Google Maps for BlackBerry updated to V4.0. Adds Search by Voice feature and more.
When talking to some BlackBerry users who are thinking about moving to another smartphone, I usually ask one simple question. What is one of the features on the other smartphone that you wish BlackBerry devices had (other than some of the apps). The most common response has been that they wish they could have Google maps on their BlackBerry. The fact that many BlackBerry users don’t know that there is a Google Maps BlackBerry App is not a surprise since on some of the most popular Smartphones Google Maps comes pre-installed. Most carriers generally install their own navigation/map software on the BlackBerry and charge a $9.99 monthly fee to use it, but to be fair, the mapping software from the carriers does offer verbal turn-by-turn directions. Today, Google updated their Google Maps for BlackBerry app, and added a few new features. Let’s see what’s new..
Google has added a nice little add-on to the Google Maps for BlackBerry app by adding a “Search by Voice†feature. According to the Google Mobile Development team:
Search by voice is designed to help save your overworked thumbs. Simply press and hold the green “call†button, speak your search, and see your results quickly appear without typing a single letter. Try it now for any search, like the name of my favorite hometown pizza place, “Punch Pizza in Minneapolis.†You can also search by voice for addresses like “802 Washington Avenue Southeast†or search for other another pizza place to try by speaking, “pizza restaurants.†Currently supported languages include multiple English accents and Mandarin Chinese.
If you are a Google Buzz user, Google also has added Google Buzz for mobile. You can use the Google Buzz layer to see what’s going on around you or to post to the layer yourself. Check out the many ways to explore the Buzz layer in Google Maps for mobile, including sharing pictures, news, and more. From the Maps main menu, select “Layers > Buzz†to enable the layer; open the menu and select “Post Buzz†to add your own public post from a location or place.
Ready for a little more? Google also introduces a few more new features such as:
- Use Labs to try experimental features like the Scale Bar or Terrain layer (great for hiking enthusiasts!).
- See nearby businesses at an address or location by selecting a point from the map.
- Report a problem with the map data or a business listing.
These are the new features that are great assets to the Google Maps current features: My Location, Business listings, Business reviews, Driving directions, Transit and walking directions, Latitude, Layers, Street View, Satellite view, Traffic, and My Maps. Google Maps also works with your BlackBerry address book and will map an address directly from the contact information screen just by hitting the menu button.
To download the latest version of Google Maps for BlackBerry, go to m.Google.com/maps with your BlackBerry internet web browser.
