If you use a mapping application on your smartphone, chances are it's Google Maps. The now ubiquitous application draws widespread praise for its accuracy, design, ease of use and speed. And now it's about to get even better, thanks to a newly released update.

The fairly large update gives users the following:

  • Better navigation and searching abilities
  • Uber integration
  • Lane guidance to deal with pesky traffic
  • Improved Alternate Route Guidance
  • Device wide favorites for your phone, computer and tablet
  • Offline mapping so you can navigate without cellular/Wi-Fi

But that's not all you can expect to see when you fire up your Google Maps App for the first time after updating. There's so many new features that it's impossible to list them all here.

All the features listed above are pretty straightforward, but some of you may not know what Uber is. Uber is a modern day taxi service that gets rid of the hassle of hailing a cab and dealing with gruff, price-fixing drivers.

Just select your location and a driver will arrive (in a real vehicle) in a matter of minutes. Then they'll whisk you away to whatever destination suits your fancy. Best of all -- no bills are needed. Uber automatically extracts the funds needed for your ride straight from your bank.

The other features are more standard, but they are just as helpful as Uber. If you live in a big metropolitan area like Southern California or the Tri-State area you'll love how Google Maps helps you circumvent traffic.

And since Wi-Fi and 3G/4G LTE service zaps battery faster than a speeding bullet, you'll certainly admire the fact that offline mapping sips battery life. You also won't lose your route guidance when say you reach an overpass or go through a tunnel.

With these widespread changes, is the already maligned Apple Maps in even bigger trouble? Google is busily innovating in every area so Apple better have an impressive Maps update coming out with their new iOS 8 operating system.

Do you use Google Maps on your iOS or Android smartphone? If so, do you think it provides a good user experience? Let us know in the comments section below.