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Zoomable 8-bit city maps make navigation seem so simple
Brett Camper, we salute you. We were downright enamored with your 8-bit version of an NYC city map back in March, but now that you've had time to crank out a handful of others (including Detroit, Berlin, Amsterdam, Austin and Seattle), we feel it's time to give credit where credit is obviously due. We've seen a fair amount of 8-bit gear in our day, but a zoomable map? Crème de la Crème. Hit the source link if you're up for wasting a few hours.
OnStar users now sending Google Maps directions to their cars, definitely living in the future
July is upon us -- do you know what that means? For starters, it's Canada Day, but secondly, today marks the first day that turn-by-turn capable GM vehicles as old as 2006 can search for destinations using Google Maps and have those destinations beamed directly to their vehicles. The OnStar eNav feature is now fully Google-fied, and we're desperately hoping that other factory navigation systems take notice of the awesomeness and begin to do likewise in the not-so-distant future. Till then, have a peek at the GM demonstration vid just past the break, and feel free to let us know how it works for you in comments below.
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.
Google Maps for Android adds transit departure times, Latitude friend suggestions
One of Google's favorite pastimes is shoehorning bits of new functionality into Google Maps for Android, probably because... well, because it can -- updating a package on its own mobile platform is a heck of a lot easier than, say, getting Apple to add a feature to its Maps app. To that end, version 4.3 has just rolled out with three major additions: aggregated (and color-coded) business reviews broken down by topic, transit system departure times, and suggested friends for Latitude. We'll admit, we occasionally forget that Latitude exists, so this seems like a timely addition to get it back into the spotlight -- and if you live in New York, Chicago, or another city with a sprawling bus and subway system, we're sure you'll be amped about the schedules. Now if those times were actually correct, that'd be really mind-blowing.
Google Maps, Facebook come to Samsung TVs & Blu-ray players
We still don't know if Samsung will put Google's Android into its TVs, but it has recently launched Google Maps and Facebook as a part of its existing Samsung Apps platform. There aren't a lot of details in the press release (included after the break) but buyers of most of the 2010 line HDTVs, Blu-ray players and HTIB systems should have access to them. We've seen demos of how Samsung Apps can tie phones and TVs together easily, but can a mere Google Maps app match the Google TVs ability to push info back and forth from device to device? The Facebook app on Xbox 360 is moderately useful if only as a way to browse photo albums on the HDTV, so we'll also be waiting to find out if it will at least match that functionality.
Volkswagen 2011 Phaeton can read street signs using windshield mounted camera
Volkswagen's showing off its 2011 Phaeton all over the place, and it's boasting some pretty interesting features if you're the nerdy type. In addition to regular navigational systems, the Phaeton will be the first to integrate a new system which can download Google maps satellite images and points of interest info over a mobile phone, and then laid over existing maps within the GPS, providing a far superior, up to date database of information to the driver. And then there's the camera installed behind the windshield, which can read street sign information such as posted speed limits, no passing zones and the like. It also boasts Dynamic Light Assist, which makes use of the camera to scan the surrounding area for other cars that might suffer from the glare of the headlights, and responds by masking a portion of the lamp to cut said glare. Ah, fahrvergnügen.
GM follows Ford, brings Google Maps to OnStar eNav systems
Monkey see, monkey do -- right? All jesting aside, you can't help but chuckle over the timing here. Merely 24 hours after Ford announced that a Send to SYNC feature would allow motorists to beam Google Maps directions over Bluetooth to existing SYNC navigation systems, in flies General Motors with an eerily similar release. Granted, we learned last month that Google and GM would be working together on some rather special endeavors, but bringing the wonders of GMaps home to an otherwise ho hum routing system is particularly laudable. In fact, we may argue that GM's implementation has the edge, as the OnStar eNav feature will allow Google Maps to be sent to vehicle models as far back as 2006 (for spoken turn-by-turn guidance), while those with fresher systems will be able to have routes sent directly to their NAV screens via integration with OnStar Destination Download. Talk about a surefire way to keep people hooked on that OnStar subscription, eh? [Thanks, JL]
Send to SYNC enables BT phones to beam Google Maps to Ford navigation systems
Be still our hearts. Google Maps integration, in a factory-installed navigation system? Break out the fans and funny hats, 'cause this is for real. As Ford's SYNC system continues along the path of perpetual improvement, the latest breakout addition may make those who swear by third-party routing systems think twice. At long last, one automaker has figured out how to merge Google Maps with its own in-car solution, with 'Send To SYNC' allowing Bluetooth handset owners to dial up a route on their mobile and then beam that to their SYNC system once they've arrived in the vehicle. Once sent, the information is processed into audible turn-by-turn directions, and the driver can opt to have the route adjusted based on their SYNC driving preferences. Best of all, the feature's being added completely free of charge on existing 2010 and 2011 models equipped with SYNC TDI ("later this month," we're told), and there's no additional hardware or software to fret over. Ford's obviously the first to make such a bold move, but those other guys would be silly to simply sit around on the sidelines without playing copycat.
