Working! Blackberry 8800 GPS Internationally in India

Great news to report on my recent trip to India in terms of the GPS working internationally on my Blackberry 8800 (Other models include the 8820, & 8830). If you recall from my trip back in July, I tried several times -- but could never get an accurate GPS signal in either Germany or India. After the success I had in Cancun, Mexico -- I decided it was worth another try in India to get some sort of GPS signal reception.

This time, after some fiddling with -- I was able to get the GPS to work. However, it was not easy...the good news is that once I finally located the GPS signal, it worked consistently.

When I walked off the plane, I immediately had phone service in Germany (Vodafone) and India (Air-Tel) along with data service. But GPS did not work immediately in either location.

How did I get it to work?

Well, the famous Blackberry 3-finger salute. A reset of the entire device by simultaneously holding down ALT+CAP+DEL seemed to resolve the issue. After approximately one minute for the device to reset, it started to pick up the necessary GPS signals from the satellite and I was live in India!

I ended up using the GPS device with Google Maps for the majority of the trip in Bangalore. While I was not driving, it gave me a much better perspective of where I was in the city of Bangalore. For how chaotic the city was -- the Google maps were very detailed, even down to many of the side or unlabled roads. This makes it easy to understand where you are in the city. An added benefit of the mapping in Bangalore, India is that it includes a number of notable sites as icons on the maps such as temples, parks and other places of note. Great, especially if you are out sight-seeing.

In some of the more remote areas of the country such as Coimbatore, the maps are no where near as developed. Some of the main routes into and out of the cities are included, but not a lot of the streets around town.

Still, it was a great relief to get ths Blackberry 8800's GPS working in India. It only took me two trips. If you are running into any problems with your GPS internationally, I would recommend the ALT+CAP+DEL 3-finger salute a try before you get too frustrated!

‎ Read more of this post!

Google Street View or Google Peeping Tom?

The latest buzz from Google the last 24 hours or so has been in regards to their new ‘Street View’ software that they have now integrated into Google Maps. Now, not only can you get maps, directions, and satellite imagery – but you can get a street level view of what is happening or what a particular area looks like. (As of Thursday, May 31st)

Since the announcement, there has been a lot of concern coming from privacy advocates and other sources. Some mentioned that you could see some person picking their nose in San Francisco, or seeing some other folks entering an adult store in another city. With the amount of uproar initially, one would think that Google was capturing this imagery in real-time and allowing folks to watch or effectively become peeping Toms in cities already identified by it.

So, curious to the functionality being offered – I decided to take a look at Google’s Street View functionality in their Google Maps application. Given that I have been spending a lot of time up at our (Intuit) Mountain View office, I took a couple of quick looks around the city of Mountain View for the familiar sites.

First there is the building where I have been spending a lot of time, Mountain View – 3.



Then there is the hotel I have been staying, but it is on the outskirts of Mountain View and not yet covered by the maps – just a little too far down on El Camino Real.

The last item I checked was the Trader Vic’s just a little farther down on El Camino Real and was able to locate it.



The overall impression is that the footage is static and benign. While I am sure there are some areas that people will find that are questionable, Google took great care to contact organizations in the cities where they captured imagery to insure victims of abuse or people in similar situations were no exposed – which is very important. A previous try by Amazon’s A9 did not take such precautions and got them in hot water.

What Google did was send camera vans to the locations throughout the cities where they have the video imagery supported and they captured the images over time. Given the vast areas of scenery covered, I wonder what Street View Mashups we should expect to see in the coming weeks.

Oh yeah, and did you know Microsoft has a similar service available? Neither did I!

‎ Read more of this post!

Blackberry 8800 Google Mobile Maps (GMM) with GPS Installation Guide

As I wrote about last weekend, Google recently launch their Google Mobile Maps (GMM) with GPS (Global Positioning System) access for the Blackberry 8800 Series for RIM devices (8800, 8830). Since that time I have both installed and used the service within Google Maps. For a beta, its pretty impressive. I will be publishing my overall thoughts in the next few days, however this is the installation or how-to guide for the Google Mobile Maps for your Blackberry 8800 Series device.

Here is the step-by-step:
1. Browse on your Blackberry (or Opera Mini) browser to http://www.google.com/gmm.



2. Click on the 'Download Google Maps' link for the Blackberry 8800.



3. Click on the 'Download' button in order to download Google Maps version 1.5.2, it is approximately 200k in size and should take less than a minute to download on the Cingular EDGE network.



4. Downloading starts and completes in less than a minute.



5. Your Blackberry 8800 Series device will give the message "This application does not contain a signature. It might not be from a trusted source. Do you want to proceed?" Click 'Yes' to continue.



6. The application installer will return the message "The application was successfully installed." Click on the 'OK' or 'Run' button.



7. Upon starting up the Google Maps application, it will prompt you by saying "The application gmaps8800_v4_2_L1 requested access to your GPS location information. Do you wish to grant access?" This is required in order for the GPS to work with GMM. If you do not want the application to ask you every time you use it, check the "Don't ask this again" checkbox and click on "Yes."



