[How-To] Google Maps 4.0 for Android hit, includes new layer called 'Buzz'

So with the keynote from Google taking place today which showed off their new ‘Buzz’ feature, an update arrived. Google said that Android and iPhone OS would be able to take advantage of the new ‘Buzz’ and it didn’t take long for Google Maps 4.0 to hit the market. With the newest version of Google maps you get ‘Buzz’ and that is about it. Buzz is a unique idea and I was a bit skeptic at first glance. However, after giving it a good long shot on the new Maps application on Android, Buzz is a winner. It takes from Twitter, Google Wave, and Foursquare, simplifies it, then puts it all into one little package in the maps app. I will put up a slew of screen shots to give you an idea of how to get started! Check out the screen-shots after the break!

I put a small caption on what each screen is underneath each screen-shot.

Selecting the maps application, (you can get the update in the Android Market under 'Downloads')

Once you have opened Maps, tap 'Menu', go to 'Layers', then check off 'Buzz'

Now you can see other Buzz user's Buzz bubbles! Tap one to get more details, tap again to go into that Buzz/conversation. If you want to create a new Buzz tap the colored bubble above the +/- in the lower right corner.

Once you tap the colored bubble in the lower right corner, you are brought this screen. Here you can create a new Buzz, add a comment, share a photo, and your location. Once you have done so the bubble appears on the map.

You can tap a bubble on the map, then tap again to dive into the conversation. Once there you can add a comment and read comments others have posted on that 'Buzz'

When someone replies to your Buzz or comments a Buzz you have commented on, you will receive and email notifcation with the thread inside. You can of course turn this off in Gmail settings.

There you have it folks. It is that simple. You can use this to converse with neighbors around you without having to go out, you can use it to comment on a food joint, theme park, or any other place you are at. Let people know what you are thinking. It is pretty fun. Let’s try to fill up our cities with bubbles people! The more the merrier!

[Via http://fonefrenzy.com]