Google Maps on Android updated, adds full public transit schedules

You always knew that Google Maps had 'em -- schedule a trip on public transit and the app would tell you exactly when the next few trains or buses would arrive (or, at least, were supposed to arrive). But, getting to the full schedules yourself was never possible. Now it is, with Google Maps getting an update to allow you to tap on bus or train stations and retrieve a listing of which lines will pass through and when, making it a little easier to identify a proper last call that won't see you springing for an expensive taxi ride. Beyond that, Google has re-organized the information about restaurants and other businesses, and will also suggest friends who are sharing their whereabouts on Latitude. That last bit is helpful if their last call was a little later than yours and they're now too inebriated to tell you where to find them.

[dcornibe Posted Jun 23rd 2010 10:00AM]

Yeah, baby! I thought Android already had this as a natural part of Google Maps, but better now than never! I rely on public transportation to get to/from work, so this will be real handy. Definitely getting an Android phone when my current contract is up. Apple may have 3 times the number of apps (although that gap will close over time), but most importantly, Apple has NONE of these key services that Google has, which translates into *real* apps that are practical for everyday life.

[codepink Posted Jun 23rd 2010 10:05AM]

Not impressed O_o

[Maxximtl Posted Jun 23rd 2010 10:11AM]

The only Google update I want to hear about is Froyo being put out to N1 owners!

[Hazdaz Posted Jun 23rd 2010 10:16AM]

@Maxximtl

Yeah, because an OS is sooooooooo useful without apps to run on it.
/s

[crappish Posted Jun 23rd 2010 10:17AM]

@Maxximtl And I'm waiting for Froyo for my Desire... Originally, it was supposed to be pushed out to Desire TODAY. Where's my Froyo fun, Google?

[Hazdaz Posted Jun 23rd 2010 10:14AM]

Cool feature.

One thing that I wish Google Maps would let you do is download a certain city or even a state so you don't have to always be online. Especially with these new data caps, it would be nice to download a section of a map from wifi, and then just store it on an SDcard on your phone whenever you need it. It's not like streets or businesses change THAT much that you always need updated info.

I don't know, maybe this feature is already possible, and I just have never seen a way to do it.

[mr88 Posted Jun 23rd 2010 12:25PM]

@Hazdaz
I agree it would be a great feature. I'm going up to NH this weekend and will have spotty service but having a map would be very nice, seeing as GPS would still work.

[StalkyTheFish Posted Jun 23rd 2010 2:29PM]

@Hazdaz

I'm sure it's possible. It probably just comes down to old-fashioned copyright/licensing BS (read: greed) on the part of the map producers.

[Hazdaz Posted Jun 23rd 2010 2:37PM]

@StalkyTheFish

I will agree with the greed comment, but I kind of doubt it's a copyright thing since it would still be Google's own maps.

I think it simply goes against Google's "always online" mantra. They WANT you to always be connected to their service (so they can feed you ads and such).

Downloading a file, and then walking away from the internet is the last thing they want you to do. It's (for the most part) fine if you are connected to an unlimited data connection... not so much when you are essentially paying by the megabyte.

[dhamp2g Posted Jun 23rd 2010 10:15AM]

Man this Apple vs Android battle needs to stop. I have an IPhone and all my computers are MAC. I have had my iPhone for years and I love it. I just got the EVO when it 1st came out and I can honestly say that I love it. I like it better than my iPhone bcuz its not so locked up and they both have more apps than any human will ever need. I can admit that android is a beyond good OS. I LIKE THIS EVO better than my iPhone so it will now be my main phone. I'm not betraying Apple bcuz I will always love me some MAC I also have the iPad since day one. I'm leavn my iPhone behind bcuz I can do everything on my EVO that I can do on my iPhone and I have a larger screen and 4g and an unlimited hotspot for only $30 and I can do video calling to computers via fring Skype and any phone with a front facing camera. I always wanted my iPhone to have a larger screen and I'm not staying with it just bcuz I have had it so long. better things come along in life and I can admit that. so if you love your iPhone stay with it but don't say that android is not good and the same for you android people. bcuz the truth is the only reason that u don't have an iPhone is bcuz u won't switch your carrier and u know it. The iPhone can do sooo much but at&t sucks So its limited. I now have a phone that's worth leaving my iPhone behind now. I may even go no to my iPhone it it ever comes to Sprint. I love how much cheaper my phone bill is now and I have traveled like crazy for work and the sprint network is very excellent they have made leaps and bounds from their past issues. let's all just lobe what we have and let the dumb shit OS wars go.

[Rick James Posted Jun 23rd 2010 11:00AM]

@dhamp2g

Damn dude, we already heard ya once before--no need to post it twice.

[crappish Posted Jun 23rd 2010 10:15AM]

Still doesn't work in Finland... :/ "Transit routing is unavailable in this area." Pfft.

Though, I used to use the service in Austria (Graz) and I'm now, when I try it, I'm not seeing the public transport option at all, when I look for routes within Graz.

[labrat Posted Jun 23rd 2010 7:16PM]

@crappish Google brut.all

XDA forever!

[savagemike Posted Jun 23rd 2010 10:32AM]

Might be handy if you could mail somebody a beacon.
A special one-time link (which would stay active based upon settings you could change for X amount of time).

So... if we are supposed to meet up I can give you a beacon for my phone - at which point you will be able to track my location for as long as the beacon was activated for.

You should also be able to set permanent beacons for specific people - useful for parents/kids.

[ilh Posted Jun 23rd 2010 1:43PM]

@savagemike
Never used it but isn't that kinda what Latitude does without having to manually send the info?

[fencesitter Posted Jun 23rd 2010 11:08AM]

But does it have ETAs for the transit systems that provide that kind of stuff? How about actual bus/train locations for the transit systems with GPSes on all of their busses and trains?

[fencesitter Posted Jun 23rd 2010 11:17AM]

Is it limited to eclair or donut? Or do those of us who have been abandoned with cupcake get any love?

[cdf74dc9 Posted Jun 23rd 2010 12:04PM]

Public transit in my area is nonexistence... Half fail.

[madocs Posted Jun 23rd 2010 12:20PM]

debugging mode eh? looks like a rooted N1 :)

[rfdparker2002 Posted Jun 23rd 2010 1:02PM]

@madocs

Not necessarily - on most devices, including the Nexus One, USB debugging mode is available without rooting the device (although maybe AT&T disable it along with the option to install APKs from outside the Market on their phones).

[remytech Posted Jun 23rd 2010 2:57PM]

THIS IS an enjoyable update i love it Android and my ipod touch. sorry iphone your lack of keyboard infuriate me!!.

[Keith76 Posted Jun 23rd 2010 2:59PM]

sucks for anyone on tmobile that has a motorola android phone. Software isnt updated so you cant get any of the new goodies.

[cozybop Posted Jun 24th 2010 12:51AM]

Google Maps has had transit times for each bus stop where I live. Just tap on the blue bus stop icon on the map and it pops up a menu and then tap transit times. It has always helped me to get around here in Las Vegas. Google Maps has had this for awhile now but this update makes it easier to use a bit.

[maythetechbewithyou Posted Jun 24th 2010 5:30PM]

Being a resident of Portland, Oregon, where Mass Transit is a preferred method of travel, this is damn useful.

[StalkyTheFish Posted Jun 24th 2010 5:45PM]

@maythetechbewithyou

I've been using Portland Transit Lite. Works great and lets you make "bookmarks" for the stops you frequent. Now, if the MAX would just run on time...