Google Maps

Google’s leading mapping and directions service Google Maps is out in full release and has made a directory service look better than ever with a phone book map and driving directory all rolled into one package. Now released on cell phone as well Google maps is bridging gaps in connectivity turning cell phones into tool that are becoming more vital to the modern man. The service is free like most Google services and has proven it a successful venture being the number one source of information on the internet.

Google keeps information laid out in an easy to use and navigate split screen with an interactive map keeping a directory of information neatly organized on the left. There are three modes for viewing maps on Google standard, satellite, and hybrid combining both types.

Zooming in is easy with click and drag zooming to focus on the exact area of interest and then you can use the traditional zoom function to get the level of detail desired. Individual houses and buildings can be distinguished in amazing detail with sensitive areas being blacked out or blurred and the pictures come from military imagery assets.

The searching functions of Google maps is amazing with searches being conducted by address , types of business, or specific business by name. You can find directions from point a to point b, get directions or the address and other information by typing in individual business names and even street level views of businesses can be seen making cell phone application for pedestrians priceless.

When looking for pizza you will be given every known address of a pizza place on that map, letting you see what is close, price information, delivery options, and other information. When searching directions you will have a marked route map on your right with step by step written directions on the left.

Google on mobile is a downloadable application to bring the reliability, accurateness, and comfort of Google Maps to your fingertips no matter where you are with added options like when researching a business by cell phone you will be given the option to call eliminating the problem of remembering a number and transcribing it into your phone. And if you are commonly searching similar things Google for mobile will save a history of your common searches for easy recall eliminating pesky keystrokes which for individuals with fat fingers (myself), is a great save.

The split screen display is done away with for Google mobile but navigating the windows was easy and using the phones keypad to zoom is fast as well as cycling between map and directions being smooth and fluid.. Now while the application is free the connectivity is not and accessing Google mobile requires that you have a phone equipped with java and an internet connection. Connection will run around sixty to eighty bucks but if you are someone commonly running around town this application can be the most important information device you own.

If you plan to use Google for mobile regularly you will want the unlimited options on your phone so you can truly utilize it. For Blackberry, Palm, or Verizon users you are currently out of luck. As with most free software the support and tech side is lacking considerably. Their attempt with a FAQ page and a Help directory falls short because of the amazing amount of information and options that are included.

That is not a complaint of Goggle maps, but merely a suggestion. The overall experience was amazing and I was stunned at why a free program can do so much while big time software companies can not come up with anything even close when we pay for it.