GOOGLE REMOVES DRIVING WITH TRAFFIC TIME ESTIMATES FROM NAVIGATION

Google Maps has removed the feature which calculated driving time with traffic, either live or predictive, from its product. This feature allowed users to see how long it would take to drive to their destination with current traffic conditions. According to Google sources "We have decided that our information systems behind this feature were not as good as they could be. Therefore, we have taken this offline and are currently working to come up with a better, more accurate solution. We are always working to bring you the best Google Maps experience with updates like these!"

Basically, the feature didn't work as expected. Hopefully, they will continue to work on the algorithms and launch the traffic estimates again.

WEB-BASED GOOGLE MAPS UPDATED FOR BOTH iOS AND ANDROID

Google, noting that 40% of its Google Maps users are on mobile devices, updated its Google Maps Web app for iOS and Android today. We’ve been pretty satisfied with the native applications on Android and iOS, but the website allows you to access many of the options that are available from a desktop browser, too. That includes the ability to view your location, search nearby areas with suggestions and auto-complete, get directions for driving, transit, biking, or walking, view different lays, view Place pages, and access your starred locations.

You can access the revamped interface by visiting maps.google.com from your iOS or Android device.

VERIZON OTA UPDATE FOR THUNDERBOLT LACKS LTE FIX

Verizon's finally sending that OTA firmware update for the Thunderbolt. Owners of the flagship device can grab it now through a manual download, and the good news is that it's meant to fix some connectivity issues. Bad news is it's just for 3G. The new code is also meant to stabilize data-dependent apps, speed up GPS updates for Google Maps and VZ Navigator, and fix a few minor messaging glitches. Guess we will have to wait longer for the LTE fix to arrive.

GOOGLE ADDS REAL-TIME TRAFFIC ROUTING TO MAPS FOR ANDROID

Google announced today an incremental update to its Maps application for Android. The update, which is still technically in beta, brings real-time traffic routing right to your smartphone. “You don’t have to do anything to be routed around traffic; just start Navigation like you normally would, either from the Navigation app or from within Google Maps,” reads the announcement. “Before today, Navigation would choose whichever route was fastest, without taking current traffic conditions into account.”

The software will work in both North America and Europe, and is waiting for you in the Android Market.

GREAT AREA 51 REVIEWS ON GOOGLE MAPS

I love when I can sit down and read some really humorous reviews, especially when it is about Area 51. There are some real gems here.