How to get an early look at the new Google Maps with a bit of cookie know-how

We had the opportunity to grab an early look at the new and refreshed Google Maps, but not everyone is as fortunate; you either had to be an I/O attendee or hope you received an invitation after requesting one. However, a tipster has sent Android Police a set of instructions that'll let you get in on the new Maps without those pre-requisites. All you need is the ability to manually set cookies via a Chrome extension like this one or an alternate browser. Then visit the Google Maps page, replace the cookie labeled NID with a special code (we've included it after the break), and voilÃ*, the brand new Google Maps will appear before your eyes. Now you too will be able to enjoy more visually enticing navigation -- just don't expect it to feel like a skydive.