UPDATED: Google Maps For Android
| by Rob Jackson on June 15th, 2009 |
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Google Maps for Android is pretty awesome – I use it regularly as both a driver and pedestrian – and it just got a bunch better. Announced today on the Google Mobile Blog, a version of Google Maps is now available on the Android Market that includes updates such as Audio Search and Latitude improvements:
The search with voice works exceptionally from what I’ve tried thus far but I still have yet to tinker with the Google Latitude improvements. Also to note – Google Voice search recognizes only English but accounts for American, Australian and British accents which is a pretty slick.
Both transit and walking directions are available and Google now has public transportation routes available in 250+ cities. If you’ve ever been a tourist visiting New York unable to find the closest Subway station (not the type that sells $5 footlongs) this update could be just what you were looking for.
One experimental feature for latitude is called “Updates” and you can basically tag your location with a quick note or message that provides more insight into your current happenings. Unfortunately, to see this “Updates” feature your friends will need to have the new version of Google Maps for Android as well. I guess that is what you get with something experimental.
You HAVE to go to the Android Market to download the Google Maps for Android update so grab your Android Phone and search the market for Google Maps – pronto! You’ll be happy you did – I promise!
1. Bad Johnie wrote on June 15, 2009
Can’t voice search on Rogers in Canada. Any ideas why?
2. Darren wrote on June 15, 2009
Same here; in UK on Vodafone and my Maps update doesn’t have the search by voice function; the icon just isn’t there…
(and yes before anyone asks, I’ve definitely updated!)
3. Marcus wrote on June 15, 2009
Voice search not showing on mine. Uk T-mobile
4. Bad Johnie wrote on June 15, 2009
It didn’t show up in the original maps for Rogers in Canada either. I’m wondering if its only enabled for T-Mobile USA?
5. Neil wrote on June 15, 2009
Google maps is not showing up on my Android market. I’m with Fido in Canada. You other Canadians managed to find it?
6. jblaha wrote on June 15, 2009
here is the QR code to make finding it easier. http://qrcode.kaywa.com/img.php?s=8&d=market%3A%2F%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dpname%3Acom.google.android.apps.maps
I am surprised that it doesn’t remember the addresses if you re-click on the directions after mapping a route. It also does not give you the option for history of recent maps. Not sure I like having to push “Menu” in order to see the map once the directions have been printed. The rest looks great though.
7. Tyler wrote on June 15, 2009
Yea.. I have a US version with updated maps, and am also not seeing where/how to input via voice.. anyone?
8. Tyler wrote on June 15, 2009
Oh.. nevermind. I was trying to get to it via the directions button, but its only available when you click on Search.
9. RM wrote on June 15, 2009
The voice search shows up under the Search option, as a microphone next to the Google search box.
One thing still missing is a “Keep Centered” option, so your current location always stays in the middle of the map (highly desirable when you’re moving).
I don’t understand how the iPhone version has this and Android doesn’t.
10. Romeo wrote on June 15, 2009
Continue doing what your doing. Great tips!!!
11. Elmeraculous wrote on June 15, 2009
Voice Search here in Amsterdam, Holland. Auto centering still out? That sucks.. Too bad Street View is not in Map Mode anymore?! Weird… Long tap on map and presto..
12. Rob wrote on June 15, 2009
Awesome, my G1 didn’t have Latitude functionality but now it does following this update. I really like Latitude :-)
13. Corey wrote on June 15, 2009
What happened to Street View and Compass modes? They’re gone after I updated!
14. Marshall wrote on June 15, 2009
Found it and I have an unlocked and rooted phone running on the “Tigo” network in Honduras. So it should be out for anyone I would think.
15. Casper Babg wrote on June 15, 2009
Voice search does not work (no mike icon) in Denmark either. It would appear voice is conditionally enabled?!
16. Nik wrote on June 15, 2009
No Street View/Compass mode – very poor from Google. NEVER take away functionality. And for goodness sake, get the auto centering thing on!
17. SirFenwick wrote on June 15, 2009
Street View is still in. You have to press a street and hold it for more options to come up.
18. Thomas Riley wrote on June 15, 2009
Just to note, they have also released the Voice Search application which was already present on US G1 handsets in the UK Android market. All they need now is the voice dialler…
19. Tyler wrote on June 15, 2009
……and voice text message writing please!!
20. Sherif wrote on June 15, 2009
Amazing update, brings it in line with the iPhone version + more. I am really fond of it now, this is the level of Google integration I was looking for.
21. Ryandi wrote on June 15, 2009
cool for this..awesome job for google team :D
22. simon wrote on June 15, 2009
finally, it does irk me a little when software doesnt pick up the announciations properly. will be looking forward to using this feature.
