Storm App: Google Maps
Lets say you waited hours and hours in front of a Verizon store to get your Storm, you got it, played with it, showed it to friends, but then?? What comes after?? Well it is time to customize your BlackBerry Storm and add extra functionality to it. So lets start with something FREE but extremely useful: Google Maps.
Google Maps has been my savior many times, for example, a few months back I went to have a nice Sunday Bicycle Ride. Everything went fine until by some unknown reason mt front tire went flat. And let me tell you, it is not a nice position when you are not near home. So I got my phone, opened Google Maps and searched ”Bicycle Repair”. TA-DA!!! Mega Cycle 0.6 miles away from where I was standing!! Then I just followed the maps with the help of the built-in GPS and got to the bicycle repair shop, got another tire and PROBLEM SOLVED!! Google Maps is that little, free, but very useful map application that saves you while on trips, unknown neighborhoods or in your own!
Installation Guide:
To download Google Maps for your Storm follow this easy steps.
Go to the web browser and go to Google.com, make sure it is the mobile edition. Then select ”More” and then ”Maps”, finally select ”Install now” and follow the installation process.
If you have any problem just leave a comment and I will help you.
November 27th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
i downloaded google maps but it wont open.
November 28th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Hi fred!
Google just said that they have some compatibility problems but they are working on maps exclusively for storm, I let you know when they are out.
November 29th, 2008 at 11:07 am
Hi,
i just get my Storm yesterday. I installed google maps, but when i try to open, i get a error-message like:
No netwerk available. The App needs a dataconnection. Also some black berrys have to get a new configuration…
It’s a german message. So i hope the translation ist right.
December 2nd, 2008 at 8:49 pm
I just downloaded it on my storm and it worked perfectly.
December 2nd, 2008 at 10:39 pm
Glad to hear that!! Anyone else?
December 3rd, 2008 at 5:31 pm
I am using G Maps Version 2.3.2 and the GPS portion is not functional. It does appear to work for everything else using the cell towers to provide estimated location info. My GPS works fine with BB Maps on the storm.
December 3rd, 2008 at 6:58 pm
Hi Sean!
The problem is that the storm has a customized GUI for the GPS, Google is working on it, i will let you know when it is out.
December 4th, 2008 at 10:38 pm
I am having the same error message when Google Map’s is trying to open: ‘Network unavailable: This application needs a data connection and some BLackBerry devices require reconfiguration to work properly. Please visit ww.google.co.uk/gmm for more info.’
I am running v2.3.2, have checked all data settings on the phone and all app permissions are okay but still not working. Have just come from a Curve working ok so nothing to do with my wireless connection. Have spoken to support who are not aware of the issue (Storm only just released in NZ on 3rd) and others seem to be having a different issue than I…
Any suggestions?
I use Google Maps everyday…
December 9th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
So I installed Google maps and it says it was successful, but I can’t find the application icon. Does anybody know where to find it?
December 9th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
Google isn’t going to fix this anytime soon, they’re busy selling their own phone now. They had plenty of time to fix before the Storms release and now three weeks later after release its still not fixed.
Its called Google dragging their android feet and they should be ashamed of themselves!
December 10th, 2008 at 11:33 am
so i got my storm today and i have downloaded the lates version of google maps. it opens with out error however it just does not look right it looks like it was made for a different blackberry version. the short key board is always on screen and the screen is permantly stuck in portrate.
this cannot be what google maps looks like on the storm is there a link to a version specifically for the storm?
December 10th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Hey Matt!!
You should use the forum, we have some people who have tha same problem and others who don’t. Here is the link to the post.
http://the-blackberry-storm.net/forum/topic/ross-google-maps-help
December 19th, 2008 at 3:03 am
I loaded Google maps (Verizon) and it works but seem to be using the cell tower locationing and I haven’t seen that it works.
I usually get locations within 900 meters or some other larger radius. I haven’t tried it outdoors yet. (too cold)
—John Putnam
December 19th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
GPS does not work, I think Verizon locks it so we can’t use it. The only way to locate is with The towers, but is very unaccurate
December 19th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
While Verizon generally locks Blackberry GPS’s, the Black Storm’s GPS is UNLOCKED – Verizon’s holiday gift to us all. The GPS is not the problem. But I have read that Google has some compatibility issues with the Storm – THAT’s the problem. We can blame many things on Verizon, but not this
December 19th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
I get the same problem with Google. Doesn’t locate GPS and SureType stays locked on. GPS is working on the phone. I downloaded Trapster and that finds my location easily.
December 19th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
Ross go under applications folder and the google maps icon will be there.
