Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
Street and satellite maps let you find places and navigate nearly anywhere in the world.
However, mapping an entire planet is a big job, even with modern tools. Errors can and do
creep in, so back up your electronic navigation with paper maps and guidebooks. And use
common sense- don't be one of those drivers who blindly follow GPS instructions right off
a closed bridge into a river!
Google Maps
Google Maps is the 500-pound gorilla of electronic mapping, and since your phone or tab-
let is a Google device running a Google operating system, Android, it's no surprise that
Google maps are tightly integrated with the device. You can search for places and get dir-
ections using the Google Search bar that is installed on the home screen by default.
Google Search
There are two ways to search for places (or anything else) with the Google Search bar. You
can tap the bar and type in a search term with the virtual keyboard, or you can tap the mi-
crophone icon at the right end of the search bar. You can also say “OK, Google” to activate
voice search. When prompted, speak your search term. Voice search works well with com-
mon words, but you may have better luck with the keyboard with odd place names.
For example, to locate the nearest coffee bar, just tap the mic icon and say “coffee bar”.
After a few seconds, Google Search responds with a voice prompt and a list of nearby cof-
fee bars.
If you want to search for a specific place, just say the name. Saying “Starbucks” locates all
the nearby Starbucks locations. The voice prompt varies with the search results.
The results list may include websites as well as locations. You can tap any of the websites
to open that site in a web browser.
Locations will be shown on a Google Map. You can tap the map to view it full screen, or
scroll down to see the locations. Tap the web address or title of the listing to go to that loca-
tion's website. Tap More Info for a detailed map and information such as hours of business.
Tap Directions or the location marker for directions, then tap Start to start GPS navigation.
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