Google Maps 3.2.0 Update Aims To Thwart Upcoming Apple Maps' iOS 8 Overhaul

Google has released a new update for its Maps app for iOS, giving users search results right on the map for quicker and easier use, NDTV reports.

Google Maps version 3.2.0 also offers an expanded "Explore" feature, which the tech giant dubs "a local guide that shows you different places and activities depending on the location and time of day," in the app's change log. Reservations and appointments made in Gmail will also now show up in the Maps app.

The update comes at an important time, as Apple is currently building buzz for its native Maps app set to debut in iOS 8 this fall.

Cult of Mac recently discovered that the app will now offer access to transit directions and other rumored features that weren't introduced at WWDC 2014:

"Apple acquired the popular free transit app Embark last fall, with reports suggesting the small company's expertise and technology in transit mapping data would be directly integrated into Apple Maps. Those features might not make it in time for iOS 8's release this fall, but it looks like Apple's decided the next best thing is to just make it easier for customers to use what they want. Along with the direct link to other maps apps, Apple has beefed up Maps by updating location data every single day, as well as adding Flyover City Tours that zoom users to popular landmarks of the world's biggest cities. The Apple Maps service also recently expanded to the iCloud.com beta, purging Google Maps from Apple's web experience too."

The update's cool flyover tours of cities currently includes the likes of New York, San Francisco, San Jose, Paris, Rome and Barcelona. Users can fly over each city's skyline and even zoom down for better looks at each metropolis' architectural masterpieces, parks and more. The feature is also available in the Maps app in Yosemite, according to the report.

Although it appears Apple is not ready to make flyover tours public, you can check out a preview of what's to come with a interactive video tour of Paris through the app below.