Let’s worry about that later though, as we want to focus on showing you the new changes. We have already installed the 1.60 update on our 3G model and we’re pleased to say that it took next to nothing to download and install on the device. Once you have the new firmware, you’ll notice that Sony has added the Maps application to the main LiveArea interface.

For those of you wondering – yes, it is Google Maps. Sony has just called it Maps, but when you open the app up for the first time you’ll have to read a standard Google Maps agreement and if you have the 3G Vita, you can enable location data as well so the app can find where you are. As for the app, it generally works pretty well, although it is a bit sluggish when searching for locations. The app features directions for either walking or driving, but unfortunately there is no Google Street View support, or voice-based directions yet. Hopefully these will come in a future update.

One nice addition to Google Maps on Vita though, is the fact that you can easily save bookmarks for any searches you make. If you use your Vita whilst on the go for example and always take a particular route, you can just save a bookmark or place a flag for easy access next time. Another little feature that Sony has added is the ability to send directions to multiple friends on the PlayStation Network, via a Group messaging feature.

As for the video camera feature, this is self explanatory really. Sony has just added the option to take videos now in the camera app. It is simple to use and the video will save directly to your memory card and you can then hook your Vita up to the PS3 or PC via content manager and share the video elsewhere. We haven’t tested the new Mac support, but we will be taking a look at that in a short while.

For those of you who have a Vita with an Asia PS account, you may also be interested to hear that Sony has added the demo for Ubisoft’s Dark Quest Alliance, although it’s in Japanese.

All in all, the addition of Maps is most welcome, but we just hope that Sony are planning to add some kind of flash suppport asap. The lack of a YouTube or Facebook app is particularly disappointing as well, but we’re guessing these are in the pipeline before the device launches in the US and Europe. If you have any queries about the 1.60 update, leave us a comment below.

More About: Google Maps, sony, Sony PS Vita

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Although nothing official has been announced, evidence suggesting that Apple may have a map service in the future has come from rumors of a recent acquisition of Swedish 3D mapping company, C3 as well as other related acquisitions and in-house development. According to PC Mag Apple has bought two mapping companies in about two years and may have just invested in a third.

The company C3 uses once classified military technology that allows for the capture of 3D rendering images of buildings and whole cities via special angled cameras equipped to planes. Chief Strategy Officer at C3 Paul Smith claims that ‘unlike Google or Bing, all of our maps are 360 degrees explorable… everything, every building, every tree, every landmark, from the city center to the suburbs.’

Further rumors have also suggested that the acquisition of C3 would have cost Apple somewhere in the region of $250 million. This is due to the Swedish company reportedly having previously splashed out $150 million initially to acquire a 57.8% share of C3 from Swedish defense company Saab AB. Job openings and patents also add to the evidence that Apple are indeed developing a 3D mapping service including a job titled ‘iOS Maps Application Developer’ and a patent from 2010 suggesting the company wanted to use iPhones to generate a 3D model of a place or an object.

What are your thoughts on the possibility of a map service from Apple? Do you think it would blow Google Maps away?

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Google Maps offers a far more superior service than the below-par option that iOS devices has, and this latest move will certainly make Android fans wind their friends up who currently has an iPhone. However, we are uncertain as to what updates iOS 5 will offer once it gets released next month – we should learn more during the iPhone event next Tuesday
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The real-time service that will soon be part of Google Maps is all thanks to information that is gathered from various sources, such as taxis, cars, delivery vehicles etc, as reported by TechCrunch. This data is not only available to those in the U.S. but also those in certain areas of Europe as well; the service is available to 22 countries in all and has a reach of more than 100 million users.

There are a number of services that would have been accessible to Google, but it is due to the accuracy of down to 5mph that must have made Google’s mind up for them that Inrix was the service for them. Although this is a big deal for the real-time traffic data company, its not all-good news, as Google will also gather information from other sources as well.

It makes sense to do this, as you should never rely on just one source for traffic updating, because if that service goes wrong then millions of Android users will be left with no real-time traffic reports for the Google Maps app.

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It’s not only the Android version which has been updated, as the desktop version of Google Maps now includes 3D buildings powered by vector graphics. Now according to eWeek the Android application has 3D buildings in Barcelona, Lisbon, London, Singapore, Stockholm, and eleven major cities in South Africa.

The vector graphics which Google’s 3D maps use, dynamically draw the map on the Android device. The user can tilt rotate and zoom in on the images. The buildings show up as outlines between the streets, this allows users to use landmarks for navigation.

Using two fingers to drag down tilts the map or twisting with two fingers rotates it. If you slide two fingers together or apart will zoom the map in and out. Tapping on the compass button will flip into 3D mode and it will start rotating to match your perspective.

Previously the maps were downloaded as individual 256 x 256 pixel image tiles, with each having their own map imagery. But now the app uses vector tiles that give the maps more flexibility to re-create the same map from different angles but using the same data.

Google have made no official announcement regarding the 3D buildings on the desktop version, but if you do a quick search of London landmarks will reveal that many places are already displayed in 3D.

Once it has been completed the Shard in London will be the tallest building in Europe, but the 3D version in Google Maps is based from an early stage of construction. Some of the cranes which are being used to build it have been converted into vertical slabs.

