google maps vs. Microsoft live search

gianthobbit · #1 (**permalink**) 01-29-2009, 03:48 PM

I honestly never used live search, always just used google maps, what are the pros and cons of each?

crazaytalent · #2 (**permalink**) 01-29-2009, 03:53 PM

I dunno, dont use live search too much either... google maps just seems much more user friendly and easy on the easy... not so much of an eye sore...lol! I also like sprint telenav if your on the sprint network... Im usually not tooo huge of a fan of sprint apps, but their gps is pretty sweet and very user friendly...

**CozBoogie** · #3 (**permalink**) 01-29-2009, 03:55 PM

Moved to the Software Forum.

late,
Coz

devinc · #4 (**permalink**) 01-29-2009, 04:15 PM

I use both. There is really almost no difference. I happen to like the way Live Search presents traffic view, which is crucial for driving in Southern California. The traffic seems to be updated more frequently and is more visible.

Other than that, to my mind they are exactly the same until you get to street view, as Google Maps has it and Live Search does not. I really don't think Street View is all that necessary.

I recommend you try both and see if one pleases you aesthetically more than the other.

Devin

devinc · #5 (**permalink**) 01-29-2009, 04:16 PM

Oh, one other difference. Live Search allows you to speak a location while Google Maps has no such function. This speak location is good for when you are driving.

Devin

aammiitt · #6 (**permalink**) 01-29-2009, 04:16 PM

one of the cool things I like abt live search is...SPEAK command. eg.. "Radioshack, NY" and BAM.....list of all the stores...click away...1 touch and u can call the store u want..or map it.

Just 1 of the nicer features that I found useful

badchad · #7 (**permalink**) 01-29-2009, 05:20 PM

Sometimes it seems like Live search has an extra step which annoys me:

1. Lock on GPS.
2. Search near here
3. Do you want to replace "my location" with your current location?

Like, wtf? "my location" is my "current location" of course I want to replace it!

defamed01 · #8 (**permalink**) 01-29-2009, 06:41 PM

Yeah, that annoys me too that there's an extra step for Live Search. I use both depending on my needs at the time. Google Maps loads faster, is more pleasing to the eye, and lets you mark favorite locations on the map. Live Search allows has voice recognition, plus options for traffic, movies, weather, gas prices, and business categories all on the main home screen. They both have street view now since Live Search version 4.0. Live Search also has the option to reroute your directions based on your current location when using GPS in case you miss an exit or something similar.

**Drybonz** · #9 (**permalink**) 01-29-2009, 08:26 PM

I use both. They aren't even really the same type of software. LiveSearch works primarily as a search tool, and the maps on Google are better than the maps on LiveSearch.

Ultimately, to get around though, I use a combination of Livesearch to find what I am looking for and then TomTom to get there.

**syrguy1969** · #10 (**permalink**) 01-29-2009, 08:43 PM

I agree with others in here that both are useful for different things...I use Google Maps for actually mapping out routs, and Live for the movies, gas prices, and voice command for locating businesses near me. I wouldn't say one is better than the other in entirety, but they really compliment each other well on a device!!