One of the absolute highlights of running this blog is the user feedback. Email I receive from average Eseries users like you and I.
Last week I must have gotten at least ten messages urging me to try out the beta application available on Eseries devices from Smart2Go - the mapping company Nokia acquired back in August '06.
Thanks to everyone who told me to try it out - I like it!
One of the great aspects of the application is the flexibility from an end user perspective. The application/service can be used with or without GPS. There is also a free, basic service as well as a premium option. So whether you have an GPS unit or not, and whether you want to upgrade to the premium version or not, there is something for everyone.
I know, you shouldn't judge a book by its cover and you shouldn't judge an application (alone) by its look and feel. However, I really like the UI of Smart2Go. The graphics and the short animations are good! It's a good sign that the application is so visually enjoyable.
The basic application for your Eseries device can be installed via an SMS pushed link or through your computer. I used the over-the-air option but would not recommend that. It's a large file, 3.44 MB, so you're better off installing the application via your PC.
I also recommend installing the MapLoader to your PC (sorry no Mac version..) so that you can download the maps you think you will use on to your device, or the memory card of your device. This way you don't have to worry about the cost of data to download the maps you commonly use.
However, it should be noted that the current version of the application relies on some data connectivity when searching for Points of Interest. If you are worried about the cost of data connectivity there is a settinging to never allow the application to use the network.
Loading the maps to your memory card is easy. I plugged in the miniSD card in a memory card reader and loaded the maps. Although it's easy it takes time. Loading the California maps, approximately 70 MB, took me about two cups of good coffee (45 min).
The application is easy to set up and customize. You can turn off "roaming warning", tweak network settings, limit the amount of data stored on the memory card and change the map mode from a 2D to 3D view.
You can also limit the the amount of "point of interest" data displayed on the map. With all POI turned on the map gets very cluttered.
There is a simulation mode, which will give spoken direction and display the turn by turn on the map. Useful if you want to study the map to your point of destination.
Another cool feature is that search results of a point of interest can be sent via SMS, MMS, Bluetooth or IR.
All the above features are free and works well without a GPS receiver. However, there are several premium services in addition.
I really like the fact that the application gives me, as an end user, the choice of upgrading to add functionality. As opposed to other mapping solutions which is sold as one complete bundle with no "free" services.
One way of adding premium content to the application is to download city guides directly from the application. These guides are from Wcities and provide a wealth of information, including reviews and write-ups about resturant, bars, museums, events, shopping, hotels and services.
I purchased the San Francisco guide $10.48, directly from the application, and was impressed by the purchasing process which was very smooth, as well as the content of the guide.
If you do have a GPS receiver, such as the Nokia LD-3W, or another GPS receiver, you might want to consider upgrading your service so that you can get turn-by-turn map display with voice commands based on your GPS provided location.
Once again, I really like the choice of licensees. Smart2Go offers four different licensees. A 7-day license, 30-day license,a 1-year license or a 3-year license. In addition, regions can be limited so that you can exclude areas you are not interested in, to get a lower price. For an example, USA but not including Canada is cheaper than the US and Canada package.
Other map solutions tend to have far fewer choices in terms of licensing. For an example, Route66 $149.95 (North America) Wayfinder Navigator $99 (North America).
In summary; I really like the easy set up, the flexibility in terms of free services versus the premium services. Even better is the tiered licensing system. All, in all a great application.
However, where are the live traffic status display available in Google Maps and Windows Live Search For Mobile? I hope this will be implemeted soon.
I also would like to see a "free" advertising based version of the GPS based solution. This free version would be subsidized by non-intrusive ads a-la Google.
I wouldn't mind occassional start-up splash screen ads, or relevant, location based ads if the upside is a free GPS based mapping solution.
The application is available for download from here and the MapLoader can be downloaded from here.
Symbian Guru Supreme - Antony Pranata, has a great write up of the application here.
Has anyone been successful in loading the map onto a 2Gb Mini-SD card?
@ Vong Xu
I am using a 2Gb Mini SD card and could store the maps into it since I changed to “Data Transfer” instead of “Pc-suite” mode in the phone.
