We live in the age of tech-overload. We buy it just to have it. But can you actually use it? Here's some great tips & answers in plain-English from e-guru Kenny Jahng on getting the most out of the gadgets & technology that surrounds us.
One of the best applications that I had on my Treo 650 was the GoogleMaps application. It was simply amazing and incredibly useful + practicle. Just like on the desktop, Google Maps on the Treo allowed me to tap & drap the map around and it would auto-refresh the screen. True to Google Maps’s features, it also allowed me to see the satellite version of the map as well. And for directions, it was awesome — it would highlight the route and allow me to tap a key to get to the “next step” on the directions to the destination. Basically, it’s like manual GPS in your pocket at anytime.
When I bought the Samsung i607 Blackjack on the Cingular Network (which is now free after rebate), one of the first applications I tried out was of course GoogleMaps. However, it didn’t work….or at least it was rendered unusable because of a java hiccup with the Windows Mobile 5 platform, you had an “authorize” pop-up every 2 seconds which was not only annoying, but impossible to get to a map. There’s an actual work around, which entails downloading another Java environment, etc. Which I was prepared to do this week finally.
BUT, voila! Google to the rescue! I did not need to create the work-around!!!!! They just released this month a version of GoogleMaps Mobile for Windows Mobile specifically for me! :-) “Yahooooooooo!” I screamed with joy. And as an added bonus, I was able to install it on my MicroSD card, not on the phone itself!!!!!
Why am I so happy? Here’s what Google themselves say I’ll love on the download page – and I agree:
EASIEST WAY TO INSTALL GOOGLE MAPS MOBILE ON THE SAMSUNG BLACKJACK
Notice the “DO NOT OPERATE WHILE DRIVING” warning…when else would you use it however?
The ALTERNATIVE WAY TO INSTALL GOOGLE MAPS MOBILE is to download the file directly from http://www.google.com/gmm to your hard drive on your computer, and then move it to your device/card via ActiveSync for installation. However, that’s a little pain in the neck when you already have a browser built into the device….just my $0.02!
ENJOY! Have you tried this out? What’s your favorite part of Google Maps Mobile? I’ve also installed MS Live Maps, and wonder which one is better…I guess I’ll have to try both for awhile to find out.
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April 22nd, 2007 at 8:30 pm
sounds great but what about the high fees that cingular charges for net access? a great deal more than t-mobile.
Don
April 23rd, 2007 at 9:37 am
Don, the unlimited data plan on AT&T Wireless / Cingular is only $39/month, which is really not bad considering you get a MUCH bigger network, access to 3G data networks (read: MUCH FASTER). There’s some posts on various threads that you can get away with the MediaMax plan which is only $19.99 and you still gain access to unlimited web surfing + email + a big bucket of SMS messaging. But I haven’t been able to confirm it yet.
May 17th, 2007 at 5:53 pm
[...] GoogleMaps on the cell phone also have live traffic indications if you’re browsing while driving (not recommended!). But voice is the killer app, so there’s 2 other services that you really should know about. . . [...]
May 20th, 2007 at 9:42 am
I agree, but have not found a way to get GPS working. I bought the BT-359 from Cingular. The BT connection works, but gmm does not recognize the GPS unit. Anyone out there that can provide directions?
May 21st, 2007 at 8:16 am
[...] Beside the point that I think everyone knows that if you show a photo of a pda/smartphone/cell phone with a qwerty keyboard that email is one of the things it can do. How about showcasing things you can do on your Blackjack that you never knew or thought about regarding cell phones? Like live streaming TV & video. Or XM satellite radio? Or access any of 2 million+ songs? Or interactive maps with real-time traffic? Or that your Blackjack IS an mp3 player that makes carrying your iPod totally unnecessary? Or take real video clips that’s limited in length only by the memory card you have? Or watching your tivo recordings on your cell phone? Or listen to audiobooks to kill time during your commute? Or get free 411 directory assistance? Or use it as a wireless near-dsl speed modem for your laptop? Or sync not only your email, contacts, tasks, calendar, but also sync FILES (like a flash drive!)? Or simply that’s it’s the best-selling smartphone right now? Or you can get instant traffic, weather and other local news from tv stations? Or convert your home movies or any other video files for that matter to watch on your Blackjack? Or that you can tell your Blackjack to do things and it will listen? Or… [...]
September 7th, 2007 at 7:00 am
[...] I personally use Google Maps Mobile on my Blackjack when I don’t have my GPS device in the car. If I had a GPS receiver attached, it supposedly would auto-update the position on the map. It would lack the voice directions and nifty classic GPS device screen directions, but would do the trick. The advantage Smart2Go maps would have over Google Maps or Live Maps on the cell phone is that you’re not dependent on the cell phone signal since the maps are pre-loaded on the device. You won’t be waiting ever for the maps to refresh as you move along the road and you won’t have to manually “page” through to the next step in the directions. [...]
September 17th, 2007 at 5:37 pm
[...] Of course if you can use Google Maps on most phones — and even use the GPS in your phone if you have it — like the N95 or Blackberry Curve. [...]