The beta version of Google Maps has received a handful of new updates which are being tested for mass roll out. Among the new features are a satellite startup option and smarter lists.

The new updates are not exactly considered to be major or groundbreaking, but they are still a welcome addition to Google Maps' growing suite of tools and features.

The update adds a new feature from the Settings menu which allows users to enable Maps to automatically start up in the Satellite view instead of the default Map view, according to PC World. This is a welcome addition especially for users who prefer to have their Google Maps app open on Satellite view, instead of switching back and forth when they restart the app.

Another small yet helpful update is a new set of lists found when searching for a restaurant or other specific establishments. The list includes links that suggest similar places to the one that the user is looking for or have opened up. These links will transfer users to a browser page. This allows users to check out other information about a specific spot and read reviews and comments from other users who have been there before. The new update will also show the average time people spend on a specific location.

Adding a stop to a created route is now easy with the new update. Although the function works almost in the same way as before, in the process of creating a navigation route, users can now add places where they want to stop while on the way, according to Phone Arena.

It is important to note that these new features are only available on the beta version of Google Maps. Google is yet to confirm when the update would be rolled out to the general public.