The popular Google Maps app has released an update today which allows you to search your Google Contacts. Users will sign in, and then be able to search for friends and family, bring up someone's address by name, and get directions to them. Note that this update isn't tied to your phone's Contacts, but your Google Contacts. That means that, in order to take advantage of this feature, you have to create a Google account if you haven't already. Google Contacts are tied to both Gmail and Google+.

Gmail for iOS has been updated to version 2.0. With this update, Google has completely redesigned the Gmail app with a new, cleaner look. This update includes:

• Multiple Account Support
• New, Clean look for the app
• Search predictions as you type (autocomplete)
• Infinite scrolling inbox
• Ability to respond to Google Calendar invites inline
• Support for interactive Google+ posts
• A new welcome experience has been added

The new Gmail app is available now in the App Store [iTunes link]. Because so many users are updating simultaneously, some users are reporting issues and are advised to be patient and try to update again at a later time.

Let us know what you think of the new app below in the comments!

Google+ has implemented quite a few significant improvements and changes this week that we wanted to let you know about.

Gmail

First, Google released an updated Gmail feature for composing email, designed to save clients time. Before, when starting a new email, the compose box would take over your entire screen. If you had to reference something in another email, you’d have to save your draft, exit out, and fish through your other emails. Not any more. The new view pops up over your Gmail inbox, similar to a chat box.