Google Maps adds live traffic for over 130 cities, boosts existing coverage

By Jon Fingas posted Aug 7th 2012 6:25PM

Google has expanded its Maps traffic coverage before, but rarely on a grand scale. The search giant isn't standing on tradition this time: it just flipped on live traffic data for at least the major roads in over 130 cities. Most of the coverage centers around smaller cities in the US, although Google is tipping its hat to Latin America with first-time support for Bogota, San Jose (in Costa Rica) and Panama City. Coverage has also been improved in a dozen other countries worldwide. While the widened reach still won't ease the burden of anyone already caught in a traffic jam, any democratization of smarter driving directions is good in our book.

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Posted in: boosts,cities,coverage,existing,Google,traffic

Google Now hits some rooted devices, adds topping to your Ice Cream Sandwich

By Jason Hidalgo posted August 7th 2012 10:56PM

If you can't wait to subject Google Now to an epic interrogation of your own but don't have access to Android's Jelly Bean-flavored OS, then you may want to check out what's cooking over at the XDA Developers
forums. If you've got a rooted ARMv7 device with Ice Cream Sandwich and ClockWorkMod Recovery, it's actually possible to start enjoying Google's take on the virtual personal assistant on your smartphone right now. As usual, you'll need to download the requisite file and partake in some good, old flashing action. Folks who appreciate having options can also take their pick between a fuller Google Now experience or a more stripped down version by hitting the source link below.
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Posted in: Cream,devices,Google,rooted,Sandwich,topping

Google acquires Sparrow, the Apple-focused email app maker

Ease of use 9.1 Speed 8.8 Configurability 8.2 Ecosystem (apps, drivers, etc.) 8.9 Openness 7.1

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Posted in: acquires,Applefocused,email,Google,maker,Sparrow

Google brings five California-based US National Parks into Street View

By Darren Murph posted Jul 14th 2012 9:18AM

Taking a virtual tour of the Amazon or Antarctica? Totally doable with Street View. But some of America's finest National Parks? Yeah, those have been a long time coming. Today, Google announced the inclusion of five California-based US National Parks in Street View, and for those who haven't had the opportunity (of a lifetime) to visit, they're absolutely worth a look. Starting at the top, Redwoods National Park provides a street level look at some of the world's most mysterious trees, while those looking for even more Treebeard-type characters can point their browser to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. Naturally, Yosemite and Joshua Tree (shown above) are included as well, and the 360-degree views Google's cadre of motorcars managed to capture really do a fairly astounding job at capturing the splendor. The toughest part? Knowing which one to traverse first.

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Posted in: brings,Californiabased,Google,National,Parks,Street