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mapquest-beta posts

Filed under: Internet, Web services, AOL, Beta, web 2.0

AOL launches new and improved MapQuest Beta

MapQuest beta
Once upon a time, it looked like MapQuest was on the same path that TiVo, Kleenex, and Xerox had taken before it. If you were looking up directions using any web site, there was a good chance you said you were "mapquesting it." But now the pioneer in online directions faces stiff competition from Google, Yahoo!, Microsoft, and others. But it looks like AOL (the company that owns both MapQuest and this blog) is trying to play catchup by rolling out many of the same features you'll find at those other sites, and a few new ones to boot.

The first thing you'll notice in the new MapQuest beta is that the company has finally added a map to the front page. You no longer have to enter your data and click to a secondary screen. The map will automatically show information based on your preferences or your physical location.

You can do all the things you'd expect with the map, like search for addresses or business, zoom in and out, or view arial images. You can also click on a weather link to overlay weather information, or click a gas link to pull up gas price information for various locations. There's also a traffic button that shows live traffic conditions for more than 85 cities.

Some of these features have been available for months. For example, MapQuest introduced live traffic information back in March. But AOL is really pushing the redesign now, by providing a link to the beta at the top of the main MapQuest page. The plan is to promote the beta for a few months before flipping the switch and killing the older version of the site.

Filed under: Internet, Features, Web services, AOL

Mapquest getting a long overdue facelift - VIDEO

Mapquest Beta
When you need a word for tissue, you probably say Kleenex. Xerox and copy machine are almost synonymous. And for many people, Mapquest means online maps. A huge number of people still use Mapquest as their primary online direction service, even though Google Maps and other services have long had features missing from Mapquest.

It looks like AOL (the company that owns both Mapquest and this blog) has no plans to let Mapquest rest on its laurels. The company pushed out a new version of Mapquest beta today, and an accompanying Mapquest beta blog. TechCrunch reports that today's beta is tomorrow's default interface. Mapquest plans to roll out the changes to its main site by the end of the year.

So what's new? First up, you get a map on the front page, not just text entry boxes. Second, you no longer have to enter a street, city, and state all in separate boxes. There's a unified Google Maps-like box at the top. The default view is the directions view. But you can also search for businesses and places, for example, "coffee shops" in "New York." You still have to remember to type the place name in one box and the location name in the other or you'll be less than satisfied with your results.

Here are a few other features we like:
  • Print a map showing whatever level of detail you'd like
  • Move icons out of the way if they're blocking a street name or other important features
  • Adjust your default settings, including map or aerial view, set home and work locations, etc
  • Get directions for trips with multiple stops
  • Minimize the text sidebar and maximize the map
We've put together a little video showing some of the features. You can check it out after the jump.

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