Works perfect.
hi, is there anybody can help me. i d/l and install the map program to e61 and follow above steps to d/l the data via map loader. the data is succesfully downloaded (I d/l indonesia and singapore maps). but when I went to the smart2go program, nothing is there. anybody have the same problem?
Verdi, I am having similar problems as you. I downloaded the Hong Kong map, and when using the device in “disconnected” mode (no network), all I get is the 3D “world view”. Pressing the “0″ key to switch to 2D mode doesn’t do anything.
I’m going to try downloading some other maps. I orignally choose HK because it’s one of the smallest and therefore fast to download.
I really hope I can get this working. I’ve been looking for something like this ever since Microsoft removed from mappoint.com the ability to save maps locally to PocketPC devices.
By the way, if it matters I using an E70.
To followup on my previous post, I was finally able to “find” Hong Kong using the method of zooming in and scrolling around as mentioned by vishnu. This is indeed everything I was hoping for, and more!
Pepelyankov, it works fine on the E50. I have it running on my E50.
Hi, I have been useing the smart2go incl. voice navigation for some time and I have also used Navicore Personal for about 1,5 years. Now they are in the same phone (E70) so it is easy to compare them (useing the same GPS unit). Some comments concerning smart2go:
-loading of maps is really slow
-deleting a certain map from the memory card is not possible. Tried to delete all maps with no success, the Map Loader just stalled and I had to delete some other files on my memory card (1G).
-no speedcam warnings (like in Navicore)
-speed figure (km/h) on the screen is far too small, should be much BIGGER
-voice navigation instruction are often “cut off” and in some cases there are contradictions between the map and the instructions
-the GPS-position at the target differs quite a lot from the real position
as a navigator Navicore is superior to smart2go but there are some nice features so hopefully the updated version is a better one. Waiting for the E90 with integtrated GPS.
I’ve installed this on my Lobster 700TV from Virgin, bought a 1gb mini sd card and installed all the maps for the UK and France, since I’m off there in August. Had a problem with the phone not being picked up on the map loader, but put the mini SD in a card reader and loaded the maps fine. The whole product works great on the Lobster, just bought a 30 day licence and I’m off out this weekend to give the route planner a good work out.
Nokia MapLoader incorrect displays size of Ukraine map. Nokia MapLoader shows size of Ukraine map 7.1 Mb, but real downloaded data is 24,9 MB.
Also, after few minutes of downloading “Remaining download time” has negative value, for example: -9 minutes -41 seconds. This value increased: -9 minutes…, -11 minutes…
Installed on E61, and downloaded maps for Australia. Turned off network connection.
1) Search not working (as pointed above).
2) Noticed that suburbs displayed on map. However the street address at the top of map shows house number, street, and local council area. Any reason for displaying the council area?
3) Speed of program and map display looks great on the E61. Route calculation does take a while, but lack of address for search a real problem.
Due to take a holiday to foreign country soon, and a bit reluctant to take out a subscription for voice guidance as it will be useless, esp if you cannot set a destination by address (search) without enabling the network function. Roaming in foreign countries using various networks will be expensive.
Installed on E61, and downloaded Australia Maps. All went well.
1) Graphics and display excellent on the E61.
2) Search not working (network set to disable) - as noted above.
3) On map, address and street, and local council area displayed at top of screen, instead of suburbs. Kind of an odd selection.
Will be going overseas soon, and it will be pointless to take a sub for voice guidance if the search for address is unavailable. With roaming, the data feed would be cost prohibitive.
Just sharing my experience.
i tried this software about a month ago when it first came out. After a few days playing with it and downloaded some maps, the software suddenly refused/slow to load or uninstall and my 1GB SD was dead. Bought another 2 GB SD, installed software, play with online map, and today found out that the online map directory is corrupted. luckily scandisk can fix it, but i think i’ll hold off using the software until it is stable enough.
i think the issue is with the way this software write thousands of small files and that means writing thousand times to FAT. coupled that with several times loading, you can easily go beyond your flash MTBF.
has anybody experienced the same thing ?
