maps

Multitasking while driving: Can technology make a car uncrashable?

With new safety features and a navigation using Google technology, Audi's new A6 is steering toward a future where drivers can (safely) be distracted.

by Doron Levin, contributor

FORTUNE -- Think that texting while driving is a distraction? An enhanced navigation system in the new Audi A6, drawing on technology from Google (GOOG), offers search and display functions that could take driver distraction to a whole new level. But Audi is also MORE

Google gives local advertising a Boost

A new simplified space for creating geo-targeted ads might be just the ticket to get small business owners on to Google's ad platform.

Once a small business stakes its claim in Google's (GOOG) Places directory, they show up on Google's Maps search and in other geo-targeted results displays.  But if they want to increase the chances of being found, Google has a new solution: Boost.

Boost is a simple way for businesses MORE

Google buys Quiksee to add Virtual Reality to maps

Israeli paper Ha'aretz reported the deal for the startup.

The Israeli company's acquisition by Google is rumored to be valued at around $10 million, though neither company would comment on the move.

Quicksee lets users build "Virtual Reality" areas inside buildings or where Google's streetview camera-toting cars cannot go.  For instance, you would film the roof of your building with a normal camcorder and the software would  stitch together a 360-degree moving panorama.

The video MORE

Google buys flying drones

Is this a toy for Andy Rubin or a replacement for Google's Streetview mapping fleet?

Update: Jeff Jarvis says on Twitter and the comments that it is indeed an executive buying stuff.

News out of Germany over the weekend had Google (GOOG) buying at least one md4-1000 drone aircraft from Microdrones GmbH.   The remote controlled aircraft can carry any payload weighting up to 1.2 kilograms and can fly as high as MORE

Greek government uses Google Maps to find tax cheats

Frankly, it's surprising it took Greece this long to figure out this way of using Google Maps.

When you do a Google Maps or Google Earth fly over of residential neighborhoods, it is pretty easy to spot who has a pool and who doesn't.  In fact, if you look closely, you can even see people enjoying themselves by their pools.  This has been the case pretty much since Google bought Keyhole MORE

Android's Maps get public transit schedules

Another update to Google Maps for Android (4.3) adds the times to public transit as well as Latitude and easy restaurant ratings.

Just a month after the last feature update of Google Maps for Android, Google has updated the application again with more standout features.  This time, the app receives big help for commuters using public transportation and Geo-social networkers.

Now, if you click on a train or bus stop, Google (GOOG) gives you as MORE

If Google told you to jump off a cliff, would you?

A Utah woman used Google Maps' walking directions on her Blackberry and was given directions to walk onto a highway. She got hit and is now suing Google for damages.

You know those warning labels on those chemical packets that come in new shoes  that say 'do not eat'?  Have you ever wondered why they have to print  something so stupidly obvious?

Enter Lauren Rosenberg of Park City, Utah.  She used Google MORE

Android's Google Maps get social

Numerous upgrades to the Maps application include biking directions, Google Navigation shortcut and most importantly Location Sharing.

Google's updated Maps application just got a lot more social including the ability to publish your location via Google Buzz, Facebook or Twitter.

From any search results page, choose to "Share this place" to send that place's info, such as its address and phone number, to whomever you like. If you want to meet someone MORE

Use Google Maps to visualize oil spill

Looking out at open ocean, it is hard to grasp the enormity of the Gulf Oil Spill.  Google Earth helps put the size into perspective.

Using Google Earth, Paul Rademacher has built a tool to show just how enormous the oil slick in the Gulf of Mexico has become compared to places like Manhattan, Paris, London, and other global landmarks.   You'll need the Google earth plug-in downloadable here to MORE

Techmate: With Bing, Twitter, Foursquare and more, location tech is hot [video]

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