December 30th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
I went to the google on my phone(mobile version ) and when i click on more and then maps no icon for “install now” pops up..it just has “visit now” and when i select that it just takes me to a search engine for google maps..Any sugggestions
January 4th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
Google maps only work with cell tower triangulation for now , i got garmin maps $79 dollars .Works like my garmin 350 in my car :>)
January 4th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
I have the same problem as Penny ( dec.4th) and Christian ( nov 29th).
CAn anyone tell me how to adjust the settings on the Storm?
Thanks!
January 7th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
I’ve installed gmaps 2.3.2 several times on my storm, it installs ok but when you try to start gmaps the loading windows comes up, progress bar goes about 1/3 of the way, loading screen disappears and the storm goes back to it’s homepage. I’m guessing an error during load? Anyone know a fix fot this?
Thanks
January 20th, 2009 at 7:14 pm
Hey!
I have the new storm, and have installed google maps successfully, however whenever I load it, the keyboard comes up! How can I view the map on the full page, and get rid of the keyboard on the screen?
THANKS
January 20th, 2009 at 10:59 pm
Slide your finger from the middle off the screen where the keyboard starts to the bottom where it ends, right in the middle, slide your finger downwards and the keyboard will hide. Another thing you can do is program any of the two sside keys to hide/show keyboard.
January 23rd, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Thanks to this website, I successfully downloaded the Google maps to my BB Storm phone and it works. I have had the phone since Jan. 3 and had the Palm Treo 700p before this. No contest–I love the BB Storm.
January 27th, 2009 at 1:38 am
Is there any additional charge to use Google maps on the Storm?
Is it considered part of the unlimited web access or does it use phone time?
January 27th, 2009 at 7:33 pm
No, it makes part of you Unlimited web access plan. No phone time is spent
January 28th, 2009 at 4:59 pm
Thanks! One more (probably silly) question:
Does the Blackberry’s GPS have to be turned on to use Google Maps? (I noticed that in another post you mentioned that a good way to save battery life is to turn off the GPS…) No problem to turn it on and off I guess, but I’m just wondering how this works exactly…
Thanks in advance! Your blog is very helpful
February 7th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
I just got the BB Storm and downloaded Google Maps. It works, but the GPS is not recognized. My Maps that came with it works, but does not have the functionality that I want. What can I do. I have Verizon.
February 8th, 2009 at 1:47 am
Nothing, Verizon has the frigging GPS locked. Lets hope they unlock it with a firmware update.
February 8th, 2009 at 11:26 pm
I wish everyone would stop saying verizon locked the GPS. That is not true, this is the first phone that verizon has not locked, the only thing locked on the phone is the ability to use other service providers. But the GPS, and nothing else is locked. Before making a statement Edward, please understand what you are talking about.
February 9th, 2009 at 2:58 am
Sorry if the info I gave is not correct, but I have heard that the GPS IS locked by Verizon, otherwise the Google Team would implement the GPS on google maps for the Storm.
February 14th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
The graphic of Google Maps on the Storm is fake (though we HOPE a Storm version will look that good). I’ve downloaded GM a few times (with every leaked OS update) and, while functionality appears be improving, the app is still using only half of the screen and is not yet landscape capable. Other than that, it works (even tried it again today). Still waiting for a Storm-specific version.
February 19th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
I have google maps installed on my Blackberry Storm however I cannot view it in full screen there does not seem to be a way to minimise the keyboard which is a shame to waste all that real estate since otherwise the app is a boon. I currently have 4.7.0.90 installed any hints?
February 19th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
I have had the BB Storm for a month now. When I go to the page to load Google Maps and click on Install Now it says “you are not authorized to view this page. Please try loading a different page. What is the problem and what can I do?
February 20th, 2009 at 1:21 am
slide yoour finger without taping from where the keyboard starts towards the bottom, it will hide the keyboard
February 22nd, 2009 at 1:00 am
Downloaded maps v3.0.2 but still no gps and keybord is locked on. Any updates/suggestions?
February 22nd, 2009 at 8:36 pm
Ok, to hide the keyboard slide your finger from where the keyboard starts to the boottom of the scree.
To activate the gps go to tools>use gps INSIDE Google Maps options, not the Storm’s main menu.
February 23rd, 2009 at 12:11 pm
To activate the gps go to tools>use gps INSIDE Google Maps options, not the Storm’s main menu.
This dosen’t make sence {canot find}??????
February 23rd, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 9:38 AM
If you own a BlackBerry Storm on Verizon Wireless, we encourage you to download a brand new version of Google Maps for mobile that utilizes the Storm’s internal GPS. The Storm is the first Verizon BlackBerry that makes it possible for My Location to access GPS location. After you install the new version on your Storm, you will notice improved accuracy for My Location and Latitude. Based on interest in certain Google Mobile User Forum threads, this functionality should be a welcome addition.
