GPS information

GoogleMaps has been updated with a new Layer feature. The new same feature allows you to see multiple content at any one time. Nice addition as it can sometimes annoy when one must remove local landmarks to search for something in particular. Out now for Symbian and windows Mobile, check after the break for a rundown of the new features and some bug fixes.

New features

• Layers: Layers (’2? shortcut key) allow you to view locations and additional info overlaid on the map. You can add multiple layers or remove only certain layers so you control exactly what information you want visible on the map at the same time. Familiar info now available as layers include search results, Traffic (with new traffic incident icons and info), Directions, and Google Latitude. New available layers include My Maps (view-only), Transit lines (w/upcoming station departure info where available), and Wikipedia.
• Browse categories: Browse popular categories from the Search menu to search the map for businesses or points of interest by type. Category searches are currently available only for results in the US and China.
• Additional search results: When you search the map, Maps for mobile will now show you additional search results beyond the top ten results. The additional results will appear as “dots” on the map that you can select to see more info. As you pan the map, more search results will appear. Just zoom in to select a specific dot if there are lots of results for your search.
• My Maps: Add the My Maps layer from the Layers menu and sign in to your Google Account to access your custom My Maps created and edited from your computer. My Maps are currently view-only from Google Maps for mobile. You cannot create or edit your My Maps.

Fixed issues

• Symbian S60: E61, E61i, and E62 devices: Shortcut keys work properly using the standard numeric shortcuts. Previously, shortcut keys were not working as intended on these devices.
• Windows Mobile: Copy and paste has been re-enabled for most text entry fields (Search, directions, and user name)Troubleshooting
  • Symbian S60
    • N82 and N95 devices: we strongly encourage that you back up your device and consider upgrading to the latest device firmware version (see http://nokia.com/softwareupdate). A very small number of users report experiencing a device hang during installation, and we haven’t yet been able to reproduce this in the lab or determine the exact cause.
    • For some S60 3rd ed. FP2 phones (Nokia 5320 XpressMusic, 6210 Navigator, 6220 Classic, 6650, N78, N79, N85, N96, N96-3), you may need to set a default destination using the following steps: Go to Settings > Connection > Destinations > Options > Default connection. Select “Internet” (if you have it) or whichever APN group you want it to use.
  • Windows Mobile
    • If you install Maps for mobile to your memory card instead of your device memory, you may experience issues due to a corrupt memory card or files. Please try a clean install using these instructions if you experience errors during installation:
      1. Uninstall Maps for mobile by going to Settings > Systems > Remove Programs > Google Maps.
      2. Do a soft reset / power off.
      3. Delete any remaining files under “Program FilesGoogleMaps” (if installed in the internal memory) or “Storage CardProgram FilesGoogleMaps” (if installed in an external memory card).
      4. Delete any remaining files under “Application DataGoogleMaps” (if installed in the internal memory) or “Storage CardApplication DataGoogleMaps” (if installed in an external memory card).
      5. After that, re-install the latest version from m.google.com/maps
    • Some users may see scrambled text upon loading Maps for mobile the first time after installation. Please try rebooting your phone first and seeing if this issue persists.

[Via Tiltmobility]

news gadgets

GPS maker Navigon has announced it will release an iPhone version of its MobileNavigator software later this month after the iPhone 3.0 operating system is released. Like TomTom’s newly announced navigation app, Navigon’s paid iPhone app provides turn-by-turn directions, but will also provide some of its proprietary features such as Reality View, Lane Assist and speed camera notifications.

Users will be able to simultaneously navigate and listen to music in their iPhone’s library, plot routes to contact addresses and automatically resume navigation after taking a phone call.

Navigon hasn’t announced how much its paid app will cost, but it will also offer a free Lite version that simply provides map and POI search without real-time navigation. The company also hasn’t given any indication as to if it’ll release a dash or windshield mounting accessory like TomTom, but it wouldn’t surprise me.