Well, that's the theory anyway. See here for details. Apparently, v1.05(4) is a customised version of Google Maps for Mobile that takes your position from Vodafone's cell network. Except that it did nothing for me. Comments welcome if you manage to get it working on your Vodafone SIM-ed smartphone....
LocatioNet has launched amAze, 'the UK's first free mobile mapping, navigation and local search solution', with voice guidance, maps and satellite imagery. As with Google Maps for Mobile, it's Java-based with heavy reliance on a data connection, but it's reported to work with both Bluetooth GPS and built-in receivers. The press release and link follow....
In the interests of science, I thought I'd try out the updated Smart2Go (also known as Nokia Maps) MapLoader, v1.1g, in conjunction with the now fairly old Smart2Go beta on the Nokia E61. I was in for one delight and one huge surprise....
Here's something useful for your summer travels and completely free. CoolGorilla have created a freeware talking phrasebook, available in half a dozen languages. It runs under Java, so should work with the majority of S60 and UIQ smartphones. Just pick the model in their list that's closest to what you have. It worked fine on my E90 8-) (Via MobHappy)
Using GMail in a web browser has always been a bit clumsy. Ewan's taken a shine to Google's dedicated Java-based GMail client on his Nokia N95. OK, so Java's slow to load and clumsy, but Google's mini app is well designed and has some lovely touches.
Kudos to well respected S60 tipster Antony Pranata for going the extra mile and trying out all the various Voice over IP solutions for smartphones, comparing EQO, Fring, Gizmo, iSkoot and Truphone, with Fring and Truphone seeming to come out winners, depending on your requirements. Also of note is that Truphone's new v3.0 is now available in a full beta.
Keeping a close eye on the goings on at Smart2Go (now Nokia Maps, to all intents and purposes), it seems that MapLoader 1.1 is now online and is allegedly ten times faster than the old version. But the Maps software itself is still showing only a tiny compatibility list. If you do chance a version on an 'unsupported' handset, do please report back, etc.
It's probably worth pointing out that the VoIP and Multi Platform IM application Fring is now available for Windows Mobile 5 and 6 (The Register). Given Windows Mobile already has a Skype client expect a lot more focus on the VoIP angle in the coming months, which of course will have a nice knock-on effect with the Symbian version!
The beta of Opera Mini 4 is now available from the Opera website. The new version renders a full page overview from which you can then zoom in to read the page (very reminiscent of S60's browser overview / minimap mode). Other new features include the introduction of a mouse and power scrolling making it easier to move around pages and a quick access context menu. Read on for more and screenshots.
[Updated] Smart2Go, in beta for months, is 'final', or as final as a first version can be. Although we were told that it's not available yet, the Smart2Go web site seems to show it. See the comments below, for example. Listed in the full story are most of the improvements, applicable to both the generic version and the 'Nokia Maps' brand within the N95 and E90. Lots that's new - I've made a few screenshots below...