Yay for recognition of the aussies.
23. PCTechNerd wrote on June 15, 2009
The “keep centered” option is in this update! I found it by mistake, but it makes things so much better!!!. To activate it, all you have to do, once you are on the map, is press menu and then press “my location”. it will pop to your location, and then keep your location centered on the map. It’s getting more and more efficient.
24. Toni wrote on June 16, 2009
Spanish Magic here, and no voice button anywhere…
Is it a requirement of v3.1 to live in certain country for the option to show up?
25. andy wrote on June 16, 2009
My biggest question yes great an update for google maps why can’t we get google earth and the iphone has this app what ???? Were did google went wrong am lost google phone ?? So sad.
26. YC wrote on June 16, 2009
Hi,
Thanks for the update. However, the download from the Android Market completes successfully, but when installing I get an error saying that “Installation Error: Package file was not signed correctly.”
Any ideas how to fix this? =(
27. arno wrote on June 16, 2009
Guys, the centered option would be wonderful, but stop whining about street view, it is still there. Once you press and hold your finger on a desired location on the map it will retrieve the approx address (how cool is that, the android version is not that retarded anymore) and when you click on that approx address it will give you the option for street view. With directions all you have to do is press and hold on the particular direction and I think it jumps into street view automatically. I hope this helps. I am so excited about the added functions, esp the transit!!! Yay!
28. RM wrote on June 16, 2009
PCTech, you’re right! The keep centered option works by pressing My Location!!! Thanks!
And…I *love* the new direction indicators showing which way you’re headed. Great update by Google.
29. SM wrote on June 16, 2009
I also get the “package file not signed correctly” error. What’s the deal?
30. Svenners wrote on June 16, 2009
All,
If you do not have the voice search capability visible, you probably need to download it from the Market. It is identified as “Google Search by voice”. Once you install this, you will be able to perform any Google or Google map searches by voice.
hope this helps.
Sven.
31. matt wrote on June 16, 2009
i dislike that you can no longer set Your Location as a starting point or destination point via Directions. Boo! That and when your using Traffic map, it says low memory or URL cannot be found. Work out the bugs google.
32. Bad Johnie wrote on June 16, 2009
Thanks for the suggestion svenners, but that app is not to be found in the market here in Canada. When I search for that, the only listing is “google maps” which I find mildly amusing.
33. Tsanger wrote on June 16, 2009
Bad Johnie, that is the update for v3.1. I downloaded it and installed succefully. The only problem is that it doesn’t have voice recognition. Not sure why, people say it is in the search function, there is suppose to be a mic beside the google search bar, but my phone, Rogers Canada Network, does not have that. Not sure why but hopefully they will fix it. As for street view, don’t care since there are no pictures taken here yet.
34. Traqr wrote on June 17, 2009
Can’t speak for Denmark etc. but bets-on for Canadian users – CRTC probably stepping in due to the “English Only” limitation on the current Voice app. I don’t understand the lack of a Compass, though…
35. Neil wrote on June 17, 2009
Thanks for the QR code Jblaha but it still doesn’t find it. It reports no matches found for the search pname:com.google.android.apps.maps. Have any Canadians found this app on the Android Market? Have any Fido users found it?
36. carsten wrote on June 17, 2009
I would also like to know why I can not search by voice (am in denmark and mic is absent in app) and if there is any solution to this.
37. Gavin wrote on June 18, 2009
Voice seems to only be available in US, WTH Google stop leaving the rest of the world out! ShopSavy is only good for scanning bar codes and even our cupcake doesn’t have the soft keyboard. Although the soft keyboard may not be a Google problem but a Rogers problem
38. steve wrote on July 9, 2009
You do need Google Voice Search installed if it is available to you.
39. Faithy wrote on August 22, 2009
Why can’t Google Map for Android phone give a voice… street by street turn? In some states its illegal to be looking at the phone while driving. Does anyone know when this feature will come available to Android phones?
40. Kevin wrote on November 10, 2009
HOW MUCH DATA DOWNLOAD FOR THE MAPS? I’m concerned on the limited amount of data that Verizon has on it’s restrictions and the size of the Google Maps that are downloaded.
41. killa wrote on November 20, 2009
Google maps can lick my testicles. What’s the point of no compass, or screen rotate. Google have let down their users badly on this one.
42. TJ wrote on December 21, 2009
PLEASE ADD FEATURE ( SAVE TO MY MAPS )
43. peter wrote on December 28, 2009
I have an archos 5 android but google won’t let me download google maps for some reason. Does anyone know a way around or a link to the apk file please. Thanks