What’s New with Universal Maps App in Windows 10 TP for Phones

Microsoft has unified Here Maps experience and the default Maps App and made into a Universal App. This includes the best maps, aerial imagery, rich local search data, and voice guided navigation experiences from both. After playing it around for a while, I find its much better done, and is much cleaner now. However, you might hate that its all white, and the design.

Maps now have hamburger menu which has options to Search, Get Directions, Access favourites and settings. The top of the screen has a search bar and on right middle of the screen gives you access to compass, 3d maps, find current location and switch to Aerial or Traffic view.

Once you have searched a location, pre-navigation screen shows up at the bottom from where you add it to favourite, share it or start looking for directions. Next screen is of course the voice guided navigation. If you arent looking for voice based, hit the menu bar to get access to all directions right away.

In the settings you have:

  • Map Updates with option to update it automatically.
  • Download and manage offline maps. You an also delete all maps in one go.
  • Metered connection allows you to download maps over mobile network, if you turn it off.

Those who hate this because Microsoft is moving away from Metro towards new design Interface, I guess we have get used it to until everything gets refined.

A die-hard fan of Windows, PC Gaming, and Xbox. He is a seasoned content writer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He is a specialist in writing about Windows, software reviews, troubleshooting Windows, and automation.