Streets & Trips 2009 to include GPS Locator

While most people have forgotten about the existence of Streets & Trips since the popularization of Google Maps (and MapQuest before that), Microsoft continues to put out new versions every year that are usually worth a look. This year is no different, and while it may not be free its feature set certainly gives Google Maps a run for their money.

A few of these features such as the GPS Locator have been around in previous incarnations. However since Streets & Trips is a piece of software that goes mostly overlooked, I thought it important to make that inclusion perfectly clear. In conjunction with GPS, text-to-voice software will provide you with a safe way to hear your directions when driving — certainly safer than glancing over at an open laptop in your passengers seat. New this year? the inclusion of street names in the text-to-voice. That means no more “turn left in 50m” to confuse you. Now it’s “turn left on Squires Row in 50m.” It’s a small change, but one that makes a big difference when behind the wheel.

2009 will also offer construction updates as you plan your trip, as well as allow you to text any info from the application directly to your mobile phone. If you want to make sure you have the address of your hotel handy, it’s a great little feature.

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