February 24th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
I can’t hide the keyboard? I slide my finger from the top of the keyboard downward but its not working. Is there any other way to hide the keyboard on google map?? Please HELP!!
February 24th, 2009 at 11:37 pm
does it work in other apps? You can also program the left or right key to toggle on/off the keyboard by going to the settings of your Storm
February 25th, 2009 at 12:18 am
THE REAL SOLUTION TO FIX THE KEYBOARD on Google Map: OPTIONS/ADV OPTIONS/APPLICATION/ HILIGHT GOOGLE MAP/PRESS MENU/ UNENABLE COMPABLITITY MODE. Unistalled GoogleMap, Reinstalled it and reboot BB Storm.
February 26th, 2009 at 4:00 am
David801,
Son of a gun, this worked! Install GM, disable compatibility mode, delete GM and reinstall the program…full screen Google Maps on a Storm!
Well done. I’m running 4.7.0.99 and am even happier to be a Storm user today.
February 28th, 2009 at 5:06 am
“David801 on Wed, 25th Feb 2009 12:18 am ”
Thanks David, THIS fixed the keyboard problem and google maps looks and acts as it should on my Storm!
screen shot @ http://www.zoo76.com/storm/google_maps.jpg
February 28th, 2009 at 11:35 pm
Just loaded the latest Google Maps (2/28/2009) and it works great on my Blackberry Storm 9530 hacked to be on the AT&T network. Maps and GPS work perfect – VZ Navigator and BB Maps also work perfect. Just make sure your GPS is set to locate and not E911only. I had an iPhone before my Storm and I can say I will never go back – Storm wins hands down! I even have the same icons on my Storm the iPhone had! Like I said this phone is the best!
March 6th, 2009 at 2:07 am
Just so everyone knows, if you previously had google maps installed on your blackberry storm and attempt to update it without removing it, you may not get the gps functionality. To ensure that it works properly, uninstall it, restart the phone and then install the latest version. This worked for me.
April 9th, 2009 at 4:35 am
I just got a blackberry storm unlocked and i am using it on tmobile, but i can’t use my GPS, how can I make the GPS work on Tmobile?
April 10th, 2009 at 12:43 am
Go to settings, advanced settings and play with the settings to turn the GPS on.
April 20th, 2009 at 10:03 pm
i downloaded google maps for bb storm, it reboots my phone and when it tells me to look either in my application center or downloads, it’s not there! where would it be?
April 21st, 2009 at 1:17 am
I prefer LifeInPocket, it’s a much more advance and has more useful features than Google map.
It offers real GPS voice navigation, beautiful restaurants search/review pages, navigation by address book etc. and it’s free too.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:00 pm
Applications
April 23rd, 2009 at 10:24 am
it realy easy to download google maps ,
thanks my dear
May 4th, 2009 at 10:29 am
Hello
i have a blackberry storm 9500 but no maps. can anyone tell me how much the wap is to download google maps and how long does it take to download or very kindly send google maps to me.
thank you
May 5th, 2009 at 12:55 am
OK, just got the “Storm” today and was excited because my previous phone had the GPS locked down by Verizon. Followed your directions and downoaded Google maps figured out how to start the app, but indoors I’m about 25 miles from where I’m really located. So does it make a difference if your indoors?
June 2nd, 2009 at 10:07 pm
DAVID801:
Thanks…. searched and searched for a way to hide the keyboard on google maps… sliding my finger on the keyboard didn’t work….. finally found your post and whatcha know it worked…….. thanks again……
July 14th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
i have the blackberry storm and downloaded google maps but when i open it it starts to load then just goes back to the applications menu… i uninstalled and reinstalled two or three times and rebooted the phone but it did not fix it. i’ve read that there is a google maps app in the application folder but i do not have it. is there something i can do to get it to work
September 16th, 2009 at 8:53 am
Hi. i have a storm 9500. I haven’t subscribed to BIS, is there a way to install google maps on my phone with out it? I have an unlimited data plan, so service charges are ok
September 17th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
tried downloading the map but it showed me ? 907 Invalid COD Local connection timed out after ~120000 ??????? what can i do to correct it . My phone is the storm 9530 OS V4.7.0.75 Platform 4.0.0.94
November 11th, 2009 at 10:06 pm
I loved Google Maps on my Pearl, but I upgraded to a Storm 9530, which was recently updated, Google maps still only appears in the top half of the screen and the keyboard will not close. It only appears vertically (portrait mode). The controls do not work and it scrolls in the opposite direction from my finger. It will not accurately sense my location… HELP!
November 29th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
I just got a replacement and it does the same thing….only displays in Portrait mode. My wife has the exact same phone and it works fine with Landscape mode.
What’s the deal?
