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Software Review: My Location feature in Google Maps for Windows Mobile December 05, 2007 [General] | By Edward J. R.  Here we are reviewing in details the "My Location" feature of Google Maps for Windows Mobile and apart from description of this program in action, we are also giving hints to how to improve your localization results. There is no doubt whatsoever that now, with "My Location" feature, the Google Maps for Windows Mobile has become a "must have" application - whether you have built-in GPS or not! When location update is started the "Updating location.." message apepars: 
... and sometimes you obtain negative message "Your current location is temporarily unavailable": 
... however no need to despair! You can reposition your phone or you can switch it off and on to get connected to your current cell (sometimes phone holds on to "old" cell in which you previously were located) and then you get your location with a circle (around the blue dot) denoting approximation: 
Sometimes the area that is covered in approximation is bigger and can cover even 5000 meters: 
... but when you try to press "0" over and over again, you can get better, more accurate, approximation of your location. The "My Location" feature can be enabled and disabled (after all some people prefer GPS, particularly when enough GPS satellites are in sight) and Google then displays this description of "My Location": 
Interestingly in "About" dialog of "Google Maps" a "myl" (my Location?) appears at the end and numbers there can (?) indicate cell ID used for estimation of the location: 
Conclusion: Google's "My Location" feature is sometimes even faster and better than GPS! Sometimes when you are located indoors, in urban area with no view to satellites, or underground it may be also the only way to get approximation of your location. Without a doubt you should download Google Maps to your phone and configure your mobile Internet settings (in case you haven't done it yet) to have it always at hand - in case of emergencies it may be extremely worthwhile. Since "My Location" works through Google servers (but Google claims that your privacy is by no means violated) one can expect that accuracy of location estimation will be improving... With "My Location" feature Google Maps has become an indispensable software for all owners of Windows Mobile phones. 
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