Google News, Inside.

Google Introduces Smarter Navigation

Google Maps has had Street View for some time now. Just recently, its Street View navigation was upgraded, to what Googlers are calling “Smarter Navigation.”
This enhanced navigation system will allow users to more easily navigate around in Street View. Instead of having to click on each button to move forward, you can click [...]

How to Track Your Kids using Google

It’s no surprise that there are new ways [and more effective ways] to track your kids. Both what they do online and there exact whereabouts. Teens and even pre-teens are more wired and connected than they ever have been before. According to the Money Blog at MSN, “Talk about a saturated market: [...]

Power Twitter Integrates with Google Maps

Power Twitter is a new Firefox addon, updated most recently as of yesterday. This little addon will enhance your twitter.com experience. I say twitter.com because it’s not a client, so you need to be using both the web and Firefox to have the enhanced experience.
One particular feature that this addon has is that [...]

Google Street View Used to Help Solve a Kidnapping Case

Google recently released an article about how Google Street View was used in a kidnapping case. The article writes that Google Street View was used in a rural area of Virginia in a case where a grandmother supposedly kidnapped her nine year old granddaughter.
Officials reported that the nine year old was found safely [...]

Google Street View Catches Porsche Prototypes in Testing

I couldn’t say it any better, so here’s a short excerpt by Alex Ricciutl at WorldCarFans.com, “It used to be that automakers could test their pre-production cars on the streets and all they really had to do was avoid the car paparazzi.”
View Larger Map
Yet another great…well, is it great? use of Google’s street view [...]

The End of API Keys for Google Maps Premiere

The era of API keys for Google Maps Premiere has come and gone. As announced an hour ago, Google Maps Premiere will no longer require an API key to be used in every API call. Instead, “we will now validate requests against a list of domains that we’ll maintain for your client ID.”

This [...]

Ironic, Lively is Dead.

I find it ironic that a project named Lively is, well, dead.
Google announced that they are shutting down the beta project called Lively.
Here’s a short excerpt from the post about why it’s being shut down.
That’s why, despite all the virtual high fives and creative rooms everyone has enjoyed in the last four and a half [...]

Sponsored Links on Google Maps

Something I hadn’t really noticed before was that Google added sponsored links to its Google Maps product.

This is a great way for businesses to even more visibility and, of course, another great resource for Google to generate more revenue.

Secure Google Maps API

The Google Maps API just got a little bit more secure!
Previously, when a Google Map was embedded in an encrypted web page, users would get a pop-up message saying the page included both secure and non-secure content. No one likes pop-up messages and the extra clicks they require. We heard from several companies [...]

New Features for Google Maps

Today, nomad00 on twitter, noticed that there were some new features to Google Maps; “overall more Ajax-y,” he states.
After reviewing Google Maps again, there definitely are some upgrades.

First upgrade, no more 3 box option. The new layout provides two links on the left for “Get Directions” and “My Maps,” which does feel more [...]

User-Generated Content in Google Maps

I’m about a year off with this one, but no better time than the now.
Google is offering user-generated content within Google Maps. I’m not sure why I hadn’t ever seen it before, but here it is.
How useful is it? I don’t know. Looks like just a bit of information that mucks up [...]

Javascript Hackers Invited to Hackathon at Google

Yesterday, Google announced the 2008 Hackathon to be held at their headquarters in Mountain View, CA.
As far as I can tell, it’s not a contest, but just a time to get together.
“The event is open to anyone in the community that wants to learn about some Google API’s, do some coding, or ask some questions. [...]

Guest Posting for Google

This one comes directly from the official Google Maps API blog. Joe Monahan writes a guest post as an Orbitz.com employee. But since when has Google allowed guest posters to write, let alone link back to their company site? There is a nice little disclaimer at the end of his article though, “Disclaimer: These views are mine and not the views of OWW or (subsidiary). I am not a spokesperson for OWW or (subsidiary) and neither OWW nor (subsidiary) endorse any material, content and/or links or assume any liability for any of my actions.” Maybe it’s just me, but does anyone else think it’s a little weird that someone is guest posting on an official Google blog?

Google Maps: “You can do it, we can help…confuse you.”

Doing some online research around New York today, I landed on a Google Maps page with some results. After looking around at the results, I noticed something very peculiar. Why was I getting results for a car service when I was searching for teeth whitening?
After some doing more browsing around the map in that area, I also noticed a listing for an optometrist. I really hope I’m not the only one that notices something very wrong here with Google Maps and how it returns results.

Drag and Drop Map Directions

While visiting in Atlanta this weekend, I decided to look up one of my friends from college to see if they might be within distance to meet up for a little bit. But while doing that, I noticed something very perculiar and awesome…. This new tool is awesome! If there’s an alternate route you want to take, simply drag part of the blue route line over to somewhere that you would rather take as the route and it will re-adjust itself as it needs to in order to give you directions. Another great job by the Google Maps team!

Google Maps with Streets — Privacy

Google released the new feature of Streets not too long ago. Has Google gone too far? Google has really stepped up the bar on this one. You are now able to navigate around specific areas on the actual street, not just from an outer space view. Being able to look at an actual store, an actual house, or anything for that matter. Is this going to raise some privacy concerns from the community?

