Google Maps - How to get the latest features BEFORE anyone else

GOOGLE MAPS has a new beta testing program which lets users access never-before-seen experimental features before anyone else.

By Aaron Brown, Express Affiliate Development Editor with 10 years of experience writing about the latest developments in consumer technology, product reviews, and buying advice

14:03, Fri, Jun 3, 2016

Google has launched a beta program for Google Maps users GETTY • GOOGLE

Google has launched a beta program for Google Maps users

Google has launched a beta program for Maps.

The US search firm will roll-out unreleased, experimental new features to testers via the Google Play Store app.

The move comes as WhatsApp kickstarted a similar scheme, allowing fans access to unfinished new features ahead of their release on iOS and Android.

If you decide to sign-up to the Google Maps beta program – be aware that you're bound to stumble across a few bugs and other glitches.

But that's the price you'll have to pay for the latest features.

If you sign-up to the Maps beta program – be aware you're bound to stumble across a few bugs GOOGLE PLAY STORE

If you sign-up to the Maps beta program – be aware you're bound to stumble across a few bugs

If you want to take the plunge and become a beta tester for Google Maps, click on this link to sign-up to the scheme.

This will let you download the latest beta direct from the Play Store on your Android tablet or smartphone.

Alongside the beta announcement, Google also pushed-out a new stable version of Maps.

It's not the most significant update, with only a handful of tweaks.

However Android users do benefit from a new settings to custom their notifications, and there's a new splash screen for Android Wear devices, too.

The news comes as Google sneaked a game into one of its most popular Android apps.

The US search firm has previously included in-jokes from The IT Crowd, a Flappy Bird rip-off in the Android settings menu, that ill-judged April Fools, and an endless running game in its hugely-popular desktop web browser.