San Francisco — Though webOS products have been somewhat suspended going forward, there are still plenty of people out there who have been using any of the webOS smartphones likely ran into the issues with the Maps app. Now, HP seems to be interested in setting it right, as it has released the much-improved TouchPad tablet’s for a Bing Maps-powered mapping application for use on webOS smartphones.
For plenty of people out there using HP and Palm phones running the OS, however it was not always the most enjoyable app to use, as getting map information and directions has been quite a tedious task with the webOS, and perhaps the biggest issue, the app, which was powered by Google was slow to use and lacked the functionality found on other platforms.
The new Maps app drops Google Maps as a source and instead runs full-fledged with Bing providing maps and direction services. According to MobileBurn, the app loads much faster, and is bundled with some amazing new features from Bing.
For example, users can pick between standard map view, satellite view, or birds-eye view, which are pretty magnificent as far as maps go. Also, the app now furnishes driving, walking or public transit directions, along with access to your address history and saved locations.
However, the app is available in the App Catalog and is dubbed as Maps and listed by HP. The Maps app can be found with a simple search for maps. Well, that and at least for a little while by visiting the What’s New section in the App Catalog. The app is available for free and comes with the following breakdown:
“Maps is the official HP webOS mapping and directions app. Search for businesses, points of interest, or enter a location. Get driving and transit directions with local traffic and road conditions. Three different views {Road, Satellite, or Bird’s Eye] give you the right level of detail to help you find your way.”
At last, the new HP Bing Maps app is available for all webOS smartphones, which includes the original Pre, Veer, and Pixi smartphones. Just search “Maps” in the App Catalog and download the new app and then installing it on their phones.
Nevertheless, it is really surprising to see that HP has not scrubbed their hands of webOS entirely. Plenty of loyal webOS customers deserve a solid Maps application, especially since their OS of choice is on its way out the door.