Google Maps is grooming itself some more. The service now lets users browse and explore different places on Google Maps. With this feature, users can now explore an area through photos, videos, user-created maps, and suggested local queries.

Once a user gets the location he/she has searched for, they would also be able to see what the place is known for from photos and popular searches. On further clicking "Explore this area", they would be able to find even more content which updates automatically with every pan and zoom. Users can thus keep dragging and zooming to newer places that catch their fancy.

This week, Google Maps has also added real estate listings to their service. So, when users click on "Show search options" under "Real Estate", Google Maps will now display properties that are up for sale. Seems Google Maps is aiming to be more than just that -- a mapping service!