I installed smart2go on my e65 today, and it ran great the first time. picked up the ld-3w, caught a satellite connection and i was able to navigate around the block on foot.
i came back home and decided to install Maploader to add some maps via data cable. It got stuck at about 3%, so i disconnected the data cable.
while restarting Maploader, i tried to open smart2go again on the phone, and it wont. it stops loading at 30% on the opening screen with the globe, and disappears. and this happens everytime i try to start it, without fail.
has this happened to anyone?
Sorry for offtopic but it seems there is a new firmware available for Nokia E70
screenshot: http://koti.mbnet.fi/vinski_/e70.png
Apparently the newest version is 3.0633.09.04
I have a E60 and an external bluetooth GPS receiver. Smart2go dont detect any GPS. Theres no device menu, how do i tell the progam to look for GPS devces?
I have a E65 and with MapLoader installed on my PC I can’t install any maps.
Some one did’It?
Installed it in Nokia E60 it got my postion directly with Fortuna Slim BTGPS so its seems to be anice package
Willtry it out in Europe
Hi,
I’d tried all the advices above, but still not able to login to the Map server. Can anyone help?
how can I load maps on sd card through Nokia E61 without a card reader
Nokia N73 - smart2go - I’m trying to upload Eastern Australia (60~Mb) and it is taking a friken looong time! 12 hours-so far! I predict a crash or another 6 hours for the final 11%. Terrible suprise. So far, I’m not impressed at all and the program seems sluggish. I can’t believe they are seriously wanting to charge/OVERCHARGE extra for anything.
Honest Andreas!
Follow-up…its taken 10 minutes to get a 0.1% of the map loaded and Maploader has stated 1 hour 30 minutes remaining for the last 5 hours! Hmm…someone doesn’t know their calculations..more updates to follow.
Honest Andreas
Well, I’ve given up! Only to find NEW PROBLEMS!
Maps and smart2go is permanently installed now.
I can’t kill it! Can’t stand it! Have to throw away a BRAND NEW memory card and my new phone is already spoiled with GARBAGE DATA, only the garbage man won’t take it away! Get it? Avoid the tempation of FREE Anything. Go with TomTom etc., Nokia need a boot in the behind for inefficient compliance, testing and standards. Shame!
Honest Andreas.
Oh yeah…on a FINAL NOTE, where is the KEYLOCK on the N73 ??
Not too bright NOKIA, are you?
Honest Andreas, BYE ALL.
Hi, got o N95, can download maps straight ti phone via wireless, but when i try maploader it says, ‘The connection to the map server has been interupted. Please make sure that your internet connection is working and retry’. My internet conection is fine but it doesn’t work. What am i doing wrong ?
I was wondering is someone could help please. I have an E65. I have downloaded the smart2go .cab file onto my PC. I then put it on my phone 1st tried on memory card (2gb microSD) then on the phone memory…. but i cant open the file or see an .exe file to install the application.
Where am I going wrong. I have also Installed the Maploader application on my PC. No problems there… just cant get the smart2go to work on my phone.
Help.
to GeeDub: the download file should be *.SISX not *.cab, and the download map should last couple hours after the download status “100%” done (for large file like california) that’s why it’s a “BETA” they really need to work on this.
don’t waste your money buying a bluetooth gps. if you want to navigate it’ll cost you more than a stand-alone gps and the license can’t be transfer to another phone. cost of bluetooth gps + license fee is ~$200USD
Used this a few times now on real journeys in the UK on my E61 on a 30 day lic. Most annoying thing is tha app closes down when I receive a call! Also tries often to take me off a motorway and then straight back on again. Needs some improvemnts!
I dont get it. When i scroll down the select your device: There is no option for any E series Nokia phones. So which do i choose? Which device do i choose for E65?
pick E70 for E65
Roger:
Dude there is no E70, as Wayne Chew said6 there is no E series selection
I had installed the nokia map into my E60. Everything works except that when I purchased the navigation licence for Singapore/KL/Bangkok but not able to get it work. Checked the smart2go FAQ and reconfirm the licence and plan route within singapore but still not able to get the service. The licence is still valid till next month. Anyone who had the same expereince please help. Many thanks.
yeah they took it down
here’s the link to download, get it before it gone
http://fpa.smart2go.com/free_downloads/smart2go_beta_S60.SISX
Smart2Go does not recognize my nokia bluetooth GPS.
