MapsApp
Latest
Waze's maps and traffic app gets a cleaner and smarter design
Waze is one of the most popular maps and traffic apps on iOS and Android. For good reason, too: It's fast, intuitive and, often times, more accurate than the highly rated Google Maps. Today, Waze's making its mobile application even better, thanks to an overhaul designed to offer a cleaner, prettier user interface and quicker access to useful actions. With a single tap, you can now send directions, location or estimated time of arrival to your contacts. You can also get traffic-based reminders, making it easier to get to any destination on time -- as long as your calendar is synced with Waze. Last but not least, this new version of the app "significantly" reduces battery consumption, according to the company; if true, that'll definitely be appreciated by users who rely on the app for their daily commutes or casual trips. The 4.0 update is already available for iOS, while Android's expected to get it "soon."
Video tip: Sending directions from OS X Mavericks Maps app to your iPhone
If you have a Mac equipped with OS X Mavericks and an iPhone with iOS 7, you can search for directions with the Maps app on your Mac and then send them to your iPhone. It's a great demonstration of how the two operating systems work together, and it can help you find your way as well. As with all of our video tips, this one can be easily expanded to full-screen for easier viewing.
Daily Update for December 18, 2012
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for daily listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen. Subscribe via RSS
Apple may be looking to Foursquare for data-sharing deal
One complaint often voiced by users of Apple's iOS Maps app is that it doesn't have a very good POI (point of interest) database. That issue may become a thing of the past, as Apple is apparently in early discussions with Foursquare Labs to provide local data about businesses and restaurants. According to the Wall Street Journal, Apple Senior Vice President Eddy Cue has met with Foursquare execs over the last few weeks. Apple is reportedly talking with a number of companies that have captured POI information in order to provide more accurate and useful information in the Maps app. If you're unfamiliar with Foursquare, it was one of the first apps to allow users to "check in" at local businesses. As a result of all of those check-ins, Foursquare has built a huge database not only of locations, but of the relative popularity of those locations and of user-generated tips. Any deal between the two companies could not only help Apple fix some of the issues with the Maps app, but also provide a boost to Foursquare. The company's fortunes have fallen flat lately as competitors like Facebook add similar check-in functionality to their apps. [via MacRumors]
Daily Update for December 6, 2012
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for daily listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen. Subscribe via RSS
Daily Update for November 27, 2012
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for daily listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen. Subscribe via RSS
Nokia inks deals to be maps force behind BMW 7-series, bring guidance to new Garmin apps
While all the talk of late is about Cupertino's newfangled Maps application, Nokia's currently keeping busy by doing some behind-the-scenes legwork, including signing new deals with car and navigation system manufacturers. Most recently, the Finnish company announced it's partnering with BMW to power the "next-generation" navigation system in the upcoming 7-series, which will bring features like Enhanced 3D City Models and an Eco Pro Route that chooses the most fuel-efficient way to get you to your destination. In addition to the BMW alliance, though, Nokia has also teamed up with Garmin to bring Transit and Pedestrian maps in the form of an Urban Guidance feature that will be available on iOS and Android devices. For those interested in learning more, the pressers below will fill you in on all the nitty-gritty.
Google Maps for Android gets updated, improves battery life for Latitude, location history users
Okay, this may not bring the most sweeping changes in the history of the Google Maps application, but who can say no to the promise of better battery life? The fresh update to the Android app, version 6.3 to be exact, brings along the customary bug fixes. And, for those of you using the Latitude and location history features, you should notice some improvements in the juice department -- because you need all the power you can get when stalking folks all over town. We know you're eager to get past VIP status and become the Guru at the local watering hole, so head on down to the source link and get the update to make it happen.
