Next time your late to an event or to work, you won't be able to blame Google or wild animals getting out of the zoo. Thanks to Google, they have enabled Google Maps for Mobile with traffic information reports. Get the situation on the interstate highway before you head off to work, or even if your sitting in traffic find the best route to get out. The unique feature provides an overlay of traffic problem areas on the current Google Maps application for your compatable phone. To enable your phone for this functionality, point your web browser on your phone to: www.google.com/gmm
According to Google:
The latest version of Google Maps for mobile will enable users in the U.S. to view comprehensive information on traffic conditions in more than 30 major metropolitan areas–and partial information in many others–right from their mobile devices. To get information on traffic conditions in a particular area — including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Seattle, Washington, D.C., and New York City — users simply move to the desired location within the application and select “show traffic” in the menu. The most up-to-date traffic information will be sent directly to the users’ mobile device, and will highlight the conditions on the covered commuter routes using red, yellow, and green overlays.In addition, when mobile phone users search for driving directions, they will now see the expected drive time as well as any unexpected traffic delays, making travel planning much easier and more effective.
I downloaded the Google Maps for my blackberry this morning, and just now tried to monitor the traffic in Austin, Texas. While I was delighted to get the traffic information, I found it hard to decipher the yellow (moderately slow) areas from the rest of the map (as all roads are already yellow). Despite that, its a cool utility for the super geek.
Discussion at SER Forums - Google Maps for Mobile with Traffic Information
