Google has quietly released an updated version the S60 on Symbian version of its Google Maps for Mobile application. The new version, 3.2.0, adds a 'Layers' feature which helps organise the information displayed on top of the map (including the existing Latitude, Driving Directions and Traffic functionality). However Layers also gives access to entirely new information including a Transit Lines (e.g. London Underground), Wikipedia and My Maps (user generated content) overlays. Read on for more details and screenshots.
Read on in the full article.
This update is the first app on my N97 to crash in six weeks use.
"Google have, de facto, created a system to let you sync locations between the web and the phone..."
I would like to mention that in maps.ovi.com you can add favorites and routes on the web and then sync your phone(s) from within ovimaps, those favorites are available both for ovi maps and google maps.
It goes both ways, favorites added in gmaps/omaps will be synced back to maps.ovi.com.
Google maps has by far the better web interface, but its rather convenient when planning road trips to be able to set favorites for your destination hotel and conference locations while home on a full browser, then just have them synced to the phone, and while a broad gmaps isnt really an option since you cant preload maps.
strange. i get a 404 not found error for both apps when i go to the mobile site. at first i only tried the youtube site, and it detects and asks me to install v2.2.9 or whatever. but the install link returns a 404 not found. identical thing happens with maps.
i waited an hour and still get the error.
google maps is convinient in searching for a place or location. But the interface is better on ovi maps and moreover nothing has to be downloaded
Google maps is fundamentally flawed by its need to be online.
@RogerPodacter - what country are you in and which URL did you go to? m.google.com/maps works for me.
@mcpezza - where did it crash, during install, loading, or use?
Google maps is really amazing... I just wish they started selling full GPS navigation system with voice directions.
I don't know why other GPS mapping software can't reproduce the same sophistication?
POI, searches, mapping etc.
Unregistered wrote:@RogerPodacter - what country are you in and which URL did you go to? m.google.com/maps works for me.@mcpezza - where did it crash, during install, loading, or use?
Loads from icon touch. Shows my location on map then closes. First install asked if I wanted to delete the previous version which I OK'd. After installation opened, then it closed itself, I then deleted using App Manager, re-installed from the Google website, link SMS'd to phone. (m.google.co.uk/?dc=gmm). No change. mmm, have to use Ovi maps tomorrow!
Google Maps crashes on your N97? Weird.
Got the "file corrupt" message when I tried to install directly from the webpage (is this due to the way the browser handles sisx attachments?), but clicked the "if it doesn't download automatically" link and it automatically installed over the top of a previous version and works fine. But took an absolute age - in the order of NGage.
Am now (finally!) on Firmware11 - maybe that's an issue for you?
Finally and works really well on my i8910.
As the layers allows me to use my personal map on which I store my favourites, I no longer have to be concerned that after most updates to the software I won't lose all the local favourites - plus it means other of my devices can share the same ones 😎
I do agree though that it's biggest flaw is the lack of local maps - even caching visited areas would be a start. That's why I was happy I could hack my phone to allow me to run Ovi Maps - it hands down better than the bag of sh*te that came with the phone (I've even forgotten what it was called), and means when away from my local provider with unlimited data, I can still get maps.
Installed the new version and now I get the 'Network Unavailable' message 😞
Fixed! Just removed all redundant access points to leave my home WLAN and O2 mobile web. Now works fine 😊
The previous version ran on my i8910 (but I couldnt access the menus etc as my keyboard wasn't displayed). I removed the old version and installed the update. It gives an unexpected beep during installation (and flashed a message thats too fast to read). It starts OK but crashes every time its run - shortly after startup. Any ideas?😡
On n97 when I select "change connection" I get nothing.... The app seems to be using my default destination. How is it possible to change connection to my home wifi for example? The sma problems seems to happen in the new youtube app...
Hi, yeah, change connection does nothing. If you go Settings -> Connectivity -> Destinations -> Internet you can change the access points that are tried. Remove ones you will not use anymore, and if that does not work try changing the priority of either the WLAN or the mobile web connection you want to connect to.
HTH
Unregistered wrote:Google maps is fundamentally flawed by its need to be online.
Not really the case - it isn't going directly for the GPS/Routing market, its going for browsing maps, getting general information.
Just installed it on my N95, and its absolutely fantastic.
Its the on-line facility that allows it to have access to the millions of wikipedia articles (not possible on other applications).
Only catch is that you need a data plan.
well i just installed on my nokia n85 and it looks goog.
but when shall we get auto rotate on google maps!!!????
once we are thru with this ..... we can easily bid bye bye to licence based nokia maps!!!!!!
i just love goooooogle!!!
I guess the update is nice, but damn the color of the favorites icons and the overall look
just seems old on my E71. The previous version with the more dynamic yellow looked much better. It just looks stale. Is google trying to make S60 look less friendly?