If you want to map a locale or score some directions but want to avoid driving into a pole, you can now use your pipes. Google Maps now recognizes Search by Voice on Windows Mobile and Symbian S60 phones.
Google introduced Search by Voice in 2008 and has been rolling that functionality out into different parts of the Googlesphere since. Now Google Maps 4.1 comes with voice search.
The categories of search that Maps will now recognize vocally includes the full spectrum of search fields already enabled for mobile.
- business name
- business category
- city, state
- ZIP code
- postal address
- intersection, city, state
- airport code
- latitude longitude
Hands-free it is not, however. To start the search you still need to open Google Maps and hit “call” prior to making your search.
The install is available on qualifying phones at m.google.com/maps.
An interesting aspect of the language settings the ability to select not just your language but, if it’s English, the accent you use. I wonder if this functionality will be available to Spanish-speakers or whether the different accents within Yue Chinese will eventually be recognized.
