Mobile Ministry Magazine

Ok, so I've already blasted the fact that we don't get out enough and just commune with one another. The fact is though that there is sufficient mobile tech out to help these matters in these times. Applications such as Earthcomber and Google Maps have been around for a long time helping us get from point to point. And how Nokia Maps 2.0 joins the fray as another solid entry that gives you n excuse to be sitting still (lest you are reading MMM).

Nokia Maps 2.0

Nokia Maps 2.0 was previously a beta application in Nokia's Betalabs. It has recently been made an official release and adds several new features for those who are unaccustomed to using GPS, maps, and location-based services in their mobile device. And to those who are familiar, there are a few new wrinkles that can be explained in the terms Drive, Walk, and Discover

Drive, Walk, Discover

Drive is similar to how many use GPS devices when in automobiles. Nokia Maps 2.0 adds an improved Car Navigation component which adds PND-level car navigation experience with faