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Traffic Info Added To Google Maps for Mobile

Google Maps for Mobile is a savior for disoriented late-night revelers. Today, the company tacks on a new mobile feature for rush-hour commuters. The Mountain View, Calif. media giant says Google Maps for Mobile now allows users to choose a destination within Google Maps and select "show traffic." The feature highlights road conditions on the map in three colors: red for heavy traffic, yellow for slowdowns, and green for smooth. It also calculates alternate routes to the location. Traffic data will be available in more than 30 major metro areas, and partial information will be provided in a few others. Rival Yahoo offers live traffic info on its PC-based map service, but not on its mobile Maps application. Following this announcement, expect to see a Yahoo response in the next few months. Given the service's value, it is expected to be used extensively. But how will Google monetize it? No word yet.

Read the whole story at Reuters.com »

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