Database Users

New Version of Google Maps (11/16/2007) Available

According to msmobiles.com (see http://msmobiles.com/news.php/6898.html) a new version of Google Maps was released on November 16th. I have DLd it, but haven't yet installed it.
From reading about it, I am not too sure how much has changed. Here is the list the site speaks to:
Real-time traffic conditions
See where the congestion is, and estimate delays in over 30 major US metropolitan areas.
Favorite places and routes
Save time (and avoid sore thumbs) by keeping a list of residential or business locations, and driving routes.
Insta-KB-o-meter
Monitor your data consumption in real-time — just look to the top right portion of your phone screen while using Google Maps.
Enhanced business info
After selecting a particular business, select the "Details" tab for hours of operation, hotel amenities, and more.
BlackBerry support
Just visit www.google.com/gmm on your BlackBerry's web browser, and you're all set to go.
The update can be found here: http://www.google.com/gmm/GoogleMaps.CAB
Enjoy,
-pvs

thanks for the post, wouldn't have known about it otherwise

Yeah, appreciate the heads up!

thanks for the link

Sweet thanks for the headsup! I installed it, and it works better than ever over HSDPA and with my bt gps!

How does this compare to LiveSearch?

sook said:
How does this compare to LiveSearch?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not really sure. LiveSearch was the best for a short while (IMO), until Google Maps came out with an executable version. I dropped LS back then, and have not looked back.
Google Maps has many nice features:
1) Look up any of your Contacts for whom you have Address Information
2) Drag-scroll around the map, in map or satellite view
3) Shows real-time traffic conditions
4) Zoom-in and out quickly and easily
5) Provides directions from point A to point B
6) Integration with GPS devices (I haven't used this, but imagine it works ok)
7) Find info on searched-for businesses and easily saving it into Contacts
Some "features" I'd like to see are:
1) Storing data in user-defined locations on the device
2) Management of that data ... selectively deleting old location searches
3) Tilting of the map aka Google Earth
Again, I don't really know how well LiveSearch has developed, so I really can't compare. But maybe you can judge for yourself from what I show above for GM.
-pvs

I'll install it and play around with it, but from what you describe it sounds much the same. LiveSearch also has something called community search that will show you events, movies, and todos in your area, along with traffic and local gas prices.
If I read you correctly, the only thing on your list LiveSearch doesn't have is an easy way to look up contact addresses.
I will report back this weekend, either bumping this one or starting a new thread. I'm quite attached to LS, but if I can find something even better, well, right on.

ER... just in case anyone is having a blond moment like me
the link is CAsE SenSitivE!!
nice find.
has it got rid of those anoying no data warning messages that you had to keep clicking OK to in order to continue?

I was originally using (the previous version of) Google Earth. So far, I like Microsoft Live. The addressing and directions are a LOT more accurate. When I look up addresses, google doesn't even find most of them. Live also does a lot better with one way streets and stuff like that too.

Yes, Live is much, much better, even the diectory is better. Map loading seems a little quicker also.

I wish google showed on the page what version it was up to, so I can know when they've updated it.
I love google maps mobile.

Wow, judging by sook's and Braingears' comments, it sounds like Live Search has come a long way in the past year. Might be time to give it another shot.
And yes, frenchglen, wouldn't it be nice? I guess they have some reason to want to keep the version number a secret, eh?
-pvs

Here's what I want in GPS software

Is there anything out there that will do all of the following, and do it well on my xv6800 MR1 phone?
Turn by turn voice prompts
Speech recognition data input & instructions
3-D turn views/maps
map data that can be downloaded
local search, movies, etc.
locate outlook contacts on map
Price... free would be nice but not realistic
Is there anything like that?
Thanks,
Tim

Don't think you will find all that with voice Nav for free.

Check out AmAzeGPS, it's free, does I believe everything except maybe the local searches for movies. Windows Live Search does the movies/weather/gas prices/and locates contacts, but doesn't have true turn by turn, but it does route and dings when it's time to turn.
BTC

Geebox said:
Don't think you will find all that with voice Nav for free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like I said, it's not realistic to think that it would be free.
My real question is: is there anything available that does all the things listed?

I don't know of any that has all of those features. TomTom has most but doesn't have the voice command input but does text to voice for turn by turn. The searches would be with the pay for maps and they do have some online data services but that is a pay for subscription as well. I personally use TomTom and Live Search to get everything you listed for an GPS application.

