Google Maps' shining blue beam guides Android users' travels

Google has replaced the tiny Maps arrow on Android with something that can better represent the way you're facing. When you fire up the updated app, you'll now see a blue beam that shines towards your destination like a flashlight. This directional beam can also indicate whether your phone's compass is malfunctioning and directions aren't as accurate as they should be. All you have to keep in mind is that the narrower the beam, the more accurate it is. If you see it widen up, then your phone is having issues.

Don't worry, though -- Google says it's likely just a temporary problem brought about by something as ordinary as charging or passing by a metal beam. You can easily recalibrate your phone by holding it in your hand and drawing the figure 8 in the air. The animation below should give you a pretty good idea how to do that. You might look funny doing it in public for a bit, but if you can endure people looking at you for a minute or two, Google says it will fix things right up.