8. Next, the application will attempt to make HTTP connections to Google Mobile Maps (GMM). You will be prompted with "The application Google Maps has requested a http connection www.google.com." Check both boxes if you do not want to be prompted again and then click on "Allow Connection."



9. First page of the terms and conditions. Read, scroll to the bottom and click on "More."



10. Second page of terms and conditions. Read, click menu or trackball and select accept.



11. Congratulations, installation and setup are completed. You will know it is working properly when you see the "Updating location" in the upper right hand corner and Google will allow you to zoom to your location by hitting the zero or "0" key.

Guide, Manual, Installation, Install, Tutorial, Step-by-Step, How to, Instructions

This guide is compatible with or the compatibility includes: BlackBerry 8800 and Blackberry 8830.

‎ Read more of this post!

Top California Beaches with FREE Wifi - Google Maps Mashup

Yesterday, I read a post on Geek About "Top 10 Beaches with WiFi access" which was a slightly different spin on a Wired article by Marty Graham from earlier this month. While I found the information somewhat interesting, it was not particularly all that useful to me for a couple of reasons.

1. No actual or approximate locations were given where the WiFi access could be found. Cities such as Buenos Aires, Argentina are what I would call rather expansive.
2. No mention on whether the WiFi access was free. Especially important if you are either a) cheap, like me or b) never know which provider you will run into.

I can related to both authors, as I always have my laptop with me while traveling -- if for nothing else to capture my pictures from my Canon Powershot G7 and send a couple of photos to family and friends.

That being said, I present a more targeted Google Mashup (sorry for the iFrame) of the Top California Beaches with FREE WiFi access and the approximate locations in those beach cities where you should be able to get the access close to the water. Do not forget your Panasonic Toughbook, else sand and laptops may not mix. For a larger map, without the embed -- please click here.

And finally, yes the list is central and southern California heavy -- no bias intended.

Avila Beach, CA
Avila Beach lies in a bay formed by Point San Luis, which leads to a pleasant climate and warmer ocean compared to other beaches on the Central Coast. Average temperatures vary little during the year, ranging from the 40s to 60s Fahrenheit from November through April, and from the 50s to 70s from May through September. Average annual rainfall is 18 inches. Along with much of the California coast, winter is the wet season, with more than 70% of the yearly rain falling from December through March, while summer brings drought conditions.
WiFi: Mr. Ricks, On the Boardwalk

Hermosa Beach, CA
Hermosa means beautiful and that it is—flat, sandy, miles long—ideal for sunbathing, volleyball and surfing. Hermosa has one-and-a-half miles of the prettiest, cleanest beach in Southern California. It’s only 15 blocks from east to west and 40 blocks from north to south with the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH to the locals) running down the middle. Situated right on the Pacific Ocean, Hermosa's average temperature is 70 degrees in the summer and 55 degrees in the winter. Gentle westerly sea breezes take the edge off what can be high summertime temperatures in Los Angeles and elsewhere in the county. The same breezes help keep the smog away 360 days of the year.
WiFi: On the beach

Huntington Beach, CA
It is known for its long 14 km (8.5 miles) beach, mild climate, and excellent surfing. The waves are a unique natural effect caused by edge-diffraction of ocean swells by the island of Catalina, and waves from distant hurricanes. Because of the curve of the coastline at Huntington Beach, the local beach actually faces southwest. In summer, the southwest-facing beach often has very strong surf from hurricanes off the Mexican coast.
WiFi: Irby Park

Laguna Beach, CA
Located on the beautiful California Riviera in South Orange County, California, Laguna Beach is a picturesque seaside city with a village atmosphere. An artist colony, Laguna’s many art gallery’s and art festivals attract visitors year round and make Laguna a wonderful place to work and do business. The World renown Pageant of the Masters, Festival of the Arts, Art-A-Fair and Sawdust Festival not only showcase fine art but are the heartbeat of Laguna as the canyon, the historic town’s restaurants, shops and gallery’s and it’s Main Beach bustle with excitement.
WiFi: Diedrich Coffee - 180 N Coast Hwy

Long Beach, CA
Downtown Long Beach (as seen to the right) has been showcasing Long Beach as a First Class City within California. The R.M.S. Queen Mary has been located in Long Beach since her retirement in 1967 and now serves as a hotel, convention center, and tourist attraction. The Aquarium of the Pacific, a world-class research facility, is a popular tourist destination. Long Beach also has the largest municipally owned marina in the country with 3,400 slips. Downtown Long Beach also offers cruises to Catalina Island, restaurant and club nightlife, promenade development, and festival entertainment.
WiFi: Pine Ave, beginning at Ocean Blvd.

