Google Maps, Telenav, and BBMaps Links
 

Google Maps 1.63
http://www.google.com/gmm

from your BB browser.

You can download 1.54 here:

http://www.google.com/gmm/apps/v1.5....4+1&ver=v1.5.4

But maybe its not so simple so read the following.

FOR BLACKBERRY 8310/88XX (ANY BLACKBERRY WITH INTERNAL GPS) - you must use the Google maps "8800" installation.

Version 1.6.1 (Last version with "Find Business" and "Find Location" as options - has been replaced with "Search" in version 1.6.2 and on)

http://www.google.com/gmm/apps/v1.6....2&v er=v1.6.1

For different versions of Google maps for blackberries with INTERNAL GPS - just change the reference version to the one you're looking for. So if you're looking for version 1.6.0, the link would be:

http://www.google.com/gmm/apps/v1.6....2&v er=v1.6.0

FOR BLACKBERRY 8300 (ANY BLACKBERRY WITH BLUETOOTH GPS PUCK) - you must use the Google maps "8300" installation.

http://www.google.com/gmm/apps/v1.6....2&v er=v1.6.1

Same thing applies above - for different versions, just change the version reference in the link.

** You need to pay attention to whether you're downloading the 8800 or the 8300 version. The 8300 versions have "Bluetooth GPS" as an option, whereas the 8800 versions automatically use the internal GPS receiver.

*** For newbies - you have to download these with your blackberry browser. You cannot install these using your computer and desktop manager. Just point your BB browser to the appropriate versions, as described above.


BBMaps 1.0.70 and 1.1.35 - Since Cingular partnered with Telenav this did not come loaded on the 8800c but may show up on the TM or other versions

AS OF 3-21-07 YOU CAN DOWNLOAD 1.1.35 FROM www.blackberry.com/maps just be sure to use your BB browser and remove the spaces.

For 1.0.70 which is the pre 8800 version
http://www.knology.net/~acidmax/blackberry/maps.jad

The BBMaps manual for the 8800 has new features like POI's and new views described in it. Here's the exact instructions for 1.1.27 from another thread but this apparently is not the version described in the manual. :

Download and install Desktop Manager 4.2 Service Pack 2 from:
https://www.blackberry.com/Downloads/entry.do?code=A8BAA56554F96369AB93E4F3BB068C22
(Cingular only has version 4.2 as far as I can see)
Download and install BlackBerry Handheld Software (v4.2.1.109 - firmware version 4.2.1.72) from:
https://www.blackberry.com/Downloads/entry.do?code=577BCC914F9E55D5E4E4F82F9F00E7D4
(this is the same version as I got on the device, but...)
Once you've installed the firmware from step 2, go to the directory:
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Research In Motion\Shared\Loader Files\8800-v4.2.1.72_P2.3.0.54
and rename the file LBS.alx to LBS.alx.ORG
Download the file LBS.alx.txt from:
http://www.blackberryforums.com/attachments/general-8800-series-discussion/7319d1172028882-bb8800-handheld-software-v4-2-1-109-multilanguage-lbs.alx.txt
(found in the post: http://www.blackberryforums.com/457179-post25.html) and save it as LBS.alx in the directory noted in step 3.
Run Desktop Manager. The first time I did, it wanted to update the firmware - not sure why, but if it doesn't, just run the Application Loader. BlackBerry Maps will appear in the applications list unchecked. Check the box and proceed with the application loader.
BlackBerry Maps will now be installed. You have to turn on GPS under (Settings) Options --> Advanced Options --> GPRS and refresh your location if you're outside. In Maps (the name of the app), go to Options and make sure it had GPRS set to Internal GPS, and you may want to change the Disable Backlight... percentage from its default 100% of battery power!

One thing. There's a function to Copy Location within the application which puts a URL into the clip board which we assume is supposed to display the location you're at so you can email it to someone. However, it brings you to what we can only assume is BlackBerry Map's web site, but all you get is the home page. Guess that will work sooner or later!

Telenav 5.1.0.29 for the 8800 and and 5.1.0.54 for the 8100,8700, and 8300

The .54 upgrade for the BB's without a built in GPS fixes and issue that existed in connecting to certain BT pucks.

http://ota.telenav.com/ota/at

http://ota.telenav.com/ota/tn

You can start the TeleNav GPS Navigator application by clicking the icon on the Home Screen. The first time you launch the application, TeleNav GPS Navigator will request you to grant certain permissions. Click to accept all of these and check the box so it doesn't ask you again.

Can't rename File
 

I'm having problems renaming the file. The PC still sees it as a txt file not as an ALX file.

Am I missing step?

J.

You probably have your desktop set to not show the 3-letter extensions. In Windows 2000, you can open Windows Explorer and do Tools|Folder Options|View and uncheck the setting that says "Hide file extensions for known file types". Not sure what the equivalent option is called in newer versions of Windows, but you get the idea...

Thanks! That did it!

still having problems
 

C:\Program Files\Common Files\Research In Motion\Shared\Loader Files\8800-v4.2.1.72_P2.3.0.54

This file isnt showing up for me. In fact there is no Shared folder at all... Any suggestions? Sorry I just got my first BB yesterday if this questions is dumb. Thanks!

I don't have the shared folder either......



EDIT: Install the 8800 Blackberry handheld update first and it will create the shared folder.

Okay so I updated the Desktop manager to 4.2.1 and rebooted, then installed the Handheld Update and rebooted. I moved the newLBS.alx file. I launched Desktop Manager and nothing happened. I clicked on Application Loader and I do not see the Maps.alx file to load.

What am I missing?

How do I know the handheld is running the right 4.2.1.72? I'm thinking after I installed the handheld update, nothing happened as in the handheld didn't update.

Also, where do I use the maps.jad file? Yes I'm a BB noob. :P

Thanks!

This worked great for me...thanks!

That's awesome, now enlighten me already. ;)

Blackberry Maps is not listed when I launch the Application Loader. If I click on Add and map to the LBS.alx I get the message, "No additional appplications designed for your device were found".

Did you replace the original .alx with the new attached one?

Stins is right. You don't use the "add" function in Application Loader for replacing the LBS.alx. Simply replace your old LBS.alx with the updated one. Then open Desktop Manager and run Application Loader. It should see that there is an update and will load BBMaps.

I did all that and nada.

So I then had my BES admin email me the maps.jad file OTA and now I have BB maps working but it's version 1.0.70. How can I upgrade to 1.127?


EDIT: Nevermind, when I got it OTA and then connected the Desktop Manager/ Application Loader, it showed BB Maps so I checked it and it upgraded to 1.127.

Forgive my ignorance, as I am new to BB. Are the BB maps any better or easier to use than Google Earth? I just downloaded google earth to my 8800 and it seems to work pretty well.

Google maps doesn't get your gps data from the phone, you have to tell it where you are by typing it in. Google gives you directions but not gps navigation.

BB Maps is a very basic gps navigational program.

Regards-Michael G.

Thanks Michael.

Is there a good GPS Nav system that is free? I don't really want to pay the monthly fee for Telenav.

Thanks,
Greg

Free, I haven't seen one. BB Maps, although free, is hardly what I would consider usable for a car based gps unless you're using it to miss your turn ;)

I use a Garmin so I don't need one on my BB although I could see where it would come in handy. The Garmin XM traffic reports were disappointing so I cancelled the service after two months; I rarely use GPS anyway. I'm waiting for Google Maps Mobile to add NYC subway stops as they have on the desktop and pick up a GPS location from the phone as the next killer app. Infoseek FindIt has the gps feature now (not true navigation).

TeleNav received good reviews and it won't break the bank. When they add traffic for the BB I may try it. I had used Intellinav with a PocketPC phone (T-Mobile MDA+bluetooth puck) and it killed the phone's performance. While using it as a GPS I would imaging using the BB for phone or email would be difficult but I haven't tried it and other can give good feedback.

GPS prices have come way down. CircuitCity has a ViaMichelin for $200 that received good reviews.

Regards-Michael G.

For now I use the traffic off Google Maps but of course it won't reroute you for traffic. I am going to try to find out more about 5.1 in the coming weeks.

so Telenav isn't free to use?
I see it on www.cingular.com/blackberry on the right side saying "Free download" and it hasn't charged me yet (only used it once so far). From that link
Also those of you with 8800 that did not come with BB Maps, can't you download that from mobile.blackberry.com on your BB or from BlackBerry - BlackBerry | BlackBerry Maps on your computer ?

How'd you use it without creating an account with TeleNav? It prompts me to log in as soon as I run the app.

are you trying to do the "Premium Nav: GPS" in the program? It never asked me for info other than starting / ending locations ;-)