Google Maps with Street View on Windows Mobile

A new version of Google Maps for Windows Mobile is now available for download here. It now includes Street View features that let you look at panoramic photos of locations that you choose. Other new features include walking directions and location reviews.

While other smartphone versions of Google Maps have received the new Street View features first, Windows Mobile’s implementation is a bit different. First of all, there is no “Street View” mode. All you have to do is tap & hold on a street location in the map and choose “Street View”. This method seems a lot easier to me, however it has the disadvantage of not being able to see which locations support street view. On other devices, a blue-highlight shows street-view compatible areas when you are in Street View mode.

Another difference is that Windows Mobile’s street view does not let you pan up/down or zoom, but it does show an icon in the lower right that indicates which direction you are looking in relation to the street. The street movement directional buttons are also less obtrusive and can be controlled with the directional pad hardware buttons.