Google Maps goes deeper into local search with points of interest icons

Google today released an update to its iOS Maps app, which provides faster access to nearby locations and links to a user’s Google contacts list.

Tapping the search bar with the app will now bring up icons for restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and gas stations. Tap one and Google will pull up the closest local options, preventing you from having to type your query into the search box…Tap the “…” button for further options, like post offices, hotels, grocery stores, pharmacies, movies theaters, malls, hospitals, ATMs, and attractions.