Utah woman sues Google after walking directions lead her to a highway
GPS directing motorists to do insane things like drive onto train tracks are nothing new -- we've been hearing tell of such things for years now. And while it can be fodder for a lot of humor, well, the people involved are operating heavy machinery, so in a way it's understandable... right? But a Utah woman is now suing Google over walking directions she got on her BlackBerry which directed her to walk onto a highway, which -- she says -- resulted in her getting hit by a car. According to the court docs, Lauren Rosenberg of Park City, Utah downloaded Google walking directions from one part of town to another, and these directions included walking on Utah State Route 224 -- a major road sans sidewalks. Rather than try to re-route, Lauren followed the directions, and was promptly struck by a car. Rosenberg is now suing Google for around $100,000. Of course, most users of Google's walking (or biking, or public transit) directions will probably have noted that they come with a warning -- "Walking directions are in beta. Use caution – This route may be missing sidewalks or pedestrian paths," so we're not sure how far Rosenberg's case will go, but take this as a cautionary tale, will you? Please.
Google partnership has GM OnStar exploring Maps, open APIs and more
In a move that could shape the mobile landscape -- or simply suck down cash, of course -- General Motors just revealed that Google was its mysterious infotainment partner. In the final hours before Google I/O, we sat down with GM VP Nick Pudar to tell us what the future thus holds for OnStar. As we saw in January, GM's already developing smartphone apps for the Chevy Volt on iPhone, Blackberry and Android that will let you remotely lock doors, honk the horn, check tire pressure and more.... But sometime after the Volt launches, Google Maps Navigation will be integrated into the smartphone app, and we got a hands-on tour. Check out the new interface and hear about GM's strategy after the break.
Google Maps for Android adds bike routes, sharing, dedicated navigation icon
If you're running an Android phone and you're lucky enough to be using 1.6 or above (our deepest apologies, CLIQ owners), we might recommend you pop open the Market and score the latest version of Google Maps that just launched today. What's new? It adds support for bicycle routing (something they've had on the desktop for a while now) and sharing of destinations via the usual array of mediums like email, Facebook, Twitter, and so on, but the most significant change might also be the smallest: the addition of a dedicated icon for Google Maps Navigation. The product is still in beta, but this seems like an early sign that it's starting to come of age -- and on a more practical level, this obviously makes it quite a bit easier to launch right into a route when you saddle up in the car. Anywho, Motorola, about that CLIQ update?
Google Maps Navigation could come to iPhone, other platforms soon
Ooh, goodie! Try as we may, we've yet to really find a (good) free alternative to Google Maps Navigation on the iPhone, and while Navigon's MobileNavigator gets our highest recommendations in the paid GPS department, Google's own turn-by-turn option is just about enough to make any iPhone-toting traveler jump ship and snag an Android handset. Thankfully for us all, it seems as if this predicament won't be nearly as trying in the near future, with the company's own Steve Lee confirming to TechRadar that Google Maps Navigation would be coming to "other platforms" in due time. MacUser specifically mentions the solution coming to iPhone OS, and frankly, we couldn't think of a better app to ship alongside version 4.0 than this. You're good at taking hints, right Goog?
Google brings free turn-by-turn Navigation to UK Androids (updated)
Talk about random gifts from the ether. British Android device owners are waking up this morning to discover their robot-themed operating system has gone and upgraded itself overnight. We've confirmed for ourselves that Google Maps Navigation -- yes, the free turn-by-turn stuff with voice directions -- has made its fully functional way across the Atlantic. This is the 4.1.1 Beta released on April 6 to US customers, but as we say, it's now working over in Blighty as well. We've tested it out on a Desire and Nexus One from HTC, with the latter offering the extra-cool option to orally instruct your Google search bar to "navigate to" your destination. Check out the gallery below for some visual edification. [Thanks, Tes] Update: We're now also sure the full Navigation service works on at least some Android 1.6 devices, such as the Dell Mini 5 and a reported Sony Ericsson X10 success over on the xda-developers thread. Update 2: Numerous users have reported successfully using turn-by-turn Navigation on the 4.1.0 version, leading us to believe that the capability was in the Google Maps app all along and it's only now that the company has chosen to activate it. If you aren't yet on board, direct your Android 1.6 or above device to the Android Market and get navigating.%Gallery-91312%
New European Mio Navman line uses Tom Tom maps, fails to mention Wordy Rappinghood
If you're in Europe, and you like getting from one place to the next as much as we do, you'll undoubtedly be delighted to know that Mio is unveiling three new Navman GPS systems, all of which feature Tom Tom's IQ Routes technology as well as Mio's LearnMe feature. Navman 575 (£149.99, or around $230) offers a 4.7-inch display, while users of the 470 and 475 models ($150) will have to make do with a 4.3-inch screen. Also included in this bonanza of navigation are a free year of real time traffic and safety camera info, Google Send-To-GPS (for sending Maps locations to the unit via USB), SiRFStar InstantFix, and more. Look for these to launch in May.
