In our first review we are going to check out a very famous application – Google Maps. When using a computer Google Maps is always my first choice for planning routes or just looking for business nearby. Let’s see how it works on a smartphone.
Review conditions
In the review we were running the latest version of Google Maps (2.0.7) on a Nokia E65. To use Google Maps on your smartphone you need an internet connection, on the one hand to install the application and on the other hand to use it, because Google Maps streams requested data to you phone.
Installation
Installing Google Maps on your phone is very easy. At first you have to visit “www.google.com/gmm” in your browser. Just click the download button. When the installation file is completely downloaded the setup starts. Just continue with two clicks and you are done. The Google Maps icon shows up in your program folder.
First view
After the first start of the application you will be shown the disclaimer. Then you have to choose your preferred internet connection. When the connection is established you can go and browse the maps you want. If you don’t want to establish an internet connection Google Maps will shut down immediately. My first impression was, that Google Maps on a smartphone is not significantly slower than on a computer. Searching works very good, as well as scrolling around and browsing the maps.
Main features
One of the main application areas of Google Maps is the satellite view. You can see almost every place of the world on rather good satellite pictures. Most cities offer a decent zoom level where you can see details like cars or even people walking around. That is mostly like Google Maps on a computer.
In addition to that it is possible to plan routes via Google Maps. In the menu choose directions and enter your start and end address. The application will offer you the best way immediately. You can either view the text-based Route Overview or click through the single instructions in the map with the keys [4] and [6]. The Route Overview shows the distance of the route and the time you will need to complete it. Everything you need.
Another nice feature is looking for businesses nearby. You don’t know where you are? Use My Location to view your location approximately, even with a phone not supporting GPS. It takes information broadcast from mobile towers near you to approximate your current location on the map. In the search box just enter what you are looking for. The results are very satisfying, just take a look at the screenshots. Here we also have detailed information like address, phone number or website. Clicking the search results through in the map with the keys [4] and [6] is possible, too.
Handling
To control Google Maps you just need to know a few neat shortcuts. Use [1] and [3] to zoom in and out, [2] to toggle between satellite and map view or [0] to view your current location. The keys [4] and [6] are for scrolling through search results or directions. Moving around the map is also very easy using the direction keys of your phone. All in all it offers a very google-like handling.
Weaknesses
I have nothing to complain about in Google Maps for mobile phones. If I had to tell you something to improve this application, it would be to be able to choose whether to use faster or shorter routes in Directions. But taking into account that Google Maps is no navigation system that would be pretty overdone.
Conclusion
Google Maps is definitely a must-have for every owner of a symbian smartphone. It is a fast application written in native code. Despite the ease of use Google Maps comes with a lot of great features like My Location or the use of bluetooth GPS devices. Furthermore there is detailed documentation in the program. 5 of 5 stars!
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
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Hi Matt,
Yes, that is a disadvantage in using Google Maps. During installation, the application gives a warning that you need an unlimited data plan to lower the cost of using Google Maps.
I like to use Nokia Maps but I found that its not as accurate as Google Maps, in India. Google Maps is incredibly accurate! So I use Google Maps to locate the address and then use Nokia Maps to give me a turn-by-turn Navigation. That works out cheaper for me.
If you need to have turn-by-turn navigation on Nokia Maps, there is a subscription fee.
Have fun.
Don’t you think it’s a weakness that the phone must be connected to the internet to use google maps? I find that a HUGE weakness. It means your mobile is useless without network coverage… For instance, I live in China but recently traveled to the LA area. At my friends house I downloaded all the maps of the area in Nokia maps over the Wi-Fi and was able to navigate the city all day, without first buying a SIM card. With google maps, this is impossible.
very good
Excelent
Thanks a lot for the cool review!