Google Maps the NYC Subway

Something I’ve never realized is that Google Maps has all the NYC Metro subways mapped out. As I’m now living in Brooklyn, New York, I will be looking at NYC maps quite a bit more often. As I was looking around for something today, I noticed this and found it to be really interested and awesome. It may have been there for quite some time already, but I just now noticed it — shame on me. I’m sitting here in Starbucks and just having a little breakfast trying to catch up on some work and what’s been happening with Google. Seems Google has been a busy little bee while I’ve been…well…away from world of Google. Look for more updates soon as I get back into the groove of things here in NYC.

Google Maps in 3D

When zooming in to a small enough area, you can now see some major cities in 3D using Google Maps. Specifically with the images above, you can see Los Angeles, CA in a 3D view.

Google Maps Feature Request Roundup – March 11th, 2007

Here is a quick roundup for feature requests that people have come up with. Google Maps Access to traffic data Optional font sizes and colors for better variability KML integration GeoRSS integration Integration between Google Maps and AdSense Comments: If a variable was added to AdSense for the bounds of the map and zoom level, AdSense could deliver geographically sensitive advertising when the map first is displayed.

Traffic Mapping Gets in the Way

So what bothers me about the recent feature of Real-time Traffic Reporting? The traffic reports cover up the freeway names. Move your mouse over the image on the right and you’ll see exactly what I mean. I was just trying to figure out an alternative route because I saw some hick-ups on a route I am going to take to Manhattan Beach later today with a friend, but I couldn’t see the freeway numbers. That bugs me. Hopefully the Maps team will come up with a solution quickly to resolve that problem so it’s not a hindrance anymore.

Google Maps with Live Traffic Reports

Google Maps has launched a brilliantly new feature which I have been waiting for since quite a while ago. Here are some tips to it: Green: more than 50 miles per hour Yellow: 25 – 50 miles per hour Red: less than 25 miles per hour Gray: no data available All you need to do is go to the place you’re looking for traffic reports and then hit the Traffic tab which will then overlay the traffic patterns and results of real-time data. There are only 30 select major cities right now which is being provided for, but I’m sure they will expand as fast as possible to outlying cities in the suburbs. This obviously won’t eliminate traffic, but it will help guide you around it and know where to avoid and when.

My 2007 Google Wishlist

There are a lot of enhancements and feature-requests that I want from Google still, so here’s my list. Google Maps (I did this already, but here’s a re-cap) Optional Direction Mapping Real-Time Traffic Reporting Account Settings -> Home Optional Quick-to Home Google AdSense Obscure the Google Pub ID Faster updating in the control panel Optional Video-only ads Integration into Google Analytics for tracking Webmaster Central An API Enhancements to the new backlink tool These are just a few things I am hoping Google will add this year.

Google and Vodafone Map it Out

…Vodafone sees Google Maps as a new milestone in the relationship that both companies are developing… This was sure to happen sooner or later. Google Maps is an essential tool for everyday use for people around the world. Having it on their mobile phone is just the next step to globalizing the markets and consumers. Vodefone is one of the premiere European mobile phone carriers. The client base of Vodafone will be very happy to see this partnership grow as it will benefit them greatly.

Reviews in Google Maps

This may have been around for a while, but Google Maps is displaying reviews of a business listing inline of Google Maps. The screenshot above shows you how there are miniature golf reviews inline of Google Maps. I’m eager to see the new features that the Google Maps team comes out in the near future.

Add Somes Notes to Your Map

As I was just printing out directions to a friend’s house for the Superbowl on Sunday, I noticed a new feature in Google Maps. You can add notes now. This is awesome. I’ve been waiting for this feature for quite some time and it will really make it easier than having to print something out and then write on it later. Another great feature release by the Google Maps team!

Map Your Search

Google Maps has been integrated into Google search without a hitch and now operates just as it should. If you’re searching for an address through normal Google Search, a map will almost always appear before your results. This makes life a lot easier for me personally. Instead of having to load up Google Maps, instead just type in the address and it will search for it right away. As much as I use Google Maps, I know this will be useful for me as well as for other people.

Driving Traffic to Your Maps Using a Sitemap

Google is highly recommending that if you want your Maps API pages to be included into the index for search that you put them in your sitemap. Here some examples and documentation on how to write the sitemap.xml file according to the KML files for Google Earth.

Google Maps Updated

Google Maps made some updates recently. Some new links were added such as “Get reverse directions” and an almost widgetized X to close a portion of the search. The X closes out that search path and will let see just the one path. This is huge. “Add destination.” You can map out your whole day and plan it accordingly. This is a feature I’ve been waiting a long time for and I’m very excited for it. Odd that I didn’t hear about these updates before because to me they’re some huge updates. Great job Google Maps team!

