Google has an update for Google Maps on Android phones that may not show up in your update list. Unlike past Android software updates for the T-Mobile G1 or HTC Magic, the new Google Maps release won’t be automatically pushed to your phone over the next few days. Instead, the upgrade is available for download in the Android Market.  To get it, just search for maps on the marketplace.

In this update, there are a few slick new features including voice searching , improved Google Latitude features – including an experimental feature called updates that lets you communicate with friends and post updates about the location you’re at. If you’re friends have the latest Google Maps for Android they’ll be able to view your updates and add to them. There’s also transit information for 250 cities and walking directions. 

My   favorite feature is transit maps as I ride the bus every day to work.  Now my phone will be able to tell me when the next bus is scheduled to arrive!

Here’s an important note from Google about Street View in the new Maps App:

For those of you looking for Street View in Google Maps on Android, you’ll find that we’ve integrated it more tightly with the rest of the app. Street View is no longer its own map mode. You can now check out Street View directly from any search result where imagery is available. You can also long-press any point on the map, in map view or satellite view, and you’ll see a Street View thumbnail wherever imagery is available.

Search by voice and transit directions come to Google Maps on Android