Google is making big moves lately, first with priority inboxes and Instant search, then some new updates to its Android Voice app and the Google Earth website, and now Google Maps on Android is getting updated with a brand-new feature: walking navigation!
Find out what's coming with the latest update (and why you should care) after the jump.
Who needs a dedicated GPS system when you've got Google Maps? Ford just announced its plans to add Google Maps to the Sync system inside Ford vehicles. The update, called Send to Sync, will allow drivers to find directions on their home computers or smartphones and send them directly to their car. The technology is expected to be available by July 1 for 2010 and 2011 models equipped with Sync.
But Google Maps isn't the first geeky update for Ford. Find out what other tech is heading inside the cars when you read more.
I don't have to tell you how helpful Google Maps is, but using Google Maps on your iPhone can be tricky if you're in a WiFi or 3G deadzone. So what to do if you've veered off course and can't get a signal? Plan ahead and use GmapCatcher before you leave. This tool allows you to save and download maps from Google (and a few others like Yahoo Maps), and pull them up offline, so you're never without directions. Just download the plug-in, and it will work just fine on your Windows, Linux, and Mac devices. Of course, you could always pull over and ask how to get to your final destination, but hey, who wants to do that!?
Do you have an interesting website you want to share? Create a PopSugar Account or log in to your account. Then join the Website of the Day group, where you can post your favorite website! And you never know, it could be featured on GeekSugar! Here's a detailed guide to posting questions or posts to groups if you are new to the PopSugar Community.
Getting from point A to B is easy with the help of Google Maps, but what if you have a number of stops to make, and want to make your travel time as fast as possible? Point your browser to Route4Me. This website lets you enter in all of the addresses you need to visit, then gives you driving directions for the fastest loop and shortest route between point A, B, C, D, or up to 10 different locations. No more wasting gas getting around inefficiently! Plus, you can enter the addresses in any order, and Route4Me will determine where you should go to make your trip as quick as possible.
Do you have an interesting website you want to share? Create a PopSugar Account or log in to your account. Then join the Website of the Day group where you can post your favorite website! And you never know, it could be featured on GeekSugar! Here's a detailed guide to posting questions or posts to groups if you are new to the PopSugar Community.
The next time you drop in to a new city or just wander into a new part of town you're not familiar with, Google wants to make it easier to find your way. Even if you don't have Google Maps installed on your Android or iPhone handsets, you can find the nearest ATM, coffee shop, bar, or restaurant with a single web page.
By pointing your mobile web browser to Google.com and allowing Google to access your location, you can then tap into Near Me Now, Google's latest lab for mobile. I tested it last night while hunting for a place to grab a late-night bite with some friends and can tell you that it's easy to use and gave me lots of results even though it showed a message saying that my GPS signal was too weak (in gray writing under the "Explore right here" field). Near Me Now even lets you save locations as favorites to remember later.
I've talked about Dial DIR-ECT-IONS (347-328-4667) and its awesomeness before, but did you know that this handy, free service can be used for your wedding day as well? Just go to the site and click on the event section. Say name of the event (wedding, reception, etc.), as well as your starting address or intersection. On the big day, guests can call DIR-ECT-IONS to get all the info via text message! If you do decide to utilize this great service, be sure to let all your guests know about it on your wedding website!
For more wedding coverage across the Sugar network, be sure to check out IDoSugar!
If you don't have time to text google for address help you can always call the free cell phone service Dial DIR-ECT-IONS (347-328-4667) for maps and directions.
Our friends at Switched wrote about the company last week and after learning that Dial Dir-ect-ions sends driving directions to your phone via SMS, I decided to test it out. All you have to do is call the number and step through the voice-activated menus, by telling it your starting and destination points.
Right now the service only works in nine cities, but more are on the way. It's a lot easier than pulling over at the gas station.
When they say that someone's "been around the block" a few too many times, I'm guessing it's because they followed this sign.
