It looks like RIM is testing out a new traffic app spotted by Mac over at PocketBerry. This looks very similar to an app RIM was showcasing during DevCon 2009 that was being developed using the smarts and architecture behind Dash Navigation which RIM purchased awhile back. From what we have heard the app works nicely and just needs some refinement to be ready for release.
It calculates the traffic you have to go through and also provides directions and the ability to tell people and share you current location. In short it will make it easier to answer the question of “how long until you get there?”
When RIM was showing off this tech during DevCon they mentioned how it would crowdsource traffic information just like the original Dash Navigation units. They even demoed it and it looked like an awesome feature but I guess it was not included in this app. Supposedly RIM is planning on opening up an API to this app so that other applications can take advantage of traffic information.
Should be interesting to see which way RIM takes this. It would be awesome if they could come out with a product to compete with Google Navigation on Android.
mscooley ( View Profile) Newcomer - Posts: 41
Posted: June 28, 2010 at 11:35 AM EST
I just got my invite about 20 minutes ago. Waiting on my key…
ShvartzBerry ( View Profile) Enthusiast - Posts: 299
Posted: June 28, 2010 at 12:12 PM EST
How did you manage that? I’d love to check this out. Not that it would be terribly useful with my GPS-crippled Verizon Curve.
Nikolaus Not Registered
Posted: June 28, 2010 at 12:28 PM EST
The “boys” over at BoyGeniusReport who are iPhone-super-lovers are really making fun of this app: http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2010/06/28/this-is-one-of-the-ways-rim-is-going-to-beat-the-iphone-and-android/
mscooley ( View Profile) Newcomer - Posts: 41
Posted: June 28, 2010 at 12:36 PM EST from my BlackBerry 9630
I’m just good like that. Lol. Seriously I did nothing though I do actively participate on the bbm forums.
Tom Not Registered
Posted: June 28, 2010 at 4:51 PM EST
This deserves to be made fun of, seriously. Can’t RIM make an app that actually looks nice?
Ley Not Registered
Posted: June 28, 2010 at 10:55 PM EST from my BlackBerry 9530
http://www.blackberry.com/beta sign up for the beta zone. I got an invite and a key about 2 hours later. The app needs a major overhaul kikind of like the BlackBerry itself needs. It does NOT give audible turn by turn directions which makes it less appealing and no where near to competing with google maps. The points of interest search sucks. I searched for gas and got propane companies but no actual gas convenience stations.