Google Map in the Day Light

Thanks for this one too Philipp. This mashup is simply to let you see where it is currently daylight in the world. Kind of like a globe thingy, but it’s always changing and always up to date. DayLightMap.com

Put your site on the map

The Google AJAX Search API team has pulled together and created a stand-alone application that will let you put a searchable map on your site. Here are the easy steps to do it: Customize it – Use the wizard to define the map’s width, height, zoom level, title, location, etc. Provide Your Site’s URL – This is used by the wizard to create your free Maps API and AJAX Search API keys to associate with your web site. Hit the Magic Button – Click on the “Generate Code” button and the wizard will create the customized JavaScript for your map. Just paste this code into your web page, and Voilà, your users will have the power of Google maps at their fingertips. Google Maps API

More Info With Google Maps

Among other improvements lately with Google Maps, there is a “more info” link now when browsing Google Maps. This link provides just what it says, more info. Click the image below to see exactly what I’m talking about.

The Power of Google Maps API

www.halloweenmashup.com is offering a mashup of holloween parties near you. It automatically detects where your IP is located and then provides you with nearby parties.

Google Maps for the Palm Treo

Google has released a version of Google Maps Mobile specifically for the Palm Treo now. As a personal user of the Treo 650, I’m very glad this finally came out. I’ll be using it quite often.

The Chocolate Shop Mashup

Here’s a nice map mashup of various chocolate shops. Just yet another great use of the Google Maps API.

Saved Locations Doesn’t Work

I was just browsing through my “saved locations” for Google Maps and they apparently are not working. What I mean by this is that when I select specific locations and try to delete them, the checkbox only gets unchecked and by no means does it actually delete the location. This has to be the first time I’ve seen Google have something public and it not be working. As a note, I’m using Firefox 1.5 under Windows XP. Edit: As an update, “Add”ing new locations doesn’t work either. This is disappointing :(

5 New Cities Added to Transit

Google Transit, the Google Maps & Public Transportation Mashup, has expanded outside of Portland, Oregon to 5 new destinations. The new Google Transit destinations include Tampa, Florida, Honolulu, Hawaii, Eugene, Oregon, Pittsburgh, and Seattle. SE Journal Google Maps is creating a more unified Google Transit system that provides a greater use of the map system for the public use.

Uh Oh! — IE Vulnerability

We noticed that a recent security vulnerability in Internet Explorer VML has led some users and organizations to disable VML entirely. This disables polylines for Internet Explorer users of the Google Maps API. We expect to release a fix this week. Surprise surprise, another one bites the dust. The Google Maps API had a bug release and expects to have a fix for it later this week. Yet another reason why I use Firefox.

Google Enters The Coupon Biz

Google Inc. is enabling users to find and print coupons from merchants listed in the online search leader’s index of local businesses, adding to a slew of free features designed to attract more traffic to its Web site. Yahoo! News Google has entered into coupon business of letting users have discounts to their merchants through the Google Checkout program. In conjunction with the mapping service offered by Google, users will now be able to find coupons related to local businesses as they are browsing Google Maps. This furthers the Google sense of consumer productivity and increases the ease of use for everything from the user’s end. I know that I’m constantly looking for discounts for different merchants that I use online, such as Godaddy or Newegg. This will help make life just that little bit easier and better for all of us. (via)

Print Your Map Today!

Google Maps is an awesome resource. I can’t emphasize enough how much I love Google Maps. There was always one thing that really bugged me about Google Maps though. When you would print it, it wouldn’t always print out properly and most of the time it would print a second page that was blank — rendering the page useless. I just printed out some directions to the KIIS FM station for tomorrow morning and it printed out perfectly! I’m so glad they fixed this printing issue and that it prints out properly and it’s very clean looking now. So if you were bugged by this “extra page” feature before, have no fear, for Google Maps Print has been fixed.

Google Maps Can Save Now

The Official Google Blog has recently reported that we are now able to set a “Default” location. After setting your default location, the map will always go there first as long as you’re logged in. I talked about this a little before, as an idea, but now it’s a live feature.

Google Maps: The Idea Box

DISCLAIMER: This article is purely hopes and speculation, none of this has actually happened. Google Maps is a great product. It has transformed the way people browse maps and get directions. What are some useful items that could really improve the Google Map service? Here are a few things. Option direction mapping. ie: side streets, freeways only, shortest route, fastest route real time

Maps: Zoom Zoom Zoom

Google Maps recently added some new zooming features which will hopefully make it easier to navigate around within the maps. I don’t know how I ever lived without Google Maps before…Map Quest and such services are just so 1990! Double-click to zoom. Instead of double-clicking to recenter the map, we now support left double-clicking to recenter and zoom in one level, and right double-clicking to zoom out

Google Maps Gets in the Tab-loids

The Maps department have been hard at work adding some new tabs to Google Maps. The new tabs that were created are: Search the map, Find businesses, and Get directions. The new addition of “Find businesses” looks like it might even more of a “Local” thing than anything to me. Trying to the the nearest Best Buy to your house or trying to find the closest Hilton hotel to where you’re staying next. Google maps has truly revolutionized the mapping industry through the use of AJAX and map browsing. Personally, I like the use of tabs that Google has implemented on Google Maps and throughout other applications which are being developed. See below the visual of what I’m talking about.