Catch Up With Updates To The Google Maps Application: Sync Favorites, Maps & Add Layers

by Mike Macias on January 8, 2010

It’s been awhile since I mentioned the Google Maps application that I use so often on my N97. Since that time it’s received some huge updates that I’ve been meaning to share with you N97 Fanatics! Almost on a daily basis I open it up to search for a gas station, local pub, bank, or a place to buy flowers. At the same time I get the phone number, directions, reviews, etc. It’s really astonishing. I even save my favorite places for later viewing and use.

I don’t only use Google Maps on my smartphone. I also use the powerful web application on my computer to find all the same places. What if you can sync those places, directions, maps, etc. between computer and N97? Well if you haven’t updated to the latest version in awhile, then you’re really missing out.

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From the Google Mobile Blog:

Google Maps for mobile has long allowed you to add stars on a map to mark your favorite places. You may have noticed a few months ago that Google Maps for desktop browsers introduced the ability to star places as well. Unfortunately, there was no way to keep these starred places in sync with Google Maps on your phone. With today’s release of Google Maps for mobile 3.3 on Windows Mobile and Symbian phones, you’ll now be able to keep the starred places on your phone and on your computer completely synchronized. It’s like magic, but magic that you can use.

Awesome right? That’s not it. Check out the new “layers” feature that I mentioned in the title.

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Quote from blog post:

Just as the world itself can be viewed through many lenses, the latest version of Google Maps for mobile allows you to view many layers of information on your map at the same time. Layers make it easier and more useful to find and interact with geographic content, like public transit, traffic (with incidents!), local search results, Latitude friend locations, Wikipedia and more. You can also see your own My Maps content as a layer on Google Maps for mobile. And finally, multiple layers can be combined at the same time to give you a content-rich view of what’s around you.

If you haven’t already tried out Google Maps you need to! I hardly ever fire up Ovi Maps anymore.

Visit this link for more information.

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Article by Mike Macias

Mike has written 77 articles for your enjoyment.

On The Web: http://twitter.com/mikemacias

About: Mike is the editor-in-chief of N97fanatics.com and a huge mobile fanatic. He also runs MaemoFanatics.com and the popular E71fanatics.com. Contact him via email at contact@n97fanatics.com or at his Twitter page.

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  • Hi this is Sony, Admin mynokiamobile.org. I am your link partner. We have recently started a new website http://hangmybrain.com. Here I would like to ask you for a favor could you please link my new site?
  • Gene
    Hmm, Wondering how relevant is GoogleMaps for Nokia phones are, now that Nokia has opened up the service to all smartphones
  • Bry
    Any of you N97 fanatics know how to delete the history items out of ovi maps!
  • missurooj
    i m having this big problem my nokia n97 hangs a lot
    please help me with it..wht should i do ??
  • I think it might be time for a hard reset. Search this site for EverythingBlaxx's article titled, "So you Want To Reset Your N97?"

    MD 7
  • sadude
    You can also sync with ovimaps and its quite nice...just setup both accounts via the web/desktop and just setup ovi maps to sync when you log in and log off
  • GoogleMaps 3.31 is a great update indeed, however the "star" only syncs with GoogleMaps for Desktop not with OviMaps. I usually use GoogleMaps to search for a place (its super quick) and save it then do a turn to turn drive using OviMaps since GoogleMaps doesn't provide a turn to turn drive feature in SA. So due to this lack of sync with OviMaps I downgraded to the earlier version of GoogleMaps.
  • I really miss the compass feature as I sometimes use the maps application for hiking. Doesnt nokia provide an api for the compass/accelerometer?
  • peekeje
    ITs really very useful and nice update.
    But, i am facing one PROBLEM after updating it.
    I cant see my friend's and my own Photo (pic) in the Latitude.
    It showing only a blank grey image... in place of pics....
    in the list and on the map.
    Is there any other settings ???
    pls advice......
  • I also agree that something between Ovi and Google would be ideal. The offline maps is a good point.

    A few other points that I've noticed:

    Ovi Maps has compass support, Google Maps does not.

    Ovi Maps doesn't get anywhere close to the 'satellite view' level that Google Maps does (this may be due to my location). Something of a must for me.

    Several locations (restaurants, etc.) on Google Maps are improperly placed (again, probably due to my sparsely populated, thus 'unimportant', location).

    When trying to create a new starred location via Google Maps mobile, the star is re-directed to a location where it thinks the address is, rather than exactly where I placed it. I have a feeling that this is a combination of again my location plight and a bug in the new Google Maps mobile update, as I hadn't encountered this problem in the past.

    In the end, Google wins for now, especially because of the closer satellite view I mentioned and the layers feature. I also like the idea of Latitude (although in practice I hardly use it). However, I think if Ovi Maps could just get the closer satellite view thing going, it would definitely be my app of choice.

    MD 7
  • thewinchesterau
    There's one big advantage Ovi still has over Google Maps, and that's offline access. If you're lost in an area with zero mobile coverage and only Google Maps, you're nowhere. With Ovi, assuming you've preloaded your maps your set - and can find your way to the nearest gas station.

    If Google Maps fixed this missing link, I could happily kick Ovi Maps to the kerb.
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