Windows Mobile - Windows Live Search GPS navigation

One of the issues that seems to plague the average consumer is the lack of understanding and the complexity of upgrading software for the many devices we own. I find this particularly true with GPS navigation hardware and the associated maps. Since I purchased my BMW in 2002 with built in navigation, I have religiously purchased the updated software and maps. It has made a world of difference. The maps have gotten more accurate and the guidance has improved substantially from the original software I received with the vehicle. But I ask myself, how many individuals actually upgrade? My sense is that not very many do. The additional cost, and fear of messing something up are probably at the top of the list of why individuals don't upgrade. From my experience with family and friends, unless something is really broken they are not inclined to upgrade unless I really prod them (or in Windows XP, I turned on automatic updates).

You ask; how does this relate to Windows Live Search (WLS)? Maps are a great example of the upgrade quagmire. They are continually being updated, which means they require users to upgrade. These days, most individuals use Google maps or Microsoft Live on PCs to find directions, it is easy and you don't need to worry about map updates. To my original dismay, Microsoft stopped developing Pocket Street, however now I see their strategy emerging and I like it. The fact that the maps are downloaded in real time solves the update problem and shows how important Internet data access can be in the Smartphone era. Windows Live Search real time search, mapping and routing capabilities that works with or without GPS. No planning to purchase the latest maps, downloading and copying them onto a flash memory card before a trip. This is a simple and clean solution.

The GPS marker displays your current location.

You can start from your current GPS position, and search for a business, or enter and address as an end point. The starting location can also be the result of a search or address.

The Route function creates a list of directions with the soft key option to view the map.

The map with directions and the GPS marker.

The three missing pieces of information that would make WLS totally rock is the time and distance to destination, and distance to next direction. Voice guidance would be also be great, but then you have a full fledged navigation application that Microsoft can start charging for and would probably complicate what is currently a simple application. This is clearly is a work in progress but I think they have made a huge leap over Google in the Mobile search and navigation arena. I am using it on my T-Mobile MDA and Pharos Bluetooth GPS receiver. The map refresh can be a little slow at times on the Edge network, but usable.

Comments

[Ryan]

I am using it with a HTC Wizard and a Deluo Bluetooth GPS and it works just fine, I believe sometime on the future the program will be on par to paid GPS programs, I wonder what will happen then...

[David Tran]

Does it cost you "data transfer fee" to use WLS with GPS enabled device with no data-plan contract?

Thanks
David Tran

[Stephen Skarlatos]

"Does it cost you "data transfer fee" to use WLS with GPS enabled device with no data-plan contract?"

WLS is a fairly data intensive application, the answer to your question is yes there will be data transfer fees if you are not on a monthly data plan.

[Matt]

Is there anyway to utilize my smartphone's GPS hardware without using data? I have a Blackjack II and have installed the GPS unlock hack.