New release of Google Maps Android API

[Chris Broadfoot (Google Employee)]

Hi all, 

We just released a new version of the Google Maps Android API v2.

This release comes at the same time as the Android KitKat 4.4 release. 4.4 brings an interesting new feature for maps developer - immersive mode and translucent decor. Translucent decor allows you to display a map from the top of the screen to the bottom - don't forget to add map padding to offset the default controls.

Read more:

http://developer.android.com/about/versions/android-4.4.html

https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/android/map#map_padding

New Features

- Added a setImage method to the GroundOverlay class that allows you to change the image of a ground overlay. (Issue 4847)

- Added an alpha option and setAlpha method to Markers. (Issue 4768)

- Added a setOnMapLoadedCallback method to the GoogleMap class. onMapLoaded is called when the map has completely finished rendering. (Issue 5779)

- Added a setBuildingsEnabled method to the GoogleMap class. Buildings are still enabled by default. (Issue 5550)

The Google logo has been updated.

Resolved issues

- CameraPosition returned in a OnCameraChangeListener now respects map padding. (Issue 5844)

- GroundOverlay.setPositionFromBounds now redraws the ground overlay.

See here for past release notes: 

https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/android/releases 

The API is distributed as part of the Google Play SDK. To start using the latest version, install the upgrade from the Android SDK Manager.

The latest Gradle dependency string can be found at

http://gradleplease.appspot.com/

Please continue filing your bugs and feature requests in the issue tracker (https://code.google.com/p/gmaps-api-issues/). Additionally, if you have technical question, head over to Stack Overflow and tag your question with both “android” and “google-maps”. 

Chris Broadfoot

Google Maps Developer Relations