World Atlas for Smartphone

[Mike Temporale]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.smartphone.net/smartphonethoughts/software_detail.asp?id=2009' target='_blank'>http://www.smartphone.net/smartphonethoughts/software_detail.asp?id=2009</a><br /><br /></div><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Temporale-20060216-World.gif" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/> <br /><br />World Atlas will give you access to maps for every country. The graphics look pretty good to me. It allows you to select the country from a list for easy navigation, and you can install it on your Flash card to save space on your device. That's a good feature, considering it's almost 2MB in size. ;) You can grab the trial version, or purchase a copy for $19.99 from our <a href="http://www.smartphone.net/smartphonethoughts/software_detail.asp?id=2009">Affiliate store.</a>

[edgar]

OK, I guess maybe I just don't get it. What is this for? Hobbyist, Geographers? Map fetishes? Geography trivia buffs (practice on the way to a Jeopardy party?) Maybe on a PPC but on a phone?

Yes, Im for a convergent device but foremost my SP is a PHONE. I don't want it to play tons of music, I don't need it to peruse the world's maps either.

On such a small screen (for most of us) it just doesnt make sense. I rarely use Pocket Streets becuase you have to zoom so much to read street names that you've already driven by where you need to go! I can only guess trying to find Fuendetodos, ES or some other small town.

So, Phone, games in the bathroom, PIM etc. I have a couple tunes that I play rarely via WMP. The input factor of T9, etc and the smaller screen just doesn't make it quite there, yet. Replace my HX4700? Not yet. I'll just continue to carry both and tether away.

Now that the new SP's are starting to get bigger and/or higher resolution and the possibility of slide out KB's - maybe it will finally converge closer. Time will tell. I'm guessing another generation at least.

The article on the Front of PPCT's page right now by Raphel (If Our Devices Were Built-to-Order...) could easily relate to SP's too, not just PPC's.

My two cents. Flame away (I know Jerry is on my side!) :D *note to self, paypal Jerry his money*

-Edgar

[Mike Temporale]

(practice on the way to a Jeopardy party?)

:rotfl: I was playing the "home" version at my parents a couple weeks back, and this wouldn't have helped me. I suck at Jeopardy.

Yes, Im for a convergent device but foremost my SP is a PHONE. I don't want it to play tons of music, I don't need it to peruse the world's maps either.

Well, everyone has different tastes. I don't have any need for it, but I live a sheltered life. Seriously, I hate going outdoors - the sun makes my laptop hard to read. ;)

(The article on the Front of PPCT's page right now by Raphel (If Our Devices Were Built-to-Order...) could easily relate to SP's too, not just PPC's.

You're right. That's one of my all time favourite posts. It was a while ago, but it was truly great and fun to read what everyone wanted in a phone. Check it out here. (http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=5614) Perhaps it's time to repost this and see what, if anything, has changed in peoples requirements. I think I'll do that. Look for it on Friday afternoon... :D

[edgar]

uh ohh, Friday afternoon?

Think of all the post Happy Hour replies! The horror! :drinking:

I was referring more to the second paragraph - the always crazed user wondering if the companies really listen to the enduser. You see devices like the Wizrd, or the HX4700 or the Messenger phone "not quite there". You really do wonder if they read these boards at all.

You see the truly dedicated developers like SPB, WebIS etc always seemingly hitting the mark, why? Because they listen! Come on Hardware manufacturers! Even HTC needs to take that extra step and go just a bit further. :x

-Edgar

[Kris Kumar]

I was excited about the possibility of having the World Atlas in my hand at all times (no I am not a geography buff), for me its the same as carrying a dictionary (Lextionary) and encyclopedia (Lexipedia) on my Smartphone.

BUT disappointed that this app does not support QVGA Smartphone. :-(
No search for cities.
No ability to zoom.

I can live without the last two but the first one... :evil:

[edgar]

Ok Kris

What do you use it for? On such a small screen do you really see the detail you need or are you constantly adjusting the view?

Is this a work, hobby or gee whiz thing to have?

I see so many apps being ported to SP only because they can, not because they would be actualy used. A 1.5 x 2" screen no matter what rez doesnt really support the detailed applications. Even something as simple as PIM data can get so crowded and the data becomes difficult to use.

