Google is taking on services like Yelp with its new Places icon in Android phones. Google has updated its Maps app to version 4.4. The big news in this version is the Places icon that will help you find places like restaurants, bars, etc. near you. It's a location based service that can really come in handy the next time you're in a city you are not familiar with.

The announcement came via the Google Mobile Blog:

"On Android-powered phones with Google Maps 4.4, you’ll find the new Places icon in the app launcher with the rest of your apps. Press and drag it right onto your home screen to use it when you’re looking for a restaurant, shoe store, movie theater or any other type of local business. You'll get a detailed list of all the nearest places and can choose one to learn more about it on its Place Page.

Search for several convenient types of places with the default categories or add your own for your most frequent searches. You can also use the search bar at the top to type or speak any query. I tend to use the “coffee” search a lot, but I’ve also looked for “gas stations” on the road, “ice cream shops” in my neighborhood, and even specific places like “Chelsea Market” on a recent trip to New York."

NOTE: After updating Google Maps on my Sprint EVO I had to reboot the phone before I could see the Places icon.