Google just released another Google Maps Mobile update for its Android operating system. With Google Maps 3.3 for Android, users can now easily find out what businesses are nearby, try several experimental Labs features and report problems with map data right from the mobile phone. What's nearby is a handy feature which shows you what businesses are nearby, for instance if you're visiting an unfamiliar place. Just long-press on the map, tap on the bubble and look for "What's nearby?" in the menu. The menu item shows a nearby business and you can click on it to see more nearby places. You can also access this feature from the My Location menu or from address search results.

Furthermore, the latest Google Maps Mobile version for Android features support for Google Labs services which are experimental new features. Current Google Labs functions includes displaying a scale bar on the map, show a terrain layer (similar to Google Maps on the PC), search for popular categories (so you never have to type in "Vietnamese restaurant" or "bowling alleys" again), turn the blue My Location dot into a compass arrow that shows the direction you're facing when stationary as well as allowing to add a Layers button to the screen so you can now quickly and easily toggle layers like Traffic, Satellite, Latitude, and Transit Lines.

Another advantage of using Google Maps on your phone is that you automatically use Google's latest map and business data - downloaded over your phone's Internet connection. But keeping up with real world changes is a challenge and sometimes Google's data isn't up-to-date anymore.
If you find that what's shown on your phone doesn't match what's on the ground, you can now report a problem back to Google. For problems like getting the wrong number when you call to order a pizza or finding that the store you were going to is now out of business, just click on "Report a problem" in the listing menu.

For problems you can see on the map, like a newly built street that's missing or a road with the wrong name, first long-press near the spot on the map. Then just tap on the bubble, click on "Report a problem", and type in a description of the problem. If you want, Google will even E-Mail you to let you know when it's resolved.
However, reporting map problems is available in the United States only!

Google Maps Mobile 3.3 is now available from Google's Android Market and supports all Android smartphones running Android 1.6/Donut or Android 2.0/Eclair. Android 1.5/Cupcake smartphones won't get the update offered.

Cheers ~ Arne