The GPS works fine with MGMaps.
It looks like am the third person here who complained about this, but noone knows the answer….
Sorry - forgot to specify -
i have the Nokia LD-3W gps and the e61i.
the maps work fine otherwise - just no gps….
Ok, either I am stupid or the freakin thing wont work.
I have a E61.
Istalled smart2 go. Opened it once. Worked fine.
Intalled Map loader 1.1.
Started mass transfer.
Map loader found the mem card.
Started downloading the file. Finished at 100%
Veryfinig the mem card… and puf, connection interrupted…!
I tried to put it in the card reader, and it happened again?
What is wrong??? Help!
Hey Andrew,
i have e61i. i also had problems with the dowload, and it looks like just about everyone else did. in the end, it worked, but it took me 3 or 4 trials to download the maps i wanted. maybe start with small files
(for whatever reason the thing is insanely slow. anyone know why a 10mb file takes 1hr to transfer???)
dont know what else to say. i guess nokia will fix that in the next version.
and why does not the freaking gps work?
Can someone please help me with the bluetooth GPS. I have earthmate bt-20 that works with ever thing else tried. This is the be found software I have found and would like to use it but I need the GPS. When I try to connect it I get an error stating ” the device does not appear to output gps data” Any help would be great. thanks.
My gps doesn’t communicate with Nokia Maps either (works with other apps).
Configuration: e61i - holux bluetooth gps, Nokia Maps 1.1.
Bought a Holux GR-239 Bluetooth GPS to work with the already installed smart2go. Where I stay to stay connected would be costly. Now smart2go does not connect to my GPS device. Does pickup the device as I open the application, showing it to me as a connection option. But click on it and the screen just pop right back up.
WOUld u guys tell me where i can find the maps for Spain?
what should I be looking for? (the name)
Please help!
Hi.
Nice App for Nokia Phones.
I have a PDA with smart2go, I want update my maps for Mexico.
Please some vary can send me the cookie in your folder Private, for download new maps and test.
Is only some Kb. in size.
The mail is zerimar5@XXXXXX.com XXXXXX=hotmail
Thanks.
If you are getting ‘The connection to the map server has been interupted. Please make sure that your internet connection is working and retry’ error when you try to download map data with Nokia MapLoader, here is a few pointers that may help you. I was able to download map data to my E62 phone, without any problem with Nokia Maps v1.02 and MapLoader v1.2.1.
1. The MiniSD card must be formatted to FAT32 instead of the standard FAT16. FAT16 format is usually came standard with most MiniSD cards. Also if you format the memory card using you phone, it will be formatted to FAT16. To format it to FAT32, you need to USB connect your phone with the Data Transfer option. The memory card will then be mounted as a drive. Go to My Computer, right-click the memory card drive and select Format… In the format dialog box select FAT32 as the File System. Of course this will erase everything from your memory card, so backup your data first.
2. You must run Nokia Maps once before trying to download the map data. Nokia Maps initialize all the necessary folders the first time it is run. Otherwise the maploader will not recognize the memory card.
Hope this help!!
GOT IT!!!
I’d given up but the other day finally figured out how to do it, by mistake.
To connect your GPS to the Smart2Go maps on nokia e61i:
1. Go to the MENU -> TOOLS ->Position.
Activate Bluetooth GPS
2. Also in TOOLS, go to Navigator to connect to the GPS.
3. Open the Nokia MAPs software (same as Smart2Go).
Now it works.
I kept getting the “Interrupted internet connection” problem when trying to download maps so I reformatted my SD card as per Jimmy’s instructions. It did not help.
Has anyone tried lately the Australia Map? any comments? how useful is it for turn by turn (autorouting)?
New version: Nokia Maps 2.0 Beta
http://www.nokia.com/betalabs/maps
[...] Read More [...]