There's a nasty bug in the current versions of the ExploreMetro iPad apps which means that the maps don't render correctly on the iPad (3rd generation). We submitted a bugfix to Apple last week and are currently waiting for approval. It should be worth the wait, the apps look great on the new Retina Display devices! Here's a comparison of Explore Shanghai running on an iPad 1/2 versus the new iPad (3rd generation).

We've made a short video to show off the features of our Android apps for metro/subway systems in seven Asian cities.

Youtube: httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRNzd0NDUOE

Youku:

Better still, the apps are free, visit exploremetro.com/android to download.

We will shortly be releasing a new update for our iOS apps including support for the new iPad ("iPad 3") with its high-resolution retina display. Unfortunately since the new iPad is not yet available in China, I haven't yet got my hands on a physical device for testing. If you already have a new iPad, I'd love to hear from you. Click this link to sign up for our beta-testing program, I'll send a $25 iTunes Gift card for the first person with an iPad 3 to sign up :)

Sign up for beta-testing ExploreMetro on TestFlight

It won't take long to test, I'll send you a new version of the app to test and ask you to send a few screenshots. Thanks!

We're proud to announce that Explore Seoul is the sixth of our award-winning subway maps for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch to reach version 6.

With version 6 we re-wrote the map code from the ground up to be faster. The app now loads quicker, and zooming in and out should be smooth, even on older devices.

The other big new feature is tips.

Ever wondered what points of interest are close to a subway stop? Now you can tap on any station, then tap on Tips to see what's nearby. Tap the thumbs up button on any tip which you find useful.

You can also view a list of the most popular tips for the whole city. And if you know a great local restaurant, attraction or a clever shortcut, you can add your own tip:

Explore Seoul 6 is a free update for existing users. Not got Explore Seoul yet? Download it now from the iTunes App Store.

We're proud to announce that Explore Guangzhou is the sixth of our award-winning subway maps for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch to reach version 6.

With version 6 we re-wrote the map code from the ground up to be faster. The app now loads quicker, and zooming in and out should be smooth, even on older devices.

The other big new feature is tips.

Ever wondered what points of interest are close to a subway stop? Now you can tap on any station, then tap on Tips to see what's nearby. Tap the thumbs up button on any tip which you find useful.

You can also view a list of the most popular tips for the whole city. And if you know a great local restaurant, attraction or a clever shortcut, you can add your own tip:

Explore Guangzhou 6 is a free update for existing users. Not got Explore Guangzhou yet? Download it now from the iTunes App Store.

Wow! We've just launched metro map apps for four more cities for Android. You can download our apps for Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Seoul and Taipei from Google Play, or visit our downloads page to download the APKs directly.

Google recently announced that the Android Market will now be known as Google Play. We've received a great response from the community about our new Android apps and we thought we'd share some of the reviews from Google Play!

If you don't have access to Google Play (formerly the Android Market) on your Android-powered device, don't worry! We want to make sure our Android apps get into as many people's hands as possible. That's why we've added a Android Downloads page where you can directly download the APK files for any of our apps, absolutely free.

As of March 1 2012, tourists to Shanghai will be able to purchase a new 45 RMB pass which will allow unlimited journeys on all Shanghai Metro lines for a 72 hour period. This is in addition to the existing one-day pass for 18 RMB. We've updated our Shanghai Metro ticket guide with the new information.

We're excited to announce that our metro map apps are now available for Android phones and tablets! Explore Shanghai, Explore Beijing and Explore Singapore are available now for FREE on the Android Marketplace.

You can download the apps from the Android Marketplace, just click on the relevant icon below to go straight to an app.

Features in the first version include:

• Up to date map with all the latest lines and stations for 2012
• Legend for each line
• English/Chinese version (based on device language)
• Route planner with times and prices
• Audio station names (Shanghai/Beijing)
• First/last train times
• Link to Google Maps for street maps
• Nearest stations (uses GPS/Wifi)
• Help section

Here are a few screenshots!

There are a few features that we haven't included yet, since we wanted to get version 1.0 out as soon as possible. Once you have installed the app, we would love to get your feedback.

• Were there any problems or crashes?
• Are there any features that you think should be added?

Love it? We'd also appreciate it if you could give us a good review on the Android Market (and tell all your Android-using friends)!

Hate it? Please email me directly at android at exploremetro dot com or leave a comment below, and I'll do my best to assist with any problems.

Looking for the iPhone/iPad versions of our apps? Please see our iPhone apps page.