GPS Compared Blog » Google Maps

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

Desktops, laptops can now get Google’s MyLocation feature

Simon — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:00:50 +0000

Taking another giant step in its desktop assistances, Google brought its highly sought-after My Location feature to personal computers and laptops. While My Location settled on smartphones Google maps applications, you can get it now for your portable laptops and home PCs as well.
Google Maps have been a reliable source of owner’s location and helped users tremendously in various purposes of knowing where they are. It is reported that there is a great potential that the same service within Google Maps will be included in the much-awaited Google Chrome operation systems as well. It will come browser-based like any of the Google Maps, and as an application, it could be quick and easier to launch after it is turned on. Users are awaiting as well the likelihood that this My Location feature will work similarly to how Prism works on PAC and PCs to date.
For those who have smartphones and using Google Maps for easier navigation, the My Location feature has been highly used to pin down with a blue dot the user’s location within a few meters. This should be a helpful feature to PC users as well, so for them to have it on their units; they have to get the geo-location feature integrated through Google Chrome 2.0+ and Firefox 3.5+, the only two browsers available for such feature.
The My Location feature can be activated by clicking on the button on the top left corner of the map, and then between the map pan control and then map zoom control. After activating, the Google Maps application will put to center the user’s exact location at any given day and hour.
No wonder why everyone seems to be in a rush to see for themselves how they can get My Location in their own laptops and personal computers!
For more information, click Mirror.co.uk

Additional details could be found at itproportal.com

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