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3UK is first to launch Google Maps v2

Categories: Ideas and rants, Three
By: , IntoMobile
Wednesday, January 23rd, 2008 at 3:54 PM

google maps version 2 - small

3UK have announced they are the first MNO in Europe to launch Google Maps version 2.

The new version of Google Maps requires a 3G connection, and uses GPS to find your location – in addition to being able to provide you directions to service you might require.

I don’t know about you guys, but I’ve found the general GPS experience on mobile devices to be a littel lacklustre to-date. However, I do remember being wowed when I downed the Java version of Google Maps v1 to an SEM K800i, and then zooming in on my house (using the photo overlay)!

So which is it? Interesting toy, or genuinely useful? I’d love to say that GPS requires a specialist device, but my Sat Nav (by a very well-known manufacturer) has been nothing but trouble!

We’d love to hear your thoughts on whether GPS, or an value-add application such as Google Maps, could be the next ‘killer app’…

[Via: 3G.co.uk]

About The Author

Ben Robinson

Ben is a 10+ year veteran of the Mobile industry – starting his career when SMS was a still a relatively new concept for most people (!), he has now consulted on everything from bleeding-edge Mobile content, to the next-gen accessories you might view it on. As a result he has a broad and deep knowledge in numerous areas of Mobile – from network operators to device vendors, to infrastructure and middleware vendors (not to mention content delivery) – and has worked for companies in all of these areas! He is based in the UK, a hotbed of activity for mobile, and recently became a father for the second time – as oppose to in his younger years when he was happy spend time tweaking all manner of mobile devices to 'nth' degree, he now looks for services and hardware that provide the most efficient, compact, and reliable improvements to his already manic life! It’s his opinion that Mobile solutions should be there to help to make your life better – if a particular solution (be it service or device) isn’t doing this, he believes you need to ask the very important question of why you continue to use it... His focus at IntoMobile is mainly on Mobile content, services, and infrastructure, particularly as regards the UK market – and with the occasional look at devices. Additionally, using his extensive experience in the industry, he will provide commentary on the industry at large, with regular (and hopefully thought-provoking) articles.

  • Chris P

    I use Google maps on my N95 8GB a very regular basis, because it allows me to find my location in seconds. The built in GSM positioning gives your location instantly, then when the GPS kicks in usually a few seconds (30 secs at most) later. I find in invaluable for getting to places in London – I dont see the problems with them as I have none! This for me is a killer app, when more people find out about this it will be big.

  • Maciek

    Did I miss something? Are they talking about being the first carrier that will bundle Google maps on their phones??? Google Maps V2 has been available for download for a while and free of charge so what is the big deal about 3UK “launching” it???