We’ve been busy this summer preparing a new version of our awesome metro maps for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. Version 7 will be available soon – but here’s a sneak preview, as well as information on how to get the new version first by joining our beta-testing program.
Route-planning is a really useful part of our apps: in fact over 15,000 routes are planned every day using our iPhone apps! In the current version, the fastest route is shown directly on the map like this:
![IMG_4183](https://i0.wp.com/www.exploremetro.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_4183.png?resize=400%2C600&ssl=1)
In version 7, we’re adding written step-by-step directions, like this:
![IMG_4184](https://i0.wp.com/www.exploremetro.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_4184.png?resize=400%2C600&ssl=1)
Every step of the way, you have clear instructions of which line to take, and which direction. What’s more, you can easily share the route instructions, by email, SMS/iMessage, Twitter or copying to clipboard:
![IMG_4185](https://i0.wp.com/www.exploremetro.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_4185.png?resize=400%2C600&ssl=1)
We even automatically shorten the route directions to fit more easily into an SMS message.
![IMG_4186](https://i0.wp.com/www.exploremetro.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_4186.png?resize=400%2C600&ssl=1)
If you’d like to try out the new routeplanning features, sign up to our beta-testing program.
And there’s more! Once iOS6 is launched later this year we’ll be adding more great features, including:
- Point-to-point directions integrated into the built-in Maps app
- Sharing via Sina Weibo