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Google Maps For Android Now Voice Powered

In the latest addition to the Android version of Google Maps for Mobile, users can now speak their search queries rather than typing them in. Google also made a bunch of other tweaks that make the overall experience better.

Google's main search product has been voice-enabled for some time. Now, Google has given voice searching powers to its Maps for Mobile product -- at least for the Android platform.

Basically, when using Google Maps on Android, rather than typing in your search query (a.k.a., "123 Main Street, Anytown, USA"), you can speak the query instead. Google said its voice recognition engine currently understands English in American, Australian, and British accents.

Google has also added the ability to get public transit directions in over 250 cities. Google says, "If you're looking for the best route on foot, use walking directions to take advantage of pedestrian-only pathways and to avoid one-way restrictions."

Another tweak includes a minor bug fix to Latitude. Now, once you've selected "find me" feature, Latitude will continuously update your location live as long as the phone is turned on. Previously, it needed to be updated manually as the user changed locations.

Google says that this version of Maps for Mobile for Android will not automatically update. Instead, Google is encouraging users to manually re-download it from the Android Market.

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