There You Are! MapQuest For Android Adds Skyhook Support
Rob Jackson
Two years ago Mapquest.com was optimized for Android but Mapquesters would have to wait until February 2011 – just a few months ago – to enjoy a native Android Application. The app offers turn-by-turn directions with voice assistance, voice search, live traffic and everything you could expect from a top-of-the-line navigation app. Just like Google Navigation, it’s free, giving you a decent reason to test it out. Today MapQuest gives you another reason – they’ve integrated Skyhook.
Have you ever jumped in your car, entered navigation directions, started driving and then realize you’ve got to drive in circles for a minute or two while the GPS satellites find your position? Skyhook integration helps reduce the time you wait, even when you’re in a parking garage or another location where GPS service isn’t superb.
Android typically works by relying on two methods to determine your location:
GPS location
When GPS unavailable, Network location
Network location is notoriously inaccurate. Skyhook has created an algorithym that uses information such as cell tower location, nearby Wi-Fi hotspots and other data your phone collects to more accurately and more quickly pinpoint your location. If the waiting often irritates you, give Mapquest a whirl and let us know if Skyhook integration helps ease your frustration at all.
And while we’re at it… Google Navigation or MapQuest?