Users of Android wanting to look at some of the new 3D buildings don’t need to update the Google Maps application. But they will need a device running Android 2.0 or later that supports 3D buildings. You can get real 3D views in the Google Street View which now covers most UK roads. British users can view 238,000 miles of public roads via 360 degree images.

More About: Android, Google Maps

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According to a recent article by Gabe Peters over on the pocketnow.com website (sourced from Droid Life), Google has now released version 5.2 of its widely-used Google Maps for Android app, which provides users with more social networking features.

For example, the Google Places feature is now integrated with Twitter, allowing users to share their opinion and other information about a specific location. Android users will now be provided with simple icons, a short amount of text to choose from and a 1.5 star rating.

Another great feature included in the 5.2 update is the ability to ping your friends through the Google Latitude support. Latitude enables users to view their friends’ recent check-ins on the map, and now it will allow them to ping a friend to request a new check-in.

Once the friend checks-in, Google Maps will provide users with a notification enabling them to meet up. Do you own an Android device? If so, do you use the Google Maps for Android app?

More About: Google Android Market, Google Android OS, Google Maps

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However, according to Nick Marshall over at electricpig.co.uk, the Latitude check-in support for the Google Maps for Android app introduces a few twists to the world of check-ins including the option of allowing check-in notifications, enabling you to receive constant alerts.

Another great twist is the automatic check-outs. Your friends will never be left guessing whether or not you are still at a specific location, as they will be notified the moment you leave. There is also the automatic check-in feature, which automatically updates your whereabouts when visiting certain locations.

As Chloe Albanesius over at pcmag.com reports, Google Maps for Android will also offer users the chance to become a Regular, VIP or Guru of a certain place, which as you know is similar to Foursquare’s “Mayor” rewards. You can view a video of the app in action via electricpig.co.uk.

More About: Google Android OS, Google Maps

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The new software was first demoed by Andy Rubin at All Things Digital, as he confirmed at the time that Google Maps 5.0 would be going live very soon.

Well that time has now approached and you’ll find an update to the new version in the Android market. The biggest features of 5.0 include 3D mapping, vector-based map designs and you can also store maps offline too, which is very handy.

Another feature which will be well appreciated by regular users, is the ability to route and navigate maps while offline, as you could only do this online in the previous version.

We understand that Google Maps 5.0 has been available for a few days now, so you should have had plenty of time to try out the new features for yourself. Are you happy with the new version, or is there something which you think Google could improve on?

We’ve included a brief video preview from Google for you to take a look at, courtesy of BGR. Watch it and let us know what you think of it. Do you prefer this new version of Google Maps or not? You’ll find a list of compatible devices here.

More About: Google Maps, Google Maps 5.0, Google Maps for Android

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The new software has just been announced by Andy Rubin, and you’ll be pleased to know that it is coming to a select list of Android handsets in a few days time according to Google.

We have some screenshots of the new software to show you and the biggest feature of Google Maps 5 is the inclusion of dynamic map drawings, as you’ll see that the traditional flat styled buildings have been replaced by 3D-like vector models. Furthermore, you’ll also be able to tilt and rotate around the buildings using two fingers, giving you a much easier experience when navigating around a particular location.

Another major feature to Google Maps 5 is offline caching, as you’ll still be able to view maps when not connected to the internet, you’ll even be able to reroute a direction offline as well which is sure to come in very handy.

Here is the important part though – a list of compatible Android devices which will be able to run the new software. The list of models are as follows:

Motorola Droid,
Droid X
Droid 2
Droid Incredible,
T-Mobile G2,
HTC EVO 4G,
Samsung Galaxy S,
Samsung Nexus S

You may be wondering why the Nexus One isn’t on that list. Engadget has cleared that issue up by stating that the handset doesn’t support the rotate functionality of Google Maps 5 due to a lack of multitouch requirements – we’re sure Nexus One owners aren’t too happy about this.

With that said and done though, what are your thoughts on the new software? Has your Android device been left off the list? You can view some preview screenshots over at Engadget.

More About: google, Google Maps, google maps for mobile 5

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As picked up by Phandroid, the new Google Maps update will now actually allow you to have a sneak peek at how the Google Maps UI will look in the forthcoming Gingerbread update.

Basically if you head into the Google Maps APK section, you’ll be able to see a brand new interface – Gingerbread! Check out the included image below to see the changes between the two different versions of Android. Observations by Phandroid include a new blacked out design for the Layers menu compared to the transparent one on Froyo, and also the new squared-off ‘Clear Map’ and ‘More Layer’ boxes on Gingerbread, rather than the rounded design on Froyo.

Check it out on the new Google Maps App now and let us know your thoughts on this. Do these small changes look better already? A taste of things to come for sure.

More About: Android 2.3 Gingerbread, Android OS Gingerbread, Google Maps

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Over the years technology has become an important part of election results, but when it comes to counting them – nothing seems to replace the human counting system. You can be certain now that you will see the candidates doing the rounds, which is the most they do all year.

Back to the Google Election Center page, you will find a huge search bar. All you have to do is enter your full home address where you are registered to vote, making certain that you enter your city and state. Then all the details will be shown up for you – you cannot get any simpler than that?

We will take a look at other forms of technology used for elections in a later post; such as apps for your smartphone. Remember this is the final election push, so listen to what the candidates have to say before casting your vote.

More About: google, Google Earth, Google Maps

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