Filed under: Web services, BlackBerry, Search, web 2.0
MapQuest comes to BlackBerry
MapQuest, which like Weblogs, Inc. is subsidiary of AOL, just launched its beta version of MapQuest 4 Mobile for compatible BlackBerry devices.MapQuest 4 Mobile essentially brings MapQuest to your BlackBerry. You can search for directions, search for a business by name or cateogry and get traffic reports from your area or around your destination. Certain features, like looking up a business, are almost better on the phone than on the desktop, because you have the option of actually calling the business, if a phone number is available.
In this beta, MapQuest 4 Mobile only technically supports the 8830 running on Sprint, and the 8800, 8820 and 8310 on AT&T. All of these devices have built-in GPS (Verizon disables the GPS on its version of the 8830, which I assume is why Sprint was specifically mentioned), which MapQuest 4 Mobile can use to find the user's location, track traffic stats, etc.
I have a 8320 on T-Mobile that does not have built-in GPS (though it can be tethered to a BlueTooth GPS device), but I was still able to test the program out. It installed without a hitch. Some features, like "find me" obviously do not work, but entering in an address manually works fine for finding nearby restaurants, gathering directions or grabbing traffic updates. Although the program is a little slow, the interface is very, very nice and very easy to use. If I have any caveats, it is that it is clearly designed to be used with a GPS and that makes using it on a non-GPS phone a bit of a pain, as I have to type in my starting location over and over again.
So how is this any different from Google Maps for BlackBerry? In truth, it is very, very similar. Google uses My Location to find an approximate location if your BlackBerry doesn't have built-in GPS, but the two programs are very similar. I do find MapQuest's business search to be a bit better, but the Google Maps was much faster on my phone.
MapQuest 4 Mobile is free and available now.
With Halloween fast approaching, it's a great time to get in some practice defending your territory against zombies. In Graveyard Shift, you take aim at zombies and other creepy-crawlies, blasting them into splatters of cartoony green guts. It's a casual first-person shooter, and it's very easy to get the hang of - use the mouse to aim, click to fire. Graveyard Shift has at least 15 levels, and it might even have some secret stages I haven't unlocked yet.
They key to getting good at Graveyard Shift is learning to use ...
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
conor said 3:40PM on 9-11-2008
Hello, I would like to request that while writing about Google that you would mention its ties with Weblogs. Since AOL owns Weblogs Google is a part owner of this blog becuase it owns a five percent share in AOL. Thank you in advance.
-Conor
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Mysterius said 12:01AM on 9-13-2008
If DLS is willing to criticize AOL itself, I'm not seeing how Google's 5% stake could possibly affect the blog's posts.
Jaymoon said 4:43PM on 9-11-2008
Conor... Relax dude.
This post is simply comparing application speeds on a Blackberry. Christina is not handing out stock advice, she is reviewing a new program. Nobody is being brainwashed here.
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Scott said 1:41PM on 9-12-2008
Wow, could you have chosen a more inappropriate LOLcat for your graphic!?! I expect better from DLS!
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lobsterclause said 12:21PM on 9-21-2008
Get a life, prude.