Level 2

409 points

"Blue Dot" on Google Maps

I can't figure out how to get the blue location dot on the iPhone. I can get the circle location, but in order to get the Blue Dot to estimate your location, Google Help says to press "0" on your keypad. Well, there is not a keypad available. If you've ever used Google Maps on another phone, you'll know what I mean.

This "throbbing" dot is supposed to "move" with you as you drive. ( http://www.google.com/mobile/gmm/mylocation/index.html) I have not seen that. The circle is stationary and I must press the location icon to refresh my location.

Anybody have any insight on this?

MacBook Pro 17", iMac G4 800MHz, 60GB iPod (5th Gen), Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Posted on Jan 16, 2008 4:19 AM

26 replies

Tamara

Level 6

13,744 points

Jan 16, 2008 12:45 PM in response to Len

At least, on the iPhone, you get the circle that shows where you are. On Google Maps for the Treo, you don't even get that. I guess since my company treo does not have blue dots, my company should be complaining to Palm for dropping the ball on Google Map blue dots.

Be happy that you have Google locate on Google Maps.

Len Author

Level 2

409 points

Jan 16, 2008 12:48 PM in response to Tamara

It does on a Blackberry without GPS.

Tamara

Level 6

13,744 points

Jan 16, 2008 12:54 PM in response to Len

A Blackberry is not a Treo and I did specifically say that Google Locate does not work at all on a Treo. A Blackberry is made by RIM. Treo is made by Palm.

Len Author

Level 2

409 points

Jan 16, 2008 12:59 PM in response to Tamara

"A Blackberry is not a Treo and I did specifically say that Google Locate does not work at all on a Treo. A Blackberry is made by RIM. Treo is made by Palm."

OK... Take it easy. I don't come to the forums for a boxing competition. I was only specifying that I knew how it worked on a BB.

Message was edited by: Len

Ansuz82

Level 6

8,291 points

Jan 16, 2008 1:00 PM in response to Len

It would seem that it works differently on an iPhone, a Treo and a BB. It doesn't seem to be standardized.

Len Author

Level 2

409 points

Jan 16, 2008 1:02 PM in response to Ansuz82

Well, that is good info to know - especially to new users. You'd never know it by going to Google's website. In a sense, I suppose it's to be expected since it still is listed as "Beta", however their info pages are misleading.

Ansuz82

Level 6

8,291 points

Jan 16, 2008 1:06 PM in response to Len

Agreed.

Jan 16, 2008 1:41 PM in response to Len

Maybe this will help.

Which phones does Google Maps support?

Google Maps works with the following devices:
Most Java-enabled (J2ME) mobile phones.
Palm devices with Palm OS 5 and above.
All color BlackBerry devices.
Windows Mobile devices with Windows Mobile 2003, 5.0 and above.
Symbian Series 60 3rd edition devices.
If your device is supported and you have a data plan, visit www.google.com/gmm from a mobile web browser to download Google Maps. If you're not sure if Google Maps will work on your device, visit www.google.com/gmm and we'll perform a quick check to see if your phone is supported.

Note: Google Maps doesn't work with BREW-enabled devices. Some mobile services providers may restrict data usage by applications. We recommend contacting your mobile provider to confirm the details of your data plan.

Jan 16, 2008 1:48 PM in response to Len

Haven't had time to go through this yet, but it appears to be relevant to the topic at hand. Check it out.

http://groups.google.com/group/mobile-search/browse_thread/thread/be56bd7cd8af77 28?hl=en

Jan 17, 2008 12:02 PM in response to Len

I don't get why you all seem annoyed and suprised at the iphone app not being the same as on the google website. All you have to do is look at the millions of photos of the map app on the apple website or watch keynote 08 where steve jobs does a demo and shows how it works. If you don't like it get rid of it im sure there are plently of other people out there who might want a cheap iphone!

Len Author

Level 2

409 points

Jan 17, 2008 12:08 PM in response to dragon_master

Who said anything about not liking my iPhone. I'll tell ya.. Godforbid anyone says anything bad about the iphone or any apps! I must love everything and keep quiet. OK - now that my secret is out and I am disappointed with Google Maps, I should sell my iPhone. Bravo performance!!!

When the SDK is released, there will be some killer apps, probably better than Google Maps!

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"Blue Dot" on Google Maps