Google Maps 4 integrates Buzz status updates
updated 09:15 pm EST, Tue February 9, 2010
Service supported on Android 2.0+, iPhone
Google on Tuesday released a new version of its Maps utility for mobile phones, less than a week after the previous v3.4 update. Version 4.0 integrates directly with the company's new Buzz service. Users can post live updates tagged with their location, add pictures, or view and comment on Buzz posts from other users. A new layer has been added to the maps interface, allowing the Buzz overlay to be easily enabled or disabled.
Users can also access Buzz information directly from the place page when searching for a specific location or business. A new button has been added to Google's mobile website, leading directly to the posting box. Users can alternatively speak "post buzz" into the Google Mobile app on iPhone or the quick search widget on Android.
The Buzz layer is now available on Google Maps for Android 2.x, iPhone, Nokia S60, and Windows Mobile. The service has yet to be launched on BlackBerry, while the S60 and Windows Mobile platforms lack Buzz on the place page, voice shortcuts, and Buzz icon shortcuts.
