Posts Tagged ‘Maps’

Google Maps 4.0 Update for BlackBerry

Monday, April 19th, 2010

Google has rolled out an update to Google Maps for mobile with several feature upgrades. The biggest enhancement is a search by voice feature with the same setup as search by voice in the main Google mobile application. I tested the new feature out using business names and specific addresses, and the results are just as good as you would receive via Google Maps online. Google Maps 4.0 also introduces new Google Buzz features for mobile. However the Google Buzz results are kind of scattered; and more on the interesting than helpful side. The third main feature is Google has enabled better integration with existing search history and your Google Account. You have to log in and save your search history, but there is great potential in personalized recommendations and time savings.

Features:

  • Search By Voice
  • Google Buzz
  • Synchronization with you Google Account and Search History
  • Google Labs experimental features: Scale Bar or Terrain Layer
  • See businesses near an address or location by selecting a point on the map.
  • Report problems with map data or a business listing.

Check out the original instructions direct from Google on how to install the latest version of Google Maps 4.0 for BlackBerry. Or get started by going to m.google.com/maps in your BlackBerry’s Internet Browser.

Finally, here is a link to the announcement post on the Google Mobile Blog: http://googlemobile.blogspot.com/2010/04/google-maps-40-for-blackberry-adds.html.

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GPS and Maps on your BlackBerry

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

Recently on a trip to California to visit family and friends, I discovered a great app already installed on my BlackBerry that I didn’t even know was there — and that saved me a whole bunch of time and gas.

My Curve 8330 (from CREDO) includes built-in GPS, and the BlackBerry Maps app already installed. I found it to be a perfectly suitable way to navigate some less-than-familiar territory, and in a couple cases it got me un-lost when I didn’t really know where I was.

Of course, due to the comparatively small screen size of a mobile phone, it’s not quite like Google Maps on your desktop or anything. But in a pinch, it works fine. If you have a CREDO BlackBerry, try it out! (There’s no additional charge to use the BlackBerry Maps app on CREDO phones.)

First, to get started, you’ll want to turn on the GPS functionality of your phone. Select “Options” (little wrench icon) from your device’s main screen, and then Choose “advanced options.” Then select “GPS.” Then scroll to the second option on that screen, “GPS Services,” and set it to “Location On.” This will let your phone talk to the network of GPS satellites to figure out your current location.

Then, to get started with maps and directions, find the icon from your main screen that looks like a small compass on top of a topo map (or possibly just a black compass). Select that, and then hit your BlackBerry key and “Start GPS Navigation.” Then just click your trackball to toggle between zoom and pan modes on the screen. You can get directions from your current location to wherever you need to go……zoom in and out to see various levels of detail…and even do a local search for gas stations, sushi restaurants or whatever.

To find out more about the BlackBerry maps application, just visit:
http://na.blackberry.com/eng/devices/features/blackberry_maps.jsp

(Warning — don’t even think about trying any of this while driving — that would be a REALLY bad idea, even if you’re great at multitasking. The consequences could be deadly. Pull over, or ask a passenger to navigate for you. If you do a lot of solo driving requiring directions, you might want to look into the Telenav application for $9.99 per month that will respond to voice commands and give you voice-guided driving directions.)

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GPSed: Cool GPS Tracking App for BlackBerry

Friday, July 31st, 2009

BlackBerry Maps and Google Maps are great for driving directions and figuring out where you are, but how about an application that shows you where you have been and how long it took you to get there?  Try GPSed.  It is a free app that you can download to your BlackBerry or Motorola Q PDA.
There are a ton of cool applications for this app:

  • Bike computer – record your distance, time, average speed, maximum speed
  • Pedometer – distance, time, average speed, maximum speed
  • Route mapper – record your route and export it to Google Maps so you can remember if for next time, share it with friends
  • Vacation updates – show friends where you are in your trip, upload photos, share info via Facebook
  • Compass


After you set up an account, you will be able to save and share your tracks (i.e., trips) online.  Here is a sample online track of my commute from the Caltrain station to our office.

gpsed-image_fix

I installed the software to my desktop and then used BlackBerry Desktop Manager to get it to my device.  I did have some significant periods of waiting before the install worked, but it got there eventually.  To use, launch the application, then choose New Track to begin tracking.  Choose Stop Track when you are done.  You will then have the option of uploading your track to the Internet.
A Pro version of the software is available for $9.99. It offers an “SOS button” for instant position alerts over SMS or email.

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Finding Yourself with Blackberry Maps

Wednesday, July 8th, 2009

Aren’t you glad that you didn’t buy your BlackBerry from AT&T? Yes, there is the warrantless wiretapping, their contributions to right-wing politicians, and the censoring of Pearl Jam. Almost as important is the fact that BlackBerry Maps doesn’t come with your AT&T phone. BlackBerry Maps is a free and very user-friendly mapping and navigation application that comes pre-installed on your CREDO Mobile BlackBerry Curve. Unlike other mapping apps, it integrates seamlessly with the other features of your BlackBerry.

Here are my top uses of BlackBerry Maps:

1) Where am I? – Lost while biking? Just choose Find Location, then Where I Am. Boom, you get a nice detailed map of the neighborhood.
2) How do I get there? – Now that you know that you are in a sketchy neighborhood, find out how to get out fast. Choose New Directions, then Where I Am as your start location. You can then type in a new address or even select a friend’s address from your address book. Finally, don’t forget to select Avoid Highways unless you are good shape. You now have turn-by-turn directions to your destination.
3) Where is the nearest Whole Foods? – You are out of steam and need an organic energy drink. Choose Local Search and type “Whole Foods”. Shazam! You can choose between the closest locations and get directions or call.
4) Tell a friend – Your biking buddy calls and wants to meet you, but you don’t know where you are. Choose Send Location and then Email or SMS Text. They will receive a link to a map of your whereabouts.
5) Send directions – You are out of steam and need to call home for a ride. Choose Send Directions and your directionally-challenged driver can get there ASAP.

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