Npr Does Not Like Google Maps Navigation

Our favorite news source NPR just talked about our favorite smartphone OS Android – developed by the mighty Google. The article is actually comparing the new (and free) Google Maps Navigation application which is now available on Android 2.0 and Android 1.6 to standalone GPS navigation systems. It is not good, they call Google Maps navigation unreliable. It takes a lot of guts to call something from Google unreliable :) Previous reviews and our own review had better things to say than NPR.

To be fair the reviewer likes the voice recognition and Verizon’s 3G coverage for the Droid. However manual traffic warnings, wrong directions (no left turn on rush hour), wrong prediction on travel time, no choice for shortest/fastest option ends up with an obvious thumbs down for Google Maps Navigation application.

Brought to you by your GPS navigation site NaviGadget.

NPR does not like Google Maps Navigation

Loopt’s Location-based Search Engine Pulse Could Be Big

Loopt Pulse

Loopt is entering the local search space with Pulse, a new search service that will initially be available through its website and later as an iPhone application.

Pulse pulls in local content from a number of other services including Citysearch, Thrillist, Zagat and Eventful, allowing access to business reviews and ratings. It will also include recommendations in real-time based on your GPS location, your past preferences and also those of your friends. Pulse takes things a step further with real-time recommendations based on popular businesses and events near you at any given time.

In a nutshell, Loopt is aiming at a middle-ground that no other service offers. By pulling in reviews and ratings from over 20 other comprehensive local search services, it can provide the typical algorithmic search already offered by the likes of Google and other big search providers. But augmenting the information with location-based data in real-time is something not available effectively and comprehensively from any other app or search provider. If Loopt can pull this off, and continue to expand on its 1 million plus users, Pulse could become a real-world search engine that even Google will envy.

According to the New York Times, Loopt plans to incorporate Twitter geodata into Pulse in the future, and will offer location-based coupons from businesses such as Jack in the Box, Target and Chili’s in cooperation with digital mapping company NAVTEQ.

is a post from: GPS Obsessed