After all, as primarily a phone, you want to see things like missed calls, sms, etc on the today - and then make sure the app doesnt interfere with the phone. Again, as they port these apps over I feel they port simply because they can (money!) and don't really look at how they can be used on a SP - or whether they interfere with the use of the device as its primary function, a phone

Please, I am not flaming you; I'm just from a differerent field and want to understand this type of use. I can see detailed data use like landware wine lists etc that are pure data feeds vs graphical interfaces etc. The porting just cause I can port it attitude is really bothersome. So many people waste their money on apps that port, technically, but not in usability. Newbies buy it, try to use it, and trash the device or the technology because the software makes the device look like poop. Of course, the device is fine - don't drive your Yugo like a Ferrari and you'll be fine.

Sorry Mike, I know you love your Yugo, dont take this wrong.

thanks

-Edgar

[Mike Temporale]

don't drive your Yugo like a Ferrari and you'll be fine.

So you think the Smartphone is a Yugo to the Pocket PCs Ferrari? I think you couldn't be more wrong on that. Considering the Smartphone has all the same hardware specs (and supports everything that the PPC does) except a touch screen, it's pretty short sighted to say that because of the screen, the phone is a Yugo.

I don't think there are any applications that work better on a large screen or small screen. It's not dependant on the screen, but the UI of the application. When creating an application one must consider the screen and the input method that users will be using. A well designed application takes all these factors and ends up with a easy to use app regardless of the screen.

Are there a lot of poorly designed applications out there? Oh yes! But you can't label the who platform as slow because of it.

[Kris Kumar]

Edgar_, let me ask you this question, does your Smartphone have a QVGA screen?

First of all the resolution makes a big difference.


What do you use it for? On such a small screen do you really see the detail you need or are you constantly adjusting the view?

It's not that bad. Trust me; Even though this app does not support QVGA, I can see that Atlas applications have some potential. If it is done right.

The one thing I will admit is that at $19.99 it is over priced for what it can do, but applications like these does have potential even on the small screen. I am not going to use this to study for a test., but as a reference tool, it helps. The same reason why I use dictionary and encyclopedia.

The QVGA screen makes a big difference. Till last year, I was doubtful about mapping or navigation applications, but now I like Pocket Streets, Mapopolis, and love Google local maps (though I hate it because it is a Java app). :D

A 1.5 x 2" screen no matter what rez doesnt really support the detailed applications.

Resolution makes a big difference, but I agree developers can take things overboard by crowding the screen. A well designed app can take advantage of the resolution. 8)

Again, as they port these apps over I feel they port simply because they can (money!) and don't really look at how they can be used on a SP - or whether they interfere with the use of the device as its primary function, a phone

I agree, lot of developers don't pay attention to details while porting, and this World Atlas is one such app. :-(

It has potential. Dismissing an idea as bad because it was implemented poorly is a bad idea. ;-)

Please, I am not flaming you; I'm just from a differerent field and want to understand this type of use.

No problem. :) Debate always brings out some good points or for the very least stimulates the brain.

[Kris Kumar]

I may not have a Ferrari and knowing that I will not try to race with my Yugo, but that doesn't mean that I am not allowed to make the ride in my Yugo enjoyable. ;-)

[edgar]

Mike,

I wasn't referring to the Yugo as a Smartphone, I, uhm, uhhh, was attempting humor towards your Avatar. But I still feel that in overall capability and use that a PPC still out performs a SP - mostly because of interface, not computing power.

From inputing, to smaller screen, to a lack of memory. I actually find that inputing is a bigger hassle than the screen. I guess I just need to use it more to get used to it. As to memory I'm always runnign low - But I blame Battery Pack Pro - I just need to investigate a better monitor tool and app launcher.

Kris

I agree that there are applications I use consistently on my MPX 220 (it has its own issues besides the screen!). Like Tipper, Pocket IE, Tether to my 4700, weather and yup, lextionary is a well used tool as well. I need to play with a QVGA screen I guess to see the value in a detailed map on it - cause it's useless on my MPX.

-Edgar

PS I'm picturing Kris' Yugo all blinged out with a wing on the back, cherry bomb muffler and racing stripes! :wink: