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GlobalSat launches Google-friendly GPS data logger
We enjoyed our run with the Nike+iPod, but it was a one trick pony. On the other hand, who wants to carry around something like the LOOX N100 when you just want to track coordinates? If there was only a simple GPS data logger -- something that could monitor our speed, altitude, location, perhaps even at defined intervals; throw in a built-in USB cable and the ability to run on regular batteries, and we'd have a winner. Well the GlobalSat DG-100 offers all these qualities plus the ability to export all that data goodness into a format readable by Google Earth and Google Maps. Granted it won't play nice with our iPods, but at least we can also use it as a GPS receiver to help us find the social. Currently it is available for pre-order, but we've got zero info on availability or price.[Via Navigadget]
Google maps link buried in iPhoto
Bless those brave Mac folk, who I assume have lots of free time, that delve into the source of Apple's applications to see what they can see. A MacTelChat forum user took a spin around iPhoto and discovered that it can hold GPS data for images. This isn't anything new, granted, but when combined with the fact that they found both a reference to Google Maps and a hidden button labeled 'Show' in the info pane of a picture - let the rumors commence.Could this signal the much speculated partnership between Google and Apple?
Fly into landmarks with Google Maps flight sim
Since Google released its Google Maps API to the public, budding game designers have used it to place everything from golf to Carmen Sandiego style terrorist foiling over satellite images of the world. Now we can add a Flash-based flight simulator to that list. Goggles lets you fly a crude, 3D plane over a selection of major cities from around the world (and the solar system -- you can also fly over sections of the moon and Mars).There's no explicit goal, but you can fire cartoony circular bullets at the ground to leave temporary black pockmarks on the landscape. You can also crash your plane into famous landmarks, a feature sure to draw the ire of conservatives who will say the game is training a new generation of terrorists to destroy our very way of life. Our only real complaint is that the plane can't go very fast or zoom out very high, which limits how quickly you can find your favorite landmark to destroy. Here's hoping for a version 2.[Via Jay is Games]
Google expanding mobile offerings
In a move sure to steal a few folks away from their carriers' WAP home pages, Google has added a system for customizing users' mobile screens independently of their desktop counterparts -- a good move, especially for those 99.9% of us without VGA screens on our phones. Separately, they've also announced a new version of their Java-based Google Maps Mobile app that adds support for live traffic and saving favorite locations. We've tried the new release, and yeah, it's gorgeous -- Moto bundling or not, Yahoo's got some catch-up to play.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Google Maps Plugin 2.5 for Address Book goes Universal Binary, gets Google Earth integration
The Google Maps Plugin for Address Book has updated to version 2.5, adding Universal Binary super-powers and a slick new feature: Google Earth support (which is handy, since Google Earth just went Universal, too). Also in this new version is a true-blue Apple installer package (no more digging around in Library folders), support for Europe and new localized Google Maps domains, and user can now choose their preferred default country in the Google Maps Preferences.This plugin is available from Brian Toth's site, and surprisingly is still donationware. Toss the guy at least a few bucks if you find his hard work useful, couldya?
Gaming with Google Maps
Ever wondered what you can get up to armed only with a map of the world and a game idea? These game mashups use Google Maps in some pretty exciting ways, from a scavenger hunt to an online golf game.Some of them are fairly old, but they encompass a range of possibilities. If you're inspired to create your own, the site also has a list of possible ideas for Google Maps-fuelled antics; Risk and GPS-based games seem more obvious than "The World of Kingdom of Loathing". Some really cool collaborations could spring forth from here.[Via pasta and vinegar]
PSP maps unrolled in Japan
Minna No Chizu, or 'Everyone’s Map,' was released today, providing PSP owners a comprehensive map of Japan (including Okinawa). Though the software currently lacks GPS support, Zenrin compiled the maps — the same company that provides data for Japan's Google Maps. Priced at 3,990 yen (roughly $34), Minna No Chizu is affordable, while providing a respectable level of scalable detail, at least for major metropolitan areas.Japan Chronicles found the controls user-friendly, despite a tedious address location system. The software supports bookmarking and purchasable upgrades, which will add points of interest to the maps. Thankfully, Mickey D's made the initial cut.
Xbox 360 Fanboy, on an Xbox 360!
Fanboy reader Chodite heeded our call for an image of Xbox 360 Fanboy running on an Xbox 360! It's all possible with Anthony Park's nifty MCEBrowser. Too cool!Chodite also sent in some images of Google Maps on the 360, using the similarly nifty Google Maps MCE app. Read on for the maps.[Thanks, Chodite!]
Azeroth the Google Maps way
MapWoW is a nifty site which uses the Google Maps API to let you zoom and pan from Ashenvale to Zul'Gurub. While maps of WoW aren't rare, the depth of this one seems to have taken the Internet by storm, with sites from Slashdot to Fark covering it. I usually find the in-game maps suffice, but when they're not up to scratch, this should do the trick nicely.[Thanks, Wordman]
