Live Traffic Rerouting Comes to Google Maps

thanks but no thanks...cell phone gps sucks and aren't very accurate at all...ill stick with my garmin

I love my Garmin Nuvi as well, but there are times that the rerouting to avoiding traffic jams can actually add time time to my ETA, not too mention painful bypasses that are full of stop lights!

I think if Google does this right by updating traffic conditions frequently and calculates the actual delay with precision it may just surpass dedicated GPS units.

Please someone tell me I'm not the only one that still uses paper maps and phone books.

I just don't understand why someone would be willing to spend $150 -> $1000 on a GPS unit when a $20 paper map and a phone book (that is usually provided for free by the phone company/city) works just as well, if not better.

Having said that, having a GPS-like app on a smartphone seems to me like a good idea, as long as it doesn't cost anything extra. If I ever get the feeling that I need to be connected to the internet 24/7, then I'll probably get a smartphone and get this app.

But, at the moment, being connected 24/7 isn't worth the $30+/month data plan.

the only thing that a garmin has on cellphone gps is voice quality. this is the only area in which google maps is lacking. the voice is mr/ms roboto!

do you live under a rock? wake up and embrace technology, buddy  

most gps units now have a "free" traffic receiver which monitor the traffic and reroute you accordingly....you should give it a try....works very well

Geez.... i consider paper maps to be inconvenient and difficult to take a quick look while waiting at traffic lights, plus they don't update and they don't erase the pen marks.

How do you do it sir?

I have a Nuvi and it is amazing, 100x better than paper and a phone book (since I don't even have a phonebook, what a waste) My Nuvi is my second Garmin. Last year I got an Android and was sure the navigation wouldn't stand up to my Nuvi, but they are both very good.

I would not pay for a data plan if using the routing was the primary reason for it. That is too expensive. I would stick with the Nuvi. However, given I have a data plan, the Google routing is good, as good as the Nuvi. We will see how the live routing works, that might be even better.

Anyone who thinks a map works as good as a navigation device just doesn't understand. It isn't possible to navigate and use a map at the same time. I can navigate and drive at the same time with the Nuvi and Android.

I don't travel very often, but when I do I have my laptop on the passenger seat running MS Streets and Trips. It gives audible turn by turn directions, and it's much nicer looking at my laptop (while stopped) than trying to use a phone or a Garmin.

"Start google maps
Select destination. Barney's stakehouse 20km
10 km after...
- Turn right
- Move ahead for 2 km
- On your right side you can find Mike's steak house, consider stopping by for a great steak only for $9,99, you will save $2 from gas too!"

This WILL happen someday and by enabling google now, we (count myself in) will destroy the world as we know it... I really like google now, but management does change in the course of time...

the android maps are pretty good, but I am usually on my phone when driving, and have had terrible luck with headsets, so this is a no-go for me (don't see how poor Californians do it!). Besides, the Garmin already has traffic monitoring which is quite accurate, and it also tells me what my current speed limit is, where school zones are, doubles as my media player, and doesn't use up the data plan. If I didn't already have the garmin, perhaps I wouldn't buy it now... but having it I think it would be difficult to imagine life without it!
Besides, I got mine in sale for $175 (retail for $500), and with the daily use I get out of it I guess it is worth every penny.

Paper!!?? I much prefer clay tablets as they can withstand the rain and other elements without damage. Main problem is if one of my oxen happens to step on one of them and shatter it.

Grrr... sorry about that.. was trying to get rid of the spam, not spread it ...

the Irony is strong with this one...

+1



Software which can track where I go every second of every day, forgive me and my tin foil hat but why the hell would any one want them to track where they're driving/walking at all times?

Also I'm sick and tired of people not knowing how to get to a location because they don't have the GPS yelling at them at every turn.

Also, maps don't stop working when the battery runs out.




You need to look up the definition of Irony:

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/irony

I dunno, I just read the map. It really isn't all that difficult (for me anyway) to use a map, although some people I've met said I do have an abnormally good sense of direction. But I don't think so.
I can usually find where I am going on a map faster than it takes me to type in an address into one of those GPS things. If I run into traffic, I just take a side road. Once you get a general sense of direction and realize that most cities are essentially gigantic grids of streets, it is rather simple.

One thing I will say is I do have a buy a new map every 5 years or so to keep up with the new developments. But most people get a new phone about every 2 years.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE technology but I guess just for me, buying a $20 map every 5 years is MUCH more convenient and cost effective than buying a new GPS unit/cell phone every 2-3 years. Plus my map doesn't run on batteries.  

Hehe you're a funny bloke Ragnar. I see your point, but disagree using a map is faster than a GPS unit. Don't forget, That once you have an address located on a GPS, It steers you turn for turn all the way to your destination. With a map, you have to take your eyes off the road, and be constantly looking out for street signs which is quite dangerous. Not to mention it's illegal to be reading a map and driving at the same time.

Also there's no way anyone here buys a smartphone just because it has a GPS. My last 3 phones have had GPS built in, and not once did I purchase that phone because it had a GPS.

Lastly, It doesn't cost me anything in data, as data is included in my plan.  

more reason for men to not ask for directions.