Finally! Google releases native Google Maps client for UIQ 3.
Published by Asri al-Baker at 16:51 UTC, February 28th 2008
This is something many UIQ 3 users have been waiting for (me included!). A native SIS client for Google Maps instead of a Java Midlet. The new client is fast, looks neat and has a function called 'My Location' which basically gives a guess of your whereabouts. No press release whatsoever, but for you who want to test it, head over to http://www.google.com/gmm using your UIQ 3's internet browser and download the SIS file. Screenshots after the break.
In my opinion, this is a good sign, showing support for UIQ application development. Not to forget that UIQ Technology signed an agreement with 6 new partners early this year and this could be one of the results. It is a very welcome move and hopefully it will not stop here. There are other Mobile Google Apps clients which need to be made available as native Symbian, especially the GMail Mobile client. The current Java implementation, while it does the job really well, is getting slower and not as good as it would have been, if it was made available natively.
Asri al-Baker
Categories: Software
Platforms: UIQ 3
News Discussion
And it seems to work pretty well on the Z8 too. (I can't get directions to work using start and end points from a map though, the phone forgets one or both of the points)
http://www.uiq.com/2888_2946.html
By the way, i think that was announced here at AAS, so you maybe should start paying a bit more attention to what happens with UIQ no??? :p
Perhaps Moto has secretly been negotiating with Google?
I got the W960i over the holidays, so I'm thrilled to see Google Maps available as a native app.
BTW, I also added Gmail to the W960i's native messaging client using Gmail's IMAP settings. It works fantastic. Way better than their Java implementations.
Motorola and Sony Ericsson both have relationships with Google outside of UIQ too (e.g. Sony Ericsson support for Blogger on its phones, Moto links with Google on the Z8/Z10).