Considering the nature of Google Maps, one should expect that it would be upgraded quite often. As it stands right now, we’re at six updates in as many months, most of which brought something new and exciting to the software. This time around, Google’s updated Maps to 4.4, and with it they’re bringing the Places application.

So, what does Places do? You’ve probably already figured it out, just by the name. It’s a “new” way to find local places around you, so you have a better way to find something you’re looking for. Sure, it’s a little Yelp-like, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Features within Places include the ability to make your own categories, so if you find yourself searching for the same thing over and over again, even as you enter new areas, you’ll be able to search for that category quickly and easily, without having to go into too much detail.

You can pick up the update in the Android Market right now, if you already haven’t. It works for devices running Android 1.6 or later. We’re really enjoying the functionality that Google’s bringing to Google Maps, so we can’t wait to see what next month brings us in their inexorable update.

[via Google Lat Long]