I didn't see this posted yet...

I downloaded an update to Google Maps on my 8100 today. Version 1.5.1 is now out and it appears to now be GPS enabled -- at least on the 8100... There is now a "Bluetooth GPS" item in the menu, and there is a "GPS" section of Help...

I don't have a Bluetooth GPS puck (still using my older GPS for road trips)... but can anyone else confirm that it is working?

On 8800 GPS appears to be automatic.

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Works on my Pearl 8100. But have to enable BT from the BlackBerry home screen. Bbmaps can do it within.

Thanks. Good find!

Steve

Works great on my 8100. Yes, BT must be turned on and paired with the puck. Then it's a simple menu item to turn on the GPS.

Works on the 8800. just has a little blue and white blinking dot. Has no features but very cool.

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Yes very simple feature. Follows you and allows directions from your location. Doesn't appear to use your location to find a business though.

well the blue dot and satellite view is cool got to see my house and buildings

It's about time they added GPS.

I find it doesnt track well. I went over 1000 ft and it sat at the same spot.

That's more likely a satellite problem than an application problem.

Mine seems to work fairly well. It do notice that it's a little behind while driving....up to 1/2 a block at 35-40 mph. If you pull up directions it won't pan along with you. You still need to manually move to the next waypoint to get the directions. On the 8100 the GPS automatically starts if the puck is on and ready. It would be nice if it tied into the directions a little better but this is a huge step forward. Lovin' it.

No doubt it can hang. I am not sure it's that useful of an addition other than starting directions since it doesn't seem to key finding businesses off your location. Means you still need to know where you are.

Once it aquires a GPS location, it will use that location as a search point for POIs, etc. If you press the "0" this sets the GPS caluclated location as your search point and from there the "Find Business" option works as expected.

Haven't tried it mobile yet to see how well it keeps up on tracking, but I think the GPS to search the POI database is a nice addition.

Hot damn that's right. I was expecting a "use my location" choice just like for directions, but it did in fact work without putting in the zip. Nice find.

just downloaded it and works like a charm. the best and now I dont have to go back to B-Maps because BB Maps are not that great. "0" feature and "Select a point on map" is the best

Works great. Three additional features that would obviate the need for all other GPS apps:

(1) center map tracking (and track up/track north toggle),
(2) Export track logs to google earth, and
(3) when navigating, automatically switch to next turn.

how do I activate the GPS, I dl'd it on my 8800 and its running but I dont see anything to turn on GPS or an options page or anything.

I'm not sure, but it might only support bluetooth (i.e., external) GPS -- the menu says "bluetooth gps".

Press "0"

You would think export track logs would be a no brainer. Have you considered posting in the GMM forum at Google.

Well.. It's about time.. Very nice.

I was walking to work today and tried to track myself when I left my apartment. It would update for a bit then stop. I find the tracking on this to be unusable. It is still a step in the right direction.

I agree that it doesn't seem to be super stable in that regard.

Great idea. I'll do it.

Nice addition to a useful app. It's not going to replace Telenav for me, but good to see they are heading in the right direction.

Scott

I don't think this is new in 1.5.1, but you can upload .kml files from the web into Google maps on the blackberry. Click on Find Business>>Enter a new search and type in the url of the kml file. The waypoints or whatever they're called will be loaded into the app.

Played with it driving home from work, about 20 minutes. It does lag, but it didn't hang on me, and didn't lose bluetooth connection such as happens with BBmaps. Interestingly, when I started out, the map stayed fixed and my position moved on the map. I would drive off the map, so to speak and have to push the 0 key to relocate. I did this a number of times, maybe 4 or 5 times, and then my position stayed fixed in the center of the screen and the map scrolled as I moved. I set up a route home, and when I pressed 0 to relocate, my position updated with the map scrolling, so I could follow the route rather than use the directions. You can go back to the route mode if you want. One thing, though, my brain needs the track up feature.

Was it track up or north up?

Map stays north up.

It shows my GPS Location 1000 Miles to far in the east ...no west... ??? (in the atlantic ocean...

Get back on the boat!!

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Hey, thanks! I just tried this. Typed my route in and then hit 0 to go to my location. It then followed me along quite nicely. It doesn't bring up the direction captions unless you "return to route". Hit 0 again and back to tracking. Would be nice to change to track up but ygis is a welcome addition.

Great news!!!!!. So how does this work? Can I download the maps and use it without paying for the data? I know Garmin will be bringing the Micro sd card soon. I heard that doesnt use career's data.

This is a sweet addition....

About time Google stepped up and added this feature!

can anyone give me a link to download and add thru BB desktop manager?

This is great. upgrading now and will test with BT GPS. I was never too fond of BBMaps.

Google Maps

from your BB browser.

Does anyone have a recommended antenna for the 8100s?

I use the GlobalSAT BT-359. Sleek, nice looking, long battery life (11 hours), uses same mini USB charging port, and works well with Google Maps 1.5.1!

John I downloaded 1.5.1 and I dont get the GPS functions. I am on 8700 Rogers and BT359. The Google maps website says it only works on Helio plans and Windows? Obviously yours and others works. Am I doing something wrong?