It has been a few months since the last update to BlackBerry Traffic so its nice to see RIM has not forgotten about it. The new v3.0 turns it into more of a GPS app with the addition of voice guidance. Now all we need is direct integration with BlackBerry Maps.
New features include:
- Voice Guidance – New voice guidance helps users reach their destination with completely hands free navigation. The audible-turn-by-turn directions can run over Bluetooth® or via your vehicle’s speakers. Users can set up the voice instructions with varying levels of detail.
- Additional Road Information – User can find out if a road is closed or under construction as well as note toll routes that lie ahead!
You can pick up the updated BlackBerry Traffic v3.0 Beta in the BlackBerry Beta Zone:
ShvartzBerry ( View Profile) - Posts: 385
Posted: November 14, 2011 at 5:09 PM EST
Despite all of the new features, the app still “may result in death, serious injury AND property damage.”
I noticed something very interesting. If you click the feedback button, it spawns an email to cs@dash.net. Maybe it was mentioned before but I did not realize that RIM’s purchase of Dash was for this purpose. I wonder if this app uses any form of crowdsourcing for traffic which was Dash’s hallmark.
dpr ( View Profile) - Posts: 767
Posted: November 14, 2011 at 7:51 PM EST from my BlackBerry PlayBook | OS 1.0.0
Good to see they are continually upgrading their main navigation app. All they need to do is add blackberry maps and maybye weather integration.
BCMike ( View Profile) - Posts: 94
Posted: November 14, 2011 at 11:42 PM EST
I’ve been pretty happy with it so far and look forward to testing the voice guidance and how route selection is altered during the inevitable chaos of morning commute.
ShvartzBerry ( View Profile) - Posts: 385
Posted: November 14, 2011 at 11:51 PM EST
Voice guidance is interesting. They let you choose the quality of the voice to allow you to use less data. But the lower quality voice is really hard to hear.
The guidance can go via Bluetooth? I could not find that option anywhere. I was connected via BlueTooth but could not get the voice guidance to use it.
If I remember correctly, the old version would simply tell you to exit if you tried running it when your GPS was off. This one gives you a button to turn on Location Service right there which is a huge improvement.
Kindred Not Registered
Posted: January 4, 2012 at 2:03 PM EST
I too am finding Blackberry Traffic will not connect to my bluetooth or radio as it advertises. It’s frustrating as you cannot then hear the bb speaker if the car radio is on as the speaker sound is so low. Any suggestions would be appreciated.