BillThyCat said:
Check out AmAzeGPS, it's free, does I believe everything except maybe the local searches for movies. Windows Live Search does the movies/weather/gas prices/and locates contacts, but doesn't have true turn by turn, but it does route and dings when it's time to turn.
BTC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, BTC. I have dowloaded and tried amazeGps.
It's not bad. In fact, it would be pretty nice except for one thing: every 30 to 90 seconds it stops with an error message that says, "Communication Problem" and then the ONLY thing you can do is exit the program.
That's a showstopper for me. I looked at their support forum and there was some mention of having to enter or modify settings that seemed pretty complex to me.
Thanks,
Tim

Hmm, I have only used it for short drives, but have never seen the error you described. Are you on a 1X or EVDO network?
I'm on 1X, so the original maps coming up are slow, but it had no problem keeping up with the data stream while driving.
Unfortunately there are no satellite maps for my town so I can't get the cool 3d view, but for a free tool, I couldn't complain to much.
BTC

Thanks BTC. I will try it on a longer drive today and see what happens. I'm on EVDO here (San Diego County).
- Tim

tcolling said:
Is there anything out there that will do all of the following, and do it well on my xv6800 MR1 phone?
Turn by turn voice prompts
Speech recognition data input & instructions
3-D turn views/maps
map data that can be downloaded
local search, movies, etc.
locate outlook contacts on map
Price... free would be nice but not realistic
Is there anything like that?
Thanks,
Tim
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with the other post on the TomTom 7 (tt7). I use it at home and heavily on business travel...it does all you asked...
It do not do speech to text but does speak on turn but turn as you approach turns or intersections...again just not the street name. I have the updated maps but tt7 does allow you to download maps for other users for corrections or things they missed until the next update. I can do local searches (as well as out of town) not for movies but POI (point of Interest) items...I can look for general POI for theaters, pawn shops, or direct stores like Wal-Mart, Best Buy...etc... Best part I like since I use Outlook in tt7 I can select a contact within tt7 and boom tt7 navigates me there...
For movies show times and other items like that I have to use google maps or Microsoft Live Search... tt7 is great for my usage...

Google Maps sucks

I tried using it yesterday and almost broke my phone because it was making me so mad. If you miss a turn the directions don't update so you have no idea where you are. And the route isn't highlighted on the map like it is in every other GPS app so if you get off the route at all, it's over, you have to stop and type in the address again to get new directions. Are there any GPS apps for HD that are actually good?

There are actually a lot of programs you can use. just use google. Personally I use TomTom and i think it works quite well. It calculates a new route within a few seconds if you missed a turn

I use Google Maps all the time and like it alot. True, if you miss a turn you won't be notified (not until Google Maps Navigation comes out for WM) but getting back on track again is not at hard as you think. Just request directions from your current location and SELECT the address you typed before for your end point. I don't understand why you type the address all over again. I've done this way while travelling on the freeway at 70 mph a bunch of times and it hasn't let me down yet.

pickpocket said:
I use Google Maps all the time and like it alot. True, if you miss a turn you won't be notified (not until Google Maps Navigation comes out for WM) but getting back on track again is not at hard as you think. Just request directions from your current location and SELECT the address you typed before for your end point. I don't understand why you type the address all over again. I've done this way while travelling on the freeway at 70 mph a bunch of times and it hasn't let me down yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh yeah you're right. Clicking a bunch of stuff to get new directions is a little silly though, you have to admit.
I'll try Tom Tom and see how it is, has anyone else tried it?

I use GarminXT. I really don't see the difference between all the GPS navigation software available - the features are almost the same. The difference comes from the maps. For me Garmin's maps are the best for Bulgaria, so you should do a little research which software has the best map for your country/region.

Igo 8 for me. Superb bit of software.

agree. IGO 8 is the best.

Does anyone have the link to download any of these? I searched this forum for "gps" and it keeps coming up with nothing.

thread closed as theres been many threads like it for months
there is a list of working gps software in the wiki
read it

Best Nav software?

