Google Maps Update

[sbursik]

I see that Google Maps version 4.4.0 was released today.

 

[Lock-N-Load]

yeah, and?

 

[sranger]

It adds a cool new places app to your system. I guess it replaces the older Places Directory app. At least I think it is much better....

 

[binglejellsx2]

A lot of functionality has actually changed.

I liked the previous Labs version of "Places" which let me search by category without typing a search term.

The Labs feature for the arrow indicator is now gone (at least while sitting still), so now I can't use it like a compass. Odd, I just checked again while posting this and now the arrow must be default.

Also a lot of the menus are now white (seems like all of the Android menus are headed in this direction), but I prefer the black background for low light situations.

Search itself has changed, and now getting to Search by either the Menu option or the physical button is identical.

 

[haystak]

I think you can run it in the navigation view now without actually having a destination.

 

[messenger13]

I think you can run it in the navigation view now without actually having a destination.

I haven't tested it yet, but I've been waiting for this. North pointing up is a pain sometimes .... just show me where I'm going like any other GPS.

 

[RussianVodka]

Now I'm just waiting for the location markers to be fixed. Ever since they did away with TeleAtlas their locations have been off by roughly half a mile, making google maps useless in many situations.

 

[PackerFever]

I have a few qeustions about Google Earth and my Droid, which arrives today.

If I am out of cell phone range will the GPS still function well enough to be usable in the field? I would hope that the GPS Feature uses the satellites like my hand held GPS device I normally use for backpacking but will Google Maps still load if I am unable to receive internet on the phone in he middle of the desert or elsewhere? Can I cache maps on the device which will then show me correct info in the field?

 

[RussianVodka]

You will be able to use GPS, but if you don't have internet I don't think the maps will load. I think you may be able to remember locations based on GPS and then have them overlayed on the map after you get an internet connection.

 

[digitalscorpion]

Did my MAPs update this morning, did everyone notice the TWO more apps you now have? "places" and "latitude". In a way I wish they didnt just add NEW apps just cause you updated one. What exactly is the purpose of the standalone Latitude app anyways?? Same function is found just by using the app MAPs and selecting latitude.

 

[smfoley1]

I dont see "places" and I had latitude before the update.

 

[digitalscorpion]

Oh... rooted? Im on stock droid 2.1, "places" in my app list. Red marker looking icon.
Do you see the purpose of this latitude app? I sure dont.

 

[smfoley1]

no, Im not rooted.
and as far as the latitude app, its kind of cool.
I was on a road trip with some family and we were in three different vehicles. We all turned on our Latitude and we could see where each of us was and how far behind/ahead each of us was.

 

[digitalscorpion]

Sorry, not questioning its purpose/function, but... We can use latitude within the Maps app, not sure why google needed to give us a seperate icon/app for it. The updates always seem to be quite large too. Google should leave some space for our stuff tooo

 

[LZeitgeist]

I hadn't heard about the update, then I clicked on this thread, and got an update notification while I was reading it. LOL!

I love the updates so far, looking through the new options - I probably won't use the Latitude app, but the Places app would have come in GREAT use over the weekend. Wish I'd had it then.

 

[thepcpilot]

I had gotten a notification about the google maps update, But I accidentally
cleared it. How can i get the update now? Tried the software update under settings
but it didn't find any updates.

 

[LZeitgeist]

Open your apps menu, click on the Market app, then press your Menu key. The center selection that comes up will be Downloads. Press that and it shows the apps that have avalable updates at the top of the list.

 

[binglejellsx2]

Ah, didn't notice the new Places app icon. I had Places a long time ago, but deleted it when Maps added it as a Labs option. I guess it's back for good...

 

[Lock-N-Load]

I have a few qeustions about Google Earth and my Droid, which arrives today.

If I am out of cell phone range will the GPS still function well enough to be usable in the field? I would hope that the GPS Feature uses the satellites like my hand held GPS device I normally use for backpacking but will Google Maps still load if I am unable to receive internet on the phone in he middle of the desert or elsewhere? Can I cache maps on the device which will then show me correct info in the field?