December 2nd, 2009 at 3:33 pm
TRACKING issue
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:04 am
I was able to fix the problem on mine with a full system wipe, restore and reinstall
December 3rd, 2009 at 4:52 pm
How do you do a full system wipe?
December 3rd, 2009 at 6:41 pm
Jason, how do you know what my issue is? What I submitted is not what people can read on the ‘site’?
Can you give me step by step details please? Sounds like something BlackBerry should know about?
December 6th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
My husband is driving me mad cause neither his Google nor his Blackberry Map will ”track’ can someone help me please?
January 8th, 2010 at 9:48 pm
I have already downloaded the google maps app to mi storm, but I can’t make it run.
I get the following message:
Network Unavailable: This application requires a data connection, and some blackberry devices require reconfiguration to work properly.
I do not have the blackberry service, I am trying to do this through a wi-fi connection.
Can you help me?
Thanks in advance
January 20th, 2010 at 11:36 am
I’ve got the same problem as Daniel. I’ve checked the application settings and Internet, Wifi, USB, Bluetooth are authorized to Google Maps. I’ve only disabled things like e-mail which would not make sense to Google Maps. Has anyone figured it out ?
I’ve got the French version but the message is the same, only translated. It also says I can browse to http://www.google.com/gmm with my desktop and get more information, but there is nothing usefull there.
Any ideas ?
February 9th, 2010 at 11:50 pm
I just downloaded google maps and now I can’t find it. It’s nowhere in the menu, nor anywhere else I’ve looked.
It’s on the phone somewhere, because I’ve tried to reinstall and a message comes up saying the version already exists.
Please help.
February 10th, 2010 at 6:42 pm
Vodafone Wayfinder is now available in Blackberry Storm 2 Downloads, its free and it works and talks. Brill, thanks Vodafone!
April 19th, 2010 at 9:19 pm
Thanks for you help. This took only about less than a minute to download the app.
April 29th, 2010 at 2:19 pm
Ayuda! El mapa no Muestra ubicacion mi ubicacion Real, el teclado no se oculta y no me da Las Rutas q les solicito
May 3rd, 2010 at 6:12 am
I followed the instructions given above on how to install google map on the Blackberry Storm but it is not working. Its not giving me the option to click install. Is there something else I need to download first?
May 5th, 2010 at 1:27 am
hi,i have same old problem as daniel and david. i browse te page they send you and there is nothing really usefull. please can someone help us?
June 8th, 2010 at 3:49 am
Hi. I downloaded this to my Phne and its not working. It says check my network settings. Wat can I do
June 16th, 2010 at 3:11 pm
Google Maps has never worked on my Storm 9530. I still get it only in portrait mode, the keyboard always takes up the bottom half of the screen, it pans in the opposite direction from how I move my finger, “My Location” is more than .5 miles off and it won’t track my movement like my previous Pearl was able to do. I am on v5.0.0.419 (Platform 4.2.0.179).
I have done a full system wipe and reinstall – no improvement.
Edward Umana – are you able to help as you offered in your article? Anyone else???
June 19th, 2010 at 8:03 am
Hi,
Actually my service provider has locked my Storm so I could only use a fraction of its functions. Now that I have called the customer service they’ve enabled everything remotely and I can enjoy Google Maps, Facebook, Push e-mails, all work great !
June 27th, 2010 at 4:46 pm
I have the same problem as Elliott (Nov 11, 09). The old Google Maps worked fine, but just upgraded and now have a permanent keyboard on the bottom and it won’t go landscape. I deleted the app and reinstalled, same problem. Aargh.
August 13th, 2010 at 7:16 pm
I have two blackberreis… Storm 9530 and Bold 9700 and on both i have downloaded the app and when I go to open the app it just flashes the Terms and Conditions page and then exits back to the main folder. I have wiped my Storm and it still does the same thing.
December 12th, 2010 at 9:44 pm
Tengo una bb STORM. He descargado el google maps y tengo sólo dos opciones: desactivando la compatibilidad de no se que, se ve en toda la pantalla pero hay que trabajar con el teclado para el movimiento adelante, atras, izquierda y derecha, y el zoom. Es incómodo porque hay que activar el teclado y se visualiza solo la mitad de pantalla. La segunda opción, es con la compatibilidad activada pero directamente se vé en pantalla dividida. Sería bueno trabajar con toda la pantalla para ver mejor. Entré a todos los foros y las soluciones son diversas y ninguna funciona.
Habrá en algun momento una versión de google maps que funcione en Storn o tenemos que soportar trabajar en doble pantalla????
Sinceramente, NO FUNCIONA LA VERSION QUE ESTA DANDO VUELTA EN INTERNET. Si conocen una solución real, informénos…. Gracial
July 7th, 2011 at 2:25 pm
error showing the current location is not available