Google-associates Stephane Lafon and Andy Szybalski outlined this in Google Lat Long blog.  The update now places the yellow Street View so-called “Pegmen” prominently over the Zoom slider to the left of the map view, thus being always ready for use. If one wants 360º views of a location, one drags the Pegman to the desired location on the map. Even more impressive is the possibility to zoom right into a location (assuming one is viewing a city where Street Views are available). One then discovers a street facade that one previously viewed from above.  In such a situation, Street View functions as the final enlargement possibility.

Which locations actually offer 360º views?  These are no longer assigned camera icons.  One can identify them only by moving the Pegman over the map – when one passes over a location with a 360º view, the Pegman changes color from yellow to blue.  When the Pegman hovers over such a zone, a small preview pop-up window appears.  If the user then releases the mouse at this location on the map, the Street View appears.  These are often as large as the whole map.

So that one doesn’t lose the overview, a mini-map is visible in the right hand lower corner of the Street View.  This shows the location of the place being viewed.  Using this mini map, one can also change the location of the Pegman.  With a click on the arrow at the left, one can enlarge (or reduce) the map view.

The new navigation features are also practical in the Street View. Using the navigation wheel or the arrow buttons at the upper left, one can turn the views and with clicks on the “+” or “-” buttons one can enlarge or reduce.