Malibu, CA
The City of Malibu is a 27-mile strip of Pacific coastline; a beachfront community famous for its warm, sandy beaches, and for being the home of countless movie stars and others associated with the Southern California entertainment industries. Most Malibu residents live within a few hundred yards of Pacific Coast Highway (California State Route 1), which traverses the city; the city is also bounded (more or less) by Topanga Canyon to the east, the Santa Monica Mountains to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the south, and Ventura County to the west. Its beaches include Surfrider Beach, Zuma Beach, Malibu State Beach and Topanga State Beach; its neighboring parks include Malibu Creek State Park and the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
WiFi: Malibu Lagoon, Malibu State Park

Newport Beach, CA
Newport Beach, incorporated in 1906, is a city in Orange County, California, 10 miles south of downtown Santa Ana. The Current OMB metropolitan designation for Newport Beach and the Orange County Area is Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, CA. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 70,032. The area code for Newport Beach is 949. The city is home to several well known communities and recent annexations including Balboa Island, Corona del Mar, San Joaquin Hills, and Newport Coast.
WiFi: Newport Beach Walk, 2214 West Ocean Front

Oceanside, CA
Welcome to Oceanside! The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce cordially invites you to step inside our spectacular beachfront community. Centrally located in the heart of the beautiful Southern California coastline, Oceanside is among the region's best places to escape the hustle and bustle of the crowded cities. Considered the gateway between metropolitan San Diego and Los Angeles, our near-perfect climate invites visitors to revel and relax at the 3.5 miles of white sandy beaches Oceanside offers. Step back in time by visiting the historic Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, the "King of the Missions", and Heritage Park. Whatever your preference, recreational opportunities in Oceanside compliment every lifestyle.
WiFi: Oceanside Public Library - S Coast Highway at Pier View Way

Pismo Beach, CA
Pismo offers long white beaches for a pleasant stroll or for just enjoying the spectacular views of the Pismo Beach sunset. Prefer a more active vacation? You can golf, hit the dunes for four-wheeling ATV's, horseback riding, surfing, body boarding, or fishing from our 1200-foot pier. Watch spectacular sunsets from our award-winning boardwalk adjacent to the pier. Shop at the Pismo Beach Prime Outlets.
WiFi: Pismo Coast Village RV, Pismo Galleria and Pierside Seafood Coverage over all of Pismo Beach, the Pier, and most of down town.

Redondo Beach, CA
The city's primary attraction is its Municipal Pier, which is claimed to be one of the longest piers in North America. Its nicknames are the "Endless Pier" and "Horseshoe Pier" and is moderately popular with both tourists and fishermen. However, the pier's length is possible only because of its unusual shape (it does not go straight out to sea, but goes out diagonally and then returns to shore). The Redondo Beach Pier started as a reinforced concrete structure in 1914, then was replaced in 1928 with a timber pier. In 1988, the pier was severely battered by storms and later that year burned to the waterline (the fire was so large that a SigAlert was announced for the San Diego Freeway several miles away). The pier's modern reinforced concrete version was completed in 1996, and has brought back the appeal to Redondo Beach's business district ever since.
WiFi: Redondo Beach Public Library - 303 N Pacific Coast Hwy

Seal Beach, CA
The second-longest pier in California is located in Seal Beach and is used for fishing and sightseeing. There is also a restaurant (Ruby's) at the end of the pier. The pier has periodically suffered severe damage due to storms and other mishaps, requiring extensive reconstruction. A plaque at the pier's entrance memorializes Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works, 1938, Project No. Calif. 1723-F, a rebuilding necessitated by storms in 1935. Another plaque honors the individuals, businesses, and groups who helped rebuild the pier after a storm on March 2, 1983, tore away several sections. Most prominent was a "Save the Pier" group formed in response to an initial vote by the City Council not to repair the pier. The ensuing outcry of dismay among residents caused the City Council to reverse its stance while claiming the city lacked the necessary funds. Residents mobilized and eventually raised $2.3 million from private and public donors to rebuild the pier.
WiFi: Main Street Hot Zone

Credits: Wikipedia, Chamber of Commerce Sites, wififreespot.com

Trackbacks that led to this post:
cleanest beaches in southern california
free wifi oceanside
calif beaches
california cleanest beaches
free wifi newport beach
free wireless internet cancun
p2k commander
prettiest central coast california beaches
top beaches in california ca waves
best california coastal town
francia freeway map
free wifi malibu
free wifi southern california
google map zuma beach california
google maps disneyland mashup
oceanside ca
pier length california
seagate lagoon, redondo beach
top 10 california beaches
top california beaches
top california beaches""
55"" sony projection tv red line
anaheim california top beaches
average temp, pismo summertime
beginning surf locations, northern california
best california beaches for seafood
california free wifi gps
fishing google maps mashup
free photos of california beaches
free public wifi newport
free wifi california
free wifi google map
free wifi libraries+southern california
free wifi pacific coast highway
irby park huntington beach ca
la lakers google map
malibu google map
map free wireless network california
mean average temp avila beach
most popular california beaches
names of california beaches
pismo city council car show 07
pismo pixel 2006 ebay
prettiest california beaches
public wifi irvine, ca
socal free wifi map
some life p2k commander
southwest facing california beaches
spectacular effect google map
top 10 beaches in southern california

‎ Read more of this post!