Google Maps now live on the Apple app store (and it’s better than ever)

As rumored earlier tonight, Google Maps is now available on the iOS app store. It’s completely revamped and, from my early experience, better than ever.

The new and updated Google Maps includes “accurate and easy to use maps,” (that wouldn’t be a dig at Apple now, would it?) with built-in local search and the Holy Grail that Apple had wanted earlier but Google had refused to provide: guided turn-by-turn navigation.

You may not be able to find the update on the app store app on your iPhone — not all of Apple’s servers have been updated, apparently. You should, however, be able to find it on the web here, or in iTunes on your Mac.

Other features include syncing searches between your computer and your phone (no more frantically re-tapping in directions you’ve already checked first on your laptop), transit directions including train, bus, and subways, and live traffic information.

Google Maps now includes street view, including 360-degree panoramas and the ability to see inside participating buildings and businesses (100,000+ worldwide).

The new Google Maps now has gesture support. One-finger swiping moves the map; two-finger swiping brings up options for traffic, transit, and satellite overlays. A single-finger tap zooms the map closer; a two-finger tap pans out. And, in a particularly nice touch (hah hah) grabbing and twisting the map re-orients it — an extremely helpful maneuver for those who want to get the map to align with the world they’re seeing.

Here’s a mini-gallery of the new Google Maps on iOS: