[jazzmark]

Hi,

I just ordered the Freedom GPS device a few days ago. I have been trying to determine which mapping software to use.

I have seen a few people recommend Google Maps. But, on Google it says:

Does Google Maps use GPS to figure out where I am?


It depends on your mobile provider and device. At this time, only these devices are enabled with GPS:

• Helio Ocean, Heat, and Drift
• Windows Mobile devices (regardless of provider)
• BlackBerry 8800

For others, Google Maps doesn't use any GPS technology, even if your phone has a built-in GPS location device.

So, I am a but confused. Will Google Maps work with the Freedom GPS or not??

Thanks!

Oh, and if you have any other mapping software to recommend, please let me know.!

[rsnadel]

Yes, it did work with Google maps 1.5.4. Google recently updated to 1.6.0, which did not recognize external GPS capabilities. But according to the thread at the top of this (8300) discussion forum, there is now a version 1.6.1 which once again recognizes the external GPS device.

[vinmontRD]

Yes - I, and a few others, have already loaded up 1.6.1 for the Curve (I just did an OTA install from Google Maps) and I can confirm the GPS functionality has been restored to Google Maps for the Curve.

[John Clark]

I use the freedom mini puck and it uses GPS as a reference when searching. Google works great with the Freedom puck. And as the above poster said, Google has fixed the issue with Bluetooth pucks. It's working.

[jazzmark]

that's Great, thanks.

So, does Google Maps simply show you where you are on the map? Does it show you your route and tell you when a turn is coming up?

I know there are no voice prompts.

I have been trying to determine if I should use this or Blackberry Maps. I know that Google Maps is better for POI's.

Is BB Maps better for step by step directions?

Thanks

[rsnadel]

Originally Posted by jazzmark

that's Great, thanks.

So, does Google Maps simply show you where you are on the map? Does it show you your route and tell you when a turn is coming up?

I know there are no voice prompts.

I have been trying to determine if I should use this or Blackberry Maps. I know that Google Maps is better for POI's.

Is BB Maps better for step by step directions?

Thanks

Interestingly, Blackberry Maps no longer appears to work with the Curve without some additional file editing. See the thread at the top of this discussion group.

[John Clark]

There are a couple issues with BBmaps. The first is that AT&T, Orange and some other carriers hide the ribbon icon so the app is installed but can't be seen or used. There is a workaround for that which is an edit of the LBS.alx file.

The other issue is that some of the later versions, once unlocked using the above method, don't include Bluetooth GPS support. The jury is still out on that. We'll have to wait and see what happens.

[rsnadel]

I just downloaded and successfully used the GPS option with Google maps version 1.6.1. I first deleted v 1.5.4 from my Curve, then did the OTA download and was delighted to see my Freedom Input GPS puck's blue light blinking on my screen.

[AlexKidd]

Originally Posted by rsnadel

I just downloaded and successfully used the GPS option with Google maps version 1.6.1. I first deleted v 1.5.4 from my Curve, then did the OTA download and was delighted to see my Freedom Input GPS puck's blue light blinking on my screen.

Travesty averted. I wonder why it got removed, but ultimately as long as it got put back, then all is well in the 'hood.

--Kidd

[lilitiki]

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8300/4.2.2 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102)

I'd like to believe all our kicking and screaming got them to get it working again. Not likely,I know, but a girl can dream,can't she?