Google Maps

CNET editors' review

• CNET editors' rating: 3.5 stars Very good
  Detailed editors' rating
  Setup and interface : 8.0
  Features : 7.0
  Performance : 0.0
  Service and support : 6.0
  Overall score: 7.0 (3.5 stars)

• Reviewed by:
  Felisa Yang
• Edited by:
  Allen Fear
• Reviewed on: 11/06/2005
• Released on: 11/07/2005

Editor's note: The rating for this service has changed to bring this review up to date. (6/2/06)

Google's map and directions service, Google Maps Beta, is out in a full release version called Google Local. Google Local rolls the phone book, maps, and driving directions into one big, interactive ball that's handy and just plain fun to use. Taking it a step further, today Google released Google Local for Mobile (in beta), which brings the features of Google Local to your Java-enabled (J2ME) cell phone. What's the cost for all this functionality? Zip. Like most of Google's products, it won't cost you a thing, aside from a data plan to get your phone online--more on that later.

Google Local employs a split-screen layout: on the right is the interactive map, and on the left is the directory information. The maps are viewable in three modes: standard map; satellite imagery; and hybrid, with street names overlaying the satellite view. Click and drag the map to zero in on the area of interest and use the zoom tool to get the level of detail you want. Using the satellite view, you can actually pick out individual buildings, which is both fascinating and inexplicably creepy.

With Google Local, you can search on address, types of business, or specific businesses by name, or you can find directions from point A to point B. We searched for the name CNET Networks, and a bubble on the map pinpointed CNET's headquarters in downtown San Francisco (among other hits that come up in a Google search). The information bubble displayed CNET's address, phone number, and Web address, as well as the option to get directions to or from this location. Next, we searched on the term Mexican restaurant, and the map was quickly populated by bubbles pinpointing Mexican restaurants in the vicinity. Clicking each bubble revealed the business's relevant information and links to any reviews found. Searching Google Local for directions gets you step-by-step directions on the left side of the screen and a marked route on the map.

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Recent user reviews

• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 11 reviews
• My rating: 0 stars Write review

• Showing 3 of 11 user reviews

• 2.0 stars

  "Google map review spam hurts the great google brand."

  by noslander on August 6, 2009

• 4.0 stars

  "quite informative maps"

  by jainvinod21 on April 23, 2009

• 5.0 stars

  "Could not have moved without it!"

  by Mr.Californian on February 26, 2009

• See all 11 user reviews Write review