Google Maps 4.0 goes live for BlackBerry, brings voice search and Buzz support
BlackBerry users feeling left out in the cold by Google's breakneck release schedule for Maps on Android needn't fret anymore now that the shiny new 4.0 release has just broken cover today. What's new? Well, the biggies are support for voice search and full Buzz integration (broken into its own layer, so you don't have to deal with it if you don't care to), but they've also finally added in the Labs zone where new Maps features get incubated before going gold. It's available for download now, including support for the OS 5.0 builds that have been making the rounds lately.
Google Envelopes turns Gmail into snail mail, wraps it in precisely routed Maps printout
It's a fantasy come true for the avid nerd / traveler, but unfortunately for us, it's but a concept in its current form. Syracuse's own Rahul Mahtani and Yofred Moik have dreamed up Google Envelopes, and if brought to production, this might just make the USPS as relevant as it was during the heyday known as 1985. Put simply, the solution would involve a new 'Send Envelope' method of passing along a note penned in Gmail; when pressed, you'd get a printout of the message along with a specially crafted envelope, the latter of which really makes this idea shine. The envelope itself would be a Google Maps representation of the quickest route to transfer said message from you to the recipient if roadways and kayaks were used in place of fiber and coax, giving the receiver a crucially awesome keepsake each time you dropped him or her a line. Oh, and having an 'Avoid Tolls' option would just totally put it over the top -- even if were relegated to beta. [Thanks, Yofred]
Google Maps 4.1 for Android brings multiple account support, trippy live map wallpaper
Google's been iterating its Maps client for Android devices at a positively ridiculous pace lately, burning through versions 3.4 and 4.0 in a span of just a few days last month -- but hey, March is upon us, which apparently means it's time for another fresh cut. This time around we're looking at 4.1, though the mere 0.1 bump in the version number really doesn't do this thing justice -- they've redesigned the results screen, added a swipe gesture for moving between results, served up a new Latitude widget for the home screen, and brought in support for multiple Google accounts (for seeing different Buzz follows, for instance). The icing on the cake, though, is a new live wallpaper for Android 2.1 phones that's a live map of your location, which sounds absurdly awesome -- assuming it doesn't beat your battery to a bloody pulp with constant GPS access, of course. It's available now from the good ol' Market for devices running Android 1.6 and up, so if you're on a device that's still stuck on Cupcake, feel free to shake your fist angrily at the sky a couple times. Interestingly, Google specifically says that the live wallpaper feature works on "Android 2.1+" devices -- a sign that the next major build is around the corner, perhaps?
Google Maps adds bicycle directions, turns out its nothing like 'Quicksilver'
Enthusiasts have had plenty to cheer about with the convergence of electronics and bicycling over the years, from bikes that pedal themselves to the various devices and apps that assist them with their training. And for those of us who just want to get from one place to another? Google Maps has added bicycling directions to its walking, car, and public transport options -- with travel times calculated to include things like the number of hills and fatigue over time. But that ain't all! The company has also partnered with Rails-to-Trails to provide information on bike trails in more than 150 cities. According to Google, thousands of miles of trails in the US have already been added to the map, with more to come. For the time being, however, only those planning trips in their home or office need apply: while available on the web, those using a Google Maps smartphone app are being excluded for the time being. So much for "mobile first," guys. Video after the break.
Smartphone GPS shootout: Google, Ovi, and Verizon go head-to-head
It wasn't long ago that getting somewhere required a map on paper. You know, something you bought or that came groaning out of your tired old printer. GPS navigation units made those maps obsolete, but now they too are under threat. With smartphones invading pockets everywhere it's no surprise that their next assault would be on the dashboard, early volleys shaking up financial markets worldwide. That was just the beginning of a shock and awe campaign that will leave no automotive interior untouched -- and hopefully no driver unsure how many miles until the next Dunkin' Donuts. Google Navigation was the first to really shake things up, while Nokia's Ovi Maps is a more recent addition to the battlefield and the latest VZ Navigator, 5.0, lets Windows Mobile and BlackBerry users join the fray. We've taken this sampling of the best built-in smartphone navigation options (the set of paid add-on options for iPhone is a beast we'll be taming later), learning which you should trust to get you to where you're going and to dodge construction and traffic on the way there. Read on for a turn-by-turn exploration of each option's highs and lows. %Gallery-86386%
Google Maps 4.0 with Buzz support now available in Android Market
Looks like Android's getting in on the new Google Buzz party in more ways than one today -- in addition to support in the browser, Maps 4.0 is now in the Android Market and it's all Buzz-ed up and ready to go. We've heard from both Droid and G1 owners that it works on their devices, so we're guessing every other Android set out there running 1.6 or higher will work as well -- let us know if you find anything else cool, won't you? Same goes for you S60 and WinMo kids out there. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
