Google Operating System reported that Google is completely redesigning and revamping the Google Maps user interface and design.
It is a complete overhaul of the design, features and interface. No longer will you use a side bar navigation area. The navigation is more mobile-like with box elements throughout the mapping interface. Talking about the mapping interface, the colors, styles and text were redone. Google+ social features are more in your face, with the ability to filter by what your circles like. Plus, the ads are now floating below some of the navigational elements.
Here are screen shots from Alex:
When will this launch? The rumors are around Google I/O time. I personally do not see it but these screen shots are very revealing.
Forum discussion at Google+.