We’ve taken the best features of the iPhone/iPod touch experience and redesigned them to work on the iPad’s larger screen. Here’s what you’ll see when you start Explore Shanghai.

Of course, the metro map takes centre stage. You can search for a station with the search bar, or tap on any station for timetables and route-planning:

Notice the “flip” button? A great new feature is the ability to “flip” the screen to see a large Google Map of the station and surrounding area:

Other nearby stations are highlighted. You can also tap the “locate” button  to centre the map on your current location.

Because the apps are “Universal” apps, they work both on iPhone/iPod touch (including retina graphics!) and iPad/iPad 2. If you’ve already bought one of our apps for iPhone, you can install it on iPad for free. And of course, updating to version 3.0 is free. Not downloaded yet? Our apps cost just $1.99 on the iTunes App Store: download now!

We’d love to hear your feedback about ways to improve our apps. Do get in touch if you find any bugs or have any suggestions!

Check out the screenshot of the version in development, and look out for an announcement over the next few weeks!

Every app, every city, just $0.99

From now until December 15th you can buy any ExploreMetro iPhone app for just $0.99! That’s 50% off the regular price. Whether you live in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Taipei, Singapore or Hong Kong, or are planning a trip there during 2011, be sure to grab a copy today!

Buy one for you, get one for a friend!

The first 100 people who buy an ExploreMetro app will be eligible for a FREE extra copy to send to a friend! That’s right, just purchase any ExploreMetro iPhone app, and forward your iTunes email receipt to iphone at exploremetro dot com. We’ll send you a promo code which you can give to your friend for a free copy of the same app! Hurry, stocks are limited, we only have 100 free apps to give away!

The small print:

• Promo codes will work in any country, the recipient will require an iTunes account
• Promo code will be for the same app you purchase.
• Limited to one code per person
• Only 100 free apps available, we’ll update this blog post once we’ve sold out

1. Online:

Just visit exploregz.com on any computer to use our interactive Flash map. You can plan routes and search for stations in English or Chinese.

2. On your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad

Download Explore Guangzhou for iPhone from the App Store. Version 2.7 includes retina display and Google Maps for every station. Version 2.8 is currently being reviewed by Apple and will include station updates on Line 8, and new timetables.

3. On paper (print a PDF!)

We’ve made a handy printable version of our map as a PDF, which should print out in A4 size. You can fold it up and take it with you while you’re headed to the Games venues! Download it here: PDF in English or PDF in Chinese.

The new stations from north to south, are listed below. Click any station name for the Metropedia page with a location map, photos and travel times:

• Airport South
• Renhe
• Longgui
• Jiahewanggang (interchange to Line 2)
• Baiyun Dadao Bei
• Yongtai
• Tonghe
• Jingxi Southern Hospital
• Meihuayuan
• Yantang

We’ve updated our online interactive metro map at www.exploregz.com with the new stations. We’ve also launched an awesome update for our iPhone app, which not only includes the new stations, but adds beautiful hi-res retina display graphics: see our Guangzhou iPhone app post for more details!

We’ve also updated the map to include the Guangfo Line and marked the Automated Passenger Mover, a new driverless train in central Guangzhou. Both are expected to open in early November.

The update includes new lines and stations including the Line 3 Airport Extension and the Guangfo Line.

As we previously blogged this is the first of our apps to include hi-res graphics for the iPhone 4/iPod touch 4th generation retina display, and the results are great!

Explore Guangzhou 2.7 is available in the iTunes App Store now!

Explore Guangzhou will be the first to receive the retina display treatment in the next update. Here’s a sneak preview:

With just over a month a go until the opening ceremony of the Asian Games, we’ve launched this bumper update to ensure you’re all set for your Asian Games adventures!

What’s new:

• A brand new easy-to-read base map with clearer text
• All the latest lines and extensions: Line 8, Line 2 and Line 4.
• New! Choose your preferred language in Settings: English or Chinese

Line 3 Airport extension and the Guangfo Line have not opened yet. Don’t worry, there will be another update before the Asian Games begins to add these lines

Explore Guangzhou 2.6 is a free update to to existing users, and just $0.99 to purchase. Download your copy today and get ready for the Asian Games!

Our online map at www.exploregz.com has been updated with the new stations on Line 2 and Line 4, and the stations which have become part of the new Line 8. You can see how much time it will take to travel between two stations and the recommended route by dragging between two stations. Ticket price information is coming soon! There’s also a Metropedia page for each new station, such as Huangcun.

Line 3 extension and the Guangfo Line are expected to open in October.

Here’s a map of the lines and stations open so far, click to enlarge:

An update to our Guangzhou Metro iPhone app has been submitted to Apple and should be available in the next 7-10 days.