Google has released version 6.0 of the Maps application for Android, bringing with it the ability to view inside certain locations in the US such as airports and shopping centres.

Detailed floor plans automatically appear when you’re viewing the map and zoomed in on a building where indoor map data is available. The familiar “blue dot” icon indicates your location within several metres, and when you move up or down a level in a building with multiple floors, the interface will automatically update to display which floor you’re on. All this is achieved by using an approach similar to that of ‘My Location’ for outdoor spaces, but fine tuned for indoors.

In addition to Google Apps' existing device management features, Google has added a number of new tools for administrators.

In addition to being able to define a password usage policy, including password complexity, password history, number of permitted attempts, automatic device wiping and automatic device lock:

With the release of the Android 4.0 SDK it is possible to play with Google's support for Exchange ActiveSync which is included with the Android SDK emulator package.
It is important to note that just because the build of Android supports it, it is down to individual device manufacturers as to whether they choose to implement Exchange support, or they may choose to develop their own, superior, Exchange email client software.
This post is for geek interest only.

Google Voice Actions, an application for Android that allows you to compose emails, text messages, search for items, etc by issuing verbal commands, has previously only been available in American English. Google have now released versions for British English as well as French, Italian, German and Spanish.

Google is rolling out an update to the Android Market for devices running Android 2.2 or later. The update adds the ability to purchase films and books directly from the Market, although this functionality is only available in the US currently, with other countries on the roadmap "soon".
Content has also been reorganised to include charts of popular applications as well as staff picks and editor choices.
When the feature is available in the UK, purchases of books and film rentals will be synced with your Google account and therefore available on all of your devices.

The below video shows the new service in action.

Google have released a new tool for Android to Google Labs which enables you to download specific areas from Google Maps for detailed offline viewing.

Google Maps is an amazing powerful tool, but is only useful if you have an active data connection. This tool allows you to download an area from Google Maps to your device so that you can still view it in full detail even if you do not have a connection to the Internet - naturally you'll need to download the map area when you do have a connection, so some advance planning is required.

The latest update to Google Maps for Android adds transit navigation for over 400 cities worldwide, providing stop-by-stop navigation for public transport networks. Using your current GPS location the application can assist you with what stops to make and where to transfer - particularly useful when abroad when you don't necessarily speak the language or understand the announcements.
You don't need to keep the application open - stops and transfers can be displayed automatically in the notification area on your device.
Android 2.1 or later is required.
The below video provides more information on how the new feature works.

Google have unveiled their latest attempt at launching a social network service. Buzz failed to catch on, Wave never got off the ground, now we have Google +.

Comprised of Google Circles, Google Sparks, Google Hangouts and Google + Mobile, as well as the existing Google "Plus One" button, the service will naturally be available on Android as well as your web browser.

Google have begun releasing details on their new Google Wallet application for Android, a service for NFC (Near Field Communications)-enabled Android-powered Smartphones that will enable you to securely store credit card, store card and loyalty card information directly on your handheld and use it to pay for items at participating shops and pay points.

Google's Chrome OS, a version of their web browser sitting on top of a modified instance of Linux, is not new: Google released a prototype netbook-style device last year to developers, called the CR-48, to evaluate and provide feedback on the platform.
Now both Acer and Samsung have confirmed that they will be manufacturing netbooks running Google's Chrome OS which will be available as early as June.
So what are these devices, now known as "Chromebooks", and why are they important?