The latest version of Google Maps for mobile is a downloadable Java application which now features live traffic updates and the ability to save favorite locations and driving directions.

U.S. users are now able to view comprehensive information on traffic conditions in more than 30 major metropolitan areas, and partial information in many others. In order to get the information, users simply move to the desired location within the application and select “show traffic” in the menu. The most up-to-date traffic information will be sent directly to the users’ mobile device, and will highlight the conditions on the covered commuter routes using red, yellow, and green overlays.

Google has also introduced a new favorites feature in Google Maps for mobile that lets users save their favorite locations and frequently used driving directions for future use. This new feature is available to mobile phone users in the U.S., Canada, France, Italy, Germany, and Spain.

If you already have a version of Google Maps installed on your phone, you will receive an automatic notification to upgrade. To directly download it, just visit www.google.com/gmm on your mobile phone’s browser.