It loads and feels a lot smoother for me, and the park map (which mysteriously altered a week or so ago, removing the individual paths) has now returned. I do like the clearer medals set up, and being able to alter your character again (though still very basic) is welcomed.
I haven't updated for two updates (since July 31?) right before it got super shitty and Pokemon started evading everything everytime and disappearing from your list. I wanted to make sure they fixed that or added something really neat
So Niantic must be all knowing and all seeing because after yesterdays comment, I was then prompted to update my game and couldn't play until I did so.