation working. It works on my EVO but not my Epic. Does it have something to do with having froyo?


Yes.

This is from the same thread on the evo forum:

EVO is listed as fully supported, ironically the HTC Nexus One is listed as Not Supporting rotating gestures..So at this point the Samsung Nexus S' gyroscope does not seem to add functionality over the EVO in Google Maps 5..:

Overview: Touchscreen Gestures Supported Devices

Starting and Searching: Touchscreen Gestures
 
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I haven't really had a problem with GPS since I changed the starting mode from hot to cold. Works every time now. Sometimes it does take maybe 20 seconds or so to get a first fix, but most of the time it fixes within a few seconds.

Maybe it's just my personal GPS usage patterns, but I have yet to have any trouble with the GPS on this phone.

-SF

Admittedly I haven't played much with the gps on the epic but I did mess with it and it seemed to work ok. It still seems like it's hit or miss with some people and I had to have a working gps on my next phone so I went with the evo. The gps and agps functions on the evo are nothing less than phenominal.

It's encouraging to see people not having problems with it though.
 
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