 A quick technorati search on Friday seemed to indicate that Google Maps Mobile has received some kind of update - this was confirmed on Saturday from Ed Parsons of Google UK - looks like we tried the new Google Maps Mobile S60 version before it was even announced!
According to some blogs, Google maps mobile has been optimized to run much better on Symbian S60 smartphones (think Nokia N95) So, curiosity got the better of me and I ran off immediately to grab it... I currently run Nokia Maps which comes "stock" on the N95.
I went to http://www.google.com/mobile/gmm/index.html and then registered for the latest download. I immediately received a txt message where I could access the app via mobile download (you gotta love all you can eat data plans ;0) I downloaded gmaps mobile (1.7), installed, and loaded her up (about 1 minute later). The app started me off in London (why??) but then I simply requested that my location be updated... low and behold in about 2 seconds the map centers on my current position (likely grabbed from cell fix) and the little blue dot appears close to my location. Then I browse around, switch to satellite image mode, and then even viewed current traffic conditions on I-25 - something that's crucial here as it can easily be a parking lot!
I then tested the search utility and it works very well as I entered "pizza" and received an update of pizza shops close to my location. I can optionally view a textual list of all the hits (along with address and phone number)
Features avaialble from this version of g maps mobile include:
- view street map mode
- satellite image mode
- search (POIs)
- navigation & directions
The latest Gmaps Mobile is simple, effective and it works... simply put, the latest Google maps mobile on Symbian S60 is freaking awesome! It's fast, intelligent, and it does what it should - something I want in any mobile app.
I'll be testing some more this week-end so stay tuned. Screen shots and more details are now up on the gisuser flickr - see http://www.flickr.com/photos/gisuser/sets/72157602390210155/
Images from the Google Maps Mobile Test:
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