Google Maps 5.0 -- that awesome version Andy Rubin showed off a week or so ago -- has been released to the Android Market. With the latest version of Google Maps, you get that very cool 3D tilt feature, plus vector graphics for less tiling (there's still some lag, but it's definitely better), compass mode, improved caching and offline navigation rerouting so that you can still find your way even if you lose your connection.

We'll have to check this out on as many phones as possible. There was talk about the 3D feature not working on the Nexus One, but it seems to be OK for us. (Update: More on that after the break.) Sound out in the comments if you see otherwise. Thanks to everyone who sent this in! [Google Lat-Long Blog]

It seems every day a new video chat app is popping up, and now another has arrived. This one, put out by ooVoo (they're no spring chicken), lays claim to having the ability to handle six-way video calling. Although I'm skeptical of how well that will work, the download is available now on their website. At the moment, the application is locked down to just HTC Evo 4G and Samsung Epic 4G phones (spot the similarity!), but it also allows for free ooVoo-to-ooVoo calls and touts text chat and contact list integration as well.

For now, the application is free but the desktop versions do charge for anything more than a two-way call, ooVoo uses that as their premium service offerings so the possibility of future charges for the mobile version is indeed there. If you're wanting to give it a go, you can head on over to the ooVoo mobile site to download. [ooVoo via Mashable]

Fans of the Trillian IM client should know that it looks like the beta period has ended (you can no longer download the app from Trillian's website), and it's now up in the Android Market. It'll run you $4.99. But is that too high a price to stay in constant contact with your friends be they on Astra, AIM, Yahoo, ICQ, Windows Live, MySpaceIM, Google Talk or Jabber? Depends on the friends, we suppose.

Anyhoo, download links are after the break. Enjoy! Thanks, Jason!

Although blogging with Posterous already IS as easy as sending off an e-mail, having more options to make use of is something we'll never complain about. Posterous users can now rejoice as Posterous has just released their mobile blogging application for Android devices. The application falls in line with the whole "feel" of Posterous in the fact that it is dead simple setup and use. It really is just open, tap and post. The only drawback at this time is that you need to have a supported device. Although, I'm sure it will work on some not listed.

• HTC Desire
• HTC Legend
• Samsung Galaxy
• Samsung Galaxy Spica
• Motorola Droid
• Google Nexus One
• HTC Hero
• Google G1

You'll find the download available after the break, and many thanks to everyone who sent this into us. [Posterous]

We previously got a look at the new Dolphin mini browser in its preview stages, and the application is now fully available in the Android Market as an open beta. The Dolphin teams main goal with this browser was to make it as fast as possible for end users. It's nice and lightweight and while it lacks many features of the Dolphin HD browser that's kind of the point. A slimmed down, super fast version of the Dolphin browser you already love.

Key Features:

• Speed through the web
• Browse with ease
• New fresh UI
• Speed Dial Homepage
• Infinite tabs browsing
• Innovative Menu design
• Powerful tool box
• Gesture commands

If you're looking for a faster browsing experience on your device, you might want to check out Dolphin Mini. Keep in mind of course it is beta, so that said if you run into any issues; be a good sport and report them to the Dolphin team. They can't fix what they are not fully aware of. Download link can be found after the break. [Dolphin Blog]

If there's one thing that rubs me the right way, it's game publishers releasing holiday updates.  First Rovio gave us the increasingly frustrating Angry Birds Seasons, and today Spacetime Studios delivers the High Winter Festival update for Pocket Legends.

In addition to the ability wield dual weapons, Pocket Legends players can expect to see:

High Winter Festival

• New quests
• New combat area
• Special holiday-only loot (permanent)
• New story-line.  Defend Father Frost from evil Toy Master and save the High Winter Festival.

Swamp Towne

• 18 new quests
• New town
• New loot with new appearances including moonshine hat, frogwang, banjo, blunderbuss, and lizard spear
• Four new combat areas dealing with the feuding McCrocs and Scalefields

Hit the break for some download links.

Swiftkey, one of our favorite keyboards for Android -- just got a pretty major update. The already stellar key design is now even better, with an HD skin and better fonts. Five languages have been added, as well as five new keyboard layouts. There have been a fair amount of bugfixes, and the trial version of the keyboard (the full version is $3.99) has been increased to 31 days as a holiday promotion.

Swiftkey might not be your favorite keyboard, but it definitely warrants a look. We've got download links after the break, and you can find the full release notes at the source. [Swiftkey]

This is one you guys have been wanting for a while -- Android's Facebook app finally has proper Facebook chat. And push notifications. Yes, Virginia, there really is a Santa Claus. You can get the Version 1.5.0 update now in the Android Market, and we've got download links after the break. Now excuse us while we pester some Facebook friends.

The old Voice Search options (left) and new options (right)

Voice search on Android is pretty good. And it's about to get better. Google's updated the app and given us the option for personalized recognition. The premise is simple: Voice Search remembers words that you search for (and the sound of your voice doing so) and associates them with your Google account. It's an opt-in service, so it's not automatically recording your voice without your knowledge. You'll get the option to turn on personalized recognition when you first fire up voice search. And from there on out, it's all transparent. The goal? To understand you better and make searches faster and more accurate.

The update and personalized recognition are only available on Android 2.2 and up, and for English in the U.S. Google says it plans on supporting other nations and languages in the future. You can update in the market, and we've got download links after the break. [Google Mobile Blog]

If you're keeping an eye on your storage space and move as many apps as possible to the SD card, note that the Skype Android app has been updated for that very reason. You're not going to save too much space -- its less than 1 megabyte -- but every little bit helps, right? Download link's after the break if you need it. (And, yes, you have to have Froyo to move apps to the SD card. That hasn't changed.) Thanks to everyone who sent this in!