Any opinions on the best navigation software for our phones (that DOESN'T) require a monthly subscription? I looked at the TomTom software but they apparently don't have any maps available for the United States that I can find. I have Bing and Google Maps but those both require a data connection. They also don't provide turn by turn voice guidance or follow along with you very well or dynamically reroute you.

shouldnt all turn-by-turn apps have data usage since it needs to track u...
otherwise from that, garmin is really nice. turn by turn, though i notice it does lag behind a LITTLE bit, but it still works quite nicely.

xredjokerx said:
shouldnt all turn-by-turn apps have data usage since it needs to track u...
otherwise from that, garmin is really nice. turn by turn, though i notice it does lag behind a LITTLE bit, but it still works quite nicely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, not all turn-by-turn apps have data usage, for example Tomtom does not use data.
Have you considered CoPilot 8?

There are plenty of different software packages you can use; just to mention TomTom, iGO8 etc.

CoPilot 8 is a very good package, especially given its low cost. It includes all maps for North America, and doesn't require a data connection while running (but can use one if you choose the Live services add-on to get traffic/gas price updates).

Data usage is used in two ways.
To update the maps as you move along (google etc), or to give live info (traffic reports etc)
MOST of the purchased gps software will include the full maps to the location you buy it, and will only need data if you want live traffic etc.
Some of the more common gps apps are, TomTom, Garmin, iGo8, CoPilot 8
i personally use iGo8 in europe and love it.

Copilot is great
I have used copilot before on both Windows Mobile and Android. Right now its only $20 on their site and that includes the maps so you don't have to have a data connection. I have tried a bunch of nav solutions and this one is probably the best for overall functionality and price.

I recommend TOMTOM. I used CoPilot 8 for a few months and it works well but sometimes the directions it gives are weird specially when I traveled to another state I was getting confused with the directions it was giving me compared to TOMTOM which are faster and more direct.

I'm happy with Copilot, routing is fast and accurate.
However voice warnings are terrible. They are slow, and usually late. I miss Garmin on that front.

I like just google maps............. however i also have tom tom installed............. install this, then during install you will be automaticly promted to download your 1 free city during the install...... yeah, i cant find anything online from them either. Well, I couldn't attach it here, guess it was too big. It's on here somewhere the file name is... QM_TomTom_Navigator_7.916.9189.1_VGA

intothevoid said:
I recommend TOMTOM. I used CoPilot 8 for a few months and it works well but sometimes the directions it gives are weird specially when I traveled to another state I was getting confused with the directions it was giving me compared to TOMTOM which are faster and more direct.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
To clarify, I don't mind if it uses data, I have unlimited data, I just don't want data to be REQUIRED for it to work. Actually, I wouldn't even care so much about that, AT&T's data coverage is okay if you will accept EDGE. I just want the voice turn by turn directions.
One other caveat, it has to be able to run from my existing microSD card. I don't care if I have to hack it or whatever, I just need it to run from my existing card with my music, etc on it. I looked at the Garmin, but you had to use only their card apparently. :-/

i use google maps for finding places and stuff. but it still doesnt have turn by turn. if it did i would probably use that. but for that i use garmin. been using it for quite some time. its the best looking and probably the most user friendly of the nav software. the gas prices feature is fantastic. but if you dont have the money you could go for something like copiolot. i havent used it though.

I have tried TomTom, Copilot and iGo in the past and have landed on iGo as my firm favorite

I am a Garmin fan. I have used various garmin devices on my motorcycles for many years. For my PDA, years ago I got a bundle with a bluetooth GPS and TomTom. Hated it. Recently, I got achance to try the Garmin XT software. Didn't care for it either.
I would like a chance to try out the iGo software. It can't be any worse, and can be found fairly cheap.
For now I use Google or Bing most of the time. I don't need the voice prompts.

Does anyone here have the navipanel from the leo?

For the life of me, I can't understand all the love for CoPilot. I bought it on Christmas day for $19. I feel swindled.
1. The primary function of navigation software is 'navigation'. This is pretty much impossible when you're working with anchient maps. I live in a city of 2+ million and my neighborhood is 7-8 years old. My neighborhood is not in CoPilot's maps...
2. The app is buggy. If I do an online update through the app, I get an error that tells me that the POI database does not match the online database. THey have POI's that don't have corresponding streets. If you tell it to create a route between to streetless POI's it draws a straight line, which is laughable...
3. The Copilot central app is extremely buggy and the gui is terrible. First, it doesn't support netbook resolution of 1024x600. Second, the application update function doesn't work. I know there is a more current version of the app out there (I have 8.0.0.346), but CoPilot central will not show me the update. Third, the map update dated Dec 29 hangs the app upon launch. All of this is from a stock t-mo rom after hard reset and format of SD card.
4. SUpport from ALK is somthing that you would expect from a company 7-8 years ago. there is no forum or searchable knowledgebase. You can submit trouble tickets, but I have yet to receive an acknowledgment of my map update request. Apparently they will add my address in 45 days, but I have serious doubts this will happen because of all of the missing roads in my neighborhood.
5. Features advertised on ALK's website are not present in my version of the app.
I could go on an on. To sum up... CoPilot is a POS, and I encourage everyone to stay away!!!

