8Motions blog

Dash corporation, who plans (since a long time) to launch a connected PND will bring mashup capacities to this PND: the ability to display user generated content on their PND…Seems not to far to the Mapz concept that I’ve introduced yesterday!

Through Techcrunch

Let me introduce today one of the coolest thing, both from the technical point of view and end user point of view of the new 8Motions client: the “Mapz”.
What is a mapz?

It’s to map what widget is to the web…A small map oriented application, focused on doing one task, but doing it well. User can select one or more mapz to be downloaded on his phone.

Example of mapz:

• Google “MyMap” published on a mobile
• a traffic overlay (Mapz)
• The list of flickr pictures near you, or Fon hotspots…
• A new map provider: OpenStreeMap for instance
• “Velib” map. Show available velib (bicycle stations in Paris), and ask to the server the remaining bicycle on selected stations….
• Interconnection with a collaborative Geolocalized Wiki: TellMeWhere ( Mapz)

Mapz creator: everybody!

A mapz can be created by many people, no needs to be a developer (but of course, as a developer, you have more possibilities!)

• it can be a simple KML file! Now, so many contents are available as a KML file, that putting a KML link to create a new mapz is a matter of seconds. A cool way to publish content on mobile.
• it can save user preference
• it can contains some intelligent behavior
• Mapz can contain some scripting code, JavaScript based. For instance, you can create a function called when you click on a point. This function could for instance do a request on the server to fetch more detailed information.
• it can save user preference
• All your mapz and mapz data are synced with the server. If you use the same username/password on a different mobile, you’ll find all your mapz and preference

Current status: Mapz is still early and in development, API is not yet documented, but we are workig on this.
But if you are interested, drop me a line, or use the discussion forum.

Identificateurs Technorati : widgets, mobile, maps

8Motions is a revolutionnary new mobile map client, full featured.

With 8Motions, you can do the following things:

• Browse maps on your mobile. You can choose your map provider, between Google Map, Microsoft Live, Yahoo!Maps and ask.com
• See map or satellite picture
• Search for location, commerce
• Connect a GPS (internal or external through bluetooth) to get your current location
• Download “Maps” created by yourslef or other users
• Download KML files, GPX, or GeoRSS file
• Create and record tracks, that can be later uploaded to the web.
• Take geolocalized picture
• You can expend it and add more “layers”
• OpenStreetMap
• Traffic
• use predefined extension:
• Flickr search
• Wikimapia
• “Velib” tools
• Can be linked directly to your Google “MyMaps” created maps.

Other features:
Multilanguage supported, French, English and Russia for now (translator needed!)
Ultra speed tile download

Companion WebSite, to create your own map, setup your settings: www.8motions.com

Note:

• this program make use of your data connection, so ensure that you have the right data plan to use it.
• It was based and it’s the evolution of “J2memap“

Want to download it? Press this button 

8Motions is proud to have been invited as a speakrer at the Location Based Services 2007 hapenning in Madrid, from Monday the 8th to Thursday the 11 of October.
I will talk about “How geotagging can drive LBS usage through mobile social network and user generated content”. If you want to speak about business opportunities, or just chatting, lets meet there.

Identificateurs Technorati : 8motions, lbs, lbs2007, madrid

I will be in the next “Mobile Bar Camp” in Paris, Saturday the 13th of October, organized by Philippe Jeudy and Louis Van Proosdij. Will be in French, but imprevissive list of participant. If you want to chat with me, drop me an email.