Google Maps is the default navigational app for many people and, given that it comes preinstalled on both iPhone and Android handsets, it’s perhaps not surprising that it’s the number one connected app in the UK. As the Guardianreportstoday, almost 6.5m people used the mobile Google Maps app in the UK in April, according to data released by ComScore and GSMA. But what may surprise some is that Yahoo! sits in second spot with its weather update service....

A week ago, we reported that Chinalauncheda nationwide campaign to eliminate illegal online mapping services, with the country’s mapping bureau calling for the punishment of violators. According to China’s National Mapping Agency spokesman, the application for a Google Maps license is still missing as the deadline nears. Chinese news blogTechwebreports that as of March 29, Google has not yet submitted to the State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping its application for an Internet map license, despite the deadline falling on the March 31...

From today, London travelers can get public transport directions withinGoogle Maps. Google made theannouncementearlier today, and the 1bn+ passengers that use Transport for London (TfL) services each year, covering 18,000 bus stops and 250+ Underground stations, can now obtain transport options as well as navigate the streets – entirely within Google Maps. This will be a welcome addition for those who previously used Google Maps in conjunction with TfL’sJourney Plannerto find their way from A to Z....

Although Google doesn’t release official download statistics on its applications, it has emerged that one of its own applications –Google Maps– has broken the 50 million installations barrier, making it the most popular app on the Android Market. The exact number of installs on Android handsets is unknown, but Google’s market indicator states that Google Map’s is somewhere between the 50 million and 100 million mark. This places it well above other official applications but also downloads of third-party apps including the popular Angry Birds game....

This week Google shared what appears to beits next major featurewith members of theGoogle Mapspreview program. If the news from a member of the preview program is correct, they are adding the automatic display of prices for tolls on roads and bridges to the driver navigation route. Google Maps invited the member to take a survey based on their UX of these features. It suggests that toll prices and perhaps total costs would be displayed along a driving route before the user selects it, allowing them to choose between faster and cheaper but longer routes....