Copilot Live
I have recently switched to copilot live 8 from OCN 8.3. I find that the maps on Copilot 8 are current in my area (roads finished last year are included). I can confirm that the Copilot central software does not work on a netbook but is fine on other machines.
I have not run into the bugs mentioned above but I will update if I do. As far as the features go the software is a couple of months old. I consider it a bonus that I can purchase for $20 and upgrade only thoes features I care about.
When it comes down to it my switch was for 2 reasons. I can use my own SD card and I can get live traffic updates. OCN does not support traffic in the US and is limited to an 8 gb card.

tomtom is the simplest and the easiest to use.. there are maps for the usa.... i am currently using one that is the usa and canada together.. tomtom pics some crazy routes sometimes... but its easy to pick another..
garmin is ok... but not very customizable... hope you like the way it looks, cuz youre pretty much stuck with it... the way you add the maps is cool... you pick the states you want... so you dont have to fill up your card with stuff you dont want... im not inpressed with the way you have to enter address in this one..
igo in my opinion is the best... if you get tts voices for it, it will say the street names.. it shows the buildings if youre in a big enough city... and the 3d effect is pretty nice... it also lets you know what lane to be in on the highway and it shows you the signs you will see on the road.. the biggest drawback for this one for me is the load time...
i have never tried copilot so i cannot rank that one... hope that helps

Is this how you get iGO for north america and/or United States:
http://www.oncoursenavigator.com/
I googled iGO, but all I found was a European product...

sixsevenco said:
Is this how you get iGO for north america and/or United States:
http://www.oncoursenavigator.com/
I googled iGO, but all I found was a European product...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
according to http://www.navngo.com/pages/global/eng/where_to_buy you are correct.

Best GPS For US TMobile Users

I've search around but would like to get specific responses/results from TMO US users on the HD2. What is the best navigation you guys/gals are using?
I am coming from the Nexus One and spoiled by the Google Navigation Beta, I am looking for something similar. I heard that bing has navigation now? Any reviews on that? I have a GPS system in my car but love the flexibility of having something on my phone (for those instances you aren't in YOUR car).
Price is also a factor for me. I am looking to go for the free to low cost route.
I appreciate any responses, and do apologize if this has been discussed in depth (please link the thread, and I will request this one to be deleted).

Heres a link of bing in action.
This actually looks pretty decent. I'll have to check it out and see how it performs.
http://www.gadgetvenue.com/bing-navigation-tested-htc-hd2-05130659/

tresanus said:
I've search around but would like to get specific responses/results from TMO US users on the HD2. What is the best navigation you guys/gals are using?
I am coming from the Nexus One and spoiled by the Google Navigation Beta, I am looking for something similar. I heard that bing has navigation now? Any reviews on that? I have a GPS system in my car but love the flexibility of having something on my phone (for those instances you aren't in YOUR car).
Price is also a factor for me. I am looking to go for the free to low cost route.
I appreciate any responses, and do apologize if this has been discussed in depth (please link the thread, and I will request this one to be deleted).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CoPilot Live 8 never let me down

BING is really poppin (as long as you are connected to data and GPS satellites). If you lose the signal you have to restart the app (it will freeze on the last position you had Sat access) but overall, it is a good Navi with just about every street name voiced in the turn by turn. I keep my Copilot 8 backup (USA) just in case I am in an area where the Sat isnt available for a few miles. (I take LONG trips) LOL.
OH yeah and Copilot 8 is only 29.99 with the US map but dont look for it to call out all your street names (if you enjoy that as I do)

I use TomTom without data, only GPS.

tresanus said:
Heres a link of bing in action.
This actually looks pretty decent. I'll have to check it out and see how it performs.
http://www.gadgetvenue.com/bing-navigation-tested-htc-hd2-05130659/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I think Bing is the closest free solution to what you're looking for. The most commonly-used paid options around here are TomTom, CoPilot Live, and iGo 8, you'll find many members who recommend one of those.

