GPS Compared Blog » Computer

Mobile hits releases version 3.2 and gets Google Maps enhancement.

Simon — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 14:05:21 +0000

A new version of Google’s mapping software has been recently released into version 3.2, with added compatibility for layers-info like that in the desktop version. This came after consumers sought the easier and more useful means of interacting with geographic content like traffic, public transit, Wikipedia and local search results.
Google Maps for both Symbian Series 60 phones and Windows Mobile allow users to plot themselves and their friends and business on a map, and has the capability to layer on transit lines and a multitude of points of interest.
Latitude friend locations also come with the Version 3.2, along with the ability to combine multiple layers to show tube maps and geo-tagged Wikipedia contents. The user’s own content saved on My Maps in desktop version can now be saved as a layer in the new mobile content. Google’s unification of the functionality of both mobile and desktop versions of its mapping software proved to be a wise move that puts users at an advantage.
The new layers option of Google Maps for 3.2 can be accessed by pressing the “2” key or by selecting “menu” and “layers”. Aside from the traffic and transit features, there are handfuls of points marked as red waypoints representing applicable locations. For many users in the United States and China, users benefits more as Google Map’s newer version allows browsing of popular searches like restaurants.
While more improvements are still under way, and some more being called for by consumers, Google continues to pursue in perfecting its 3.2 features. Users continue to clamor that they be allowed to save new maps and direction routes into their My Maps. The importance of interaction with their transit lines direct from the map is also called for as going through the directions menu seem a hassle.
More information on Google Maps for Mobile 3.2 can be found at pocket-lint.com

Related details are also available at cnet.com

NetBook expands as your sat-nav on the road

Simon — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:31:41 +0000

Dell will soon launch additional option of slick, chic Dell Mini 10 Netbook! As you want your netbook to be everything as a mobile companion, Dell had its Mini 10 built-in with GPS and location-sensing features out of the box! Truly, this new gadget of a netbook just became your sat-nav on the road!

As most Dell netbooks are, the Mini 10 is small but powerful and fun packed together inside its slimmer look. In the coming weeks, Dell Wireless 700 location solution can be purchased for Windows XP Dell Mini 10 netbooks. It already combines both location-sensing advantages in both hardware and software.

As for its hardware, this new Dell baby comes with an internet GPS car with wi-fi positioning. Even when you’re inside a building, at home or in the car, you can still pinpoint yourself. For its software aspect, the Mini 10 has a copilor navigation, giving you turn-by-turn guides and directions while you’re driving your car. Its location-sensing plugins have been pre-installed with both Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox, giving you the most accurate and easiest local search on supported sites, like Flickr, Brightkite and Loopt.

The Dell Wireless 700 option couldn’t come at a better time. Enough of being disconnected or getting lost once in your own city. With Dell’s latest additions, we’re sure to be connected always with its advanced wireless option, and its GPS features will sure make navigation skills like that of a pro!

Take note, however, that you can keep your current satnav for a while. This is because the Dell Wireless 700 option for the Dell Mini 10 is available only in the US for now. But UK release should not be that far, considering the residents being quick to grab new, reliable and durable stuff. So look out for developments because Dell will sure find UK on the map very soon.

You can learn more about this latest Dell netbooks at Mirror
More information is available at
Trusted Reviews

Laptop, desktop and GPS merger foreseen, It may be sooner than you think.

Simon — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 11:00:35 +0000

For people who are using mobile devices and their laptops to browse the web wherever they are, Geolocation is a usual word. Whether they’re at home, on the road or in their work place, people just want to stay online. The new main features of Firefox 3.5 and also in Chrome and other browsers with the Google Gears add-on installed, it is now supported by Google Maps on the desktop as well! This should be great news for those who want to stay online all the time!
Just click on Google Maps with a supported web browser, and there you will see a new My Location button on the top left corner of the map. Once you click the button to the center of the map, you will get your approximate location. With where you are determined accurately, you will be shown a blue circle just like on the Google Maps for mobile. You may also click the button the second time to remove the blue circle or re-center the map after you have moved it somewhere.
Compared with having it on your mobile devices, Geolocation on your desktop or laptops is not as accurate. But no fret as the fault is with the basic technology and hardware because most computers still don’t have GPS capacities incorporated yet. Still, many people take matters into their hands and buy a GPS for their computers, but there are some who are crossing their fingers that manufacturers will add this helpful feature soon. The browsers that support Geolocation will have to depend on WiFi information as they don’t have a GPS device, or others can simply get back to the IP. Today, only Firefox 3.5 has this advantageous technology by default.
For many, Geolocation is not that accurate, but with WiFi hotsports mapped out with, it should be helpful for those who do not want to get lost in a new place.
To learn more about geolocation on Google Maps, click Siftpedia News