I have used the GPS function at 12,13,14 thousand feet in colorado hiking, running, mountain biking in valleys and deep tree coverage. However, if you dont have a cell/internet connection you will not get the map to update as you move along. and GM does not cache maps.

your going to want to look into an app called MyTracks to track all of your hikes and such and then when you come back to an area with a cell signal, it it will place the maps of course. and naturally, this app does not even use GM.

 

[Lock-N-Load]

Did my MAPs update this morning, did everyone notice the TWO more apps you now have? "places" and "latitude". In a way I wish they didnt just add NEW apps just cause you updated one. What exactly is the purpose of the standalone Latitude app anyways?? Same function is found just by using the app MAPs and selecting latitude.

I dont see "places" and I had latitude before the update.

That stand alone Places is odd when Google already has a stand alone app called "Places Directory"... not sure the point of 2 apps that do the same thing both by Google???? Places also now has ads in it amongst the results. lame. and it cannot be deleted.

Latitude app is new for me, and I hate the fact it is a stand alone app now and that it cannot be deleted. ugh. worthless.

these 2 pieces were a bad move on their end.

 

[PackerFever]

I have used the GPS function at 12,13,14 thousand feet in colorado hiking, running, mountain biking in valleys and deep tree coverage. However, if you dont have a cell/internet connection you will not get the map to update as you move along. and GM does not cache maps.

your going to want to look into an app called MyTracks to track all of your hikes and such and then when you come back to an area with a cell signal, it it will place the maps of course. and naturally, this app does not even use GM.

Thanks. I live in Colorado at 9603 ft and it and usually do not have too many problems getting a strong signal at the top of the mountains...it's the Valleys in CO that get blocked from cell signals more. However, my question is more directly about backpacking, like say in Utah. GPS signal is fine, cell signal is this part of the desert is non existant. In some areas closer to moab or other local towns may have a good signal but not as deep into the canyons as we like to go. All I want to be able to do is look on a google map to show me where I am at the time. So far most of the apps seem to have the ability to show you where you have been after the fact. I do carry a Garmin radio/gps but the unit is a couple years old and only shows a topo map style drawing...google shows a lot more.

No big deal, as all backpackers should know, always carry paper maps and do not depend on electronics to be your sole source of info in the filed..that is how people get lost, once the batteries drain or something breaks, then what do you do?

 

[Chuck1906]

The Traffic layer was real helpful today as I went on a road trip to VA. I could look at the map and see where the congested traffic was and avoid it! I do have a few wishes and if these already exist, could someone let me know.

* My Location - would like it to display my exact location as in the address, city and state and not just show me where I am on the map.

* To be able to manually locate something on the map then tap the screen to place a marker where you want and then have an option to Navigate to that location from your current location.

 

[LZeitgeist]

The Traffic layer was real helpful today as I went on a road trip to VA. I could look at the map and see where the congested traffic was and avoid it! I do have a few wishes and if these already exist, could someone let me know.

* To be able to manually locate something on the map then tap the screen to place a marker where you want and then have an option to Navigate to that location from your current location.

You can 'Navigate to Point On Map' if you activate the regular Google Maps app (or select View Map from the Car Home app). Press the Menu key, then the Destination button - when it asks for your destination, tap the icon to the right of the text window and it will give you the option of tapping a point on the map to navigate to.

 

[skipcooney]

Thanks. I live in Colorado at 9603 ft and it and usually do not have too many problems getting a strong signal at the top of the mountains...it's the Valleys in CO that get blocked from cell signals more. However, my question is more directly about backpacking, like say in Utah. GPS signal is fine, cell signal is this part of the desert is non existant. In some areas closer to moab or other local towns may have a good signal but not as deep into the canyons as we like to go. All I want to be able to do is look on a google map to show me where I am at the time. So far most of the apps seem to have the ability to show you where you have been after the fact. I do carry a Garmin radio/gps but the unit is a couple years old and only shows a topo map style drawing...google shows a lot more.

No big deal, as all backpackers should know, always carry paper maps and do not depend on electronics to be your sole source of info in the filed..that is how people get lost, once the batteries drain or something breaks, then what do you do?

MapDroyd in the Marketplace will let you download maps before you go out and will display your location on these maps using GPS. The maps are fairly crude but better than nothing.

 

[x026092]

I would really like to have "my maps" sync to my Droid.. Is this possible?