Bing is a good option if you have constant data connection, but I would never rely on a nav program that requires data connection for long or important trips. (even google nav on android) Im currently using Garmin XT on my HD2 and it works well. Needs about 3gb of storage for US and Canada maps. It does not call out street names as well.

Thanks all, I think Bing will work best for me.
Basically I only need to use it in a pinch (like in someone elses car and lost) since I have navigation in my car already.
And I do have unlimited data (and basically unlimited everything else) for super cheap

Crush KD said:
OH yeah and Copilot 8 is only 29.99 with the US map but dont look for it to call out all your street names (if you enjoy that as I do)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you pay 29.99 every time a new map gets released?
----
Anyone know off the top of their head the breakdown in costs for tomtom and the garmin apps?

Stupid Question Alert....
What's wrong with the Google Maps GPS that is bundled with the phone? (stock 2.13)
Seems to work swimmingly for me, minus voice.

Nothings wrong with it, just doesn't provide turn by turn navigation.
Usually I use google maps, find what I'm looking for/check traffic, then input address into my car navigation system.
Although, if Bing works well enough, I might just sell off my Magellan! Maybe use the cash to buy one of the above suggested services as well (garmin tomtom iGo etc.)

tresanus said:
Nothings wrong with it, just doesn't provide turn by turn navigation.
Usually I use google maps, find what I'm looking for/check traffic, then input address into my car navigation system.
Although, if Bing works well enough, I might just sell off my Magellan! Maybe use the cash to buy one of the above suggested services as well (garmin tomtom iGo etc.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bing is fine. I have Garmin and TomTom on my device and they both works fine and great..

Waze
There's a new navigation app in the Windows Marketplace called Waze which looks pretty cool. It offers turn-by-turn direction, traffic updates, and even user updates. I've only played around with it for a day, but so far it seems good. The best part is that it's free, so if you don't care for it, just delete it.

Latest version of Google Maps provides voice navigation(beta) in the latest Android version. I expect it to make it to the other phones before too long. Google doesn't want to give up the entire market to Bing.

Kellindinda said:
There's a new navigation app in the Windows Marketplace called Waze which looks pretty cool. It offers turn-by-turn direction, traffic updates, and even user updates. I've only played around with it for a day, but so far it seems good. The best part is that it's free, so if you don't care for it, just delete it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll have to check this out tonight. See how it compares to bing.
Phantoms said:
Latest version of Google Maps provides voice navigation(beta) in the latest Android version. I expect it to make it to the other phones before too long. Google doesn't want to give up the entire market to Bing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I figured this would come eventually, but the google navigation has been included with some android phones for a while now (mytouch, mytouch slide, nexus one.. but not on the cliq or g1, at least without rooting). So who knows the timeframe we should expect it to be included with google maps for all phones..

Nav apps for HD-2. Navigon, Co-Pilot, Bing, TomTom
I am personally using Navigon and like it very much. The only problem is that it doesn't work with the car kit. Not a huge deal, I just set it not to launch automatically and start Navigon manually. It uses Google to find POI which is pretty neat and has a number of advanced features like lane guidance and a 3D mode that pops up expressway exit signs to show you exactly where to exit.
Also have Copilot installed, Text to speech is available with a free update and the correct voice. It works well, but I found it to pick some questionable routes.
I used TomTom on a Kaiser and found it worked well, but the basic program is behind others. No text to speech or lane guidance for example. And for this lack of advancement, TomTom charges a premium price. Often as much as dedicated GPS units with more advanced features.
Bing I've found to be iffy. If it doesn't know where your street is, it will just take you to the center of town which is pretty stupid. I'm sure it will get better with time, but right now I wouldn't rely on it. Navigon frequently goes on sale for about $40.00 and Copilot as mentioned is a bargain at $29.99.

I have been using Waze for the past week. It's okay considering it's free. The nicest part is you can edit the map yourself. If you're into wiki editing, it's for you. It apparantly adapts route to live traffic patterns, but that only works if lots of people in your area are using it. Considering that there's only 50,000 users worldwide, the likelihood that here is even 1 other person your area is slim. I'd say Bing is better for the time being.

BING! is freakn awesome i love it hasnt steered me wrong yet cant say the same for google maps its trash.

The new Google Maps & Nav supposedly blows Bing out of the water. It's only available for Android, though.

try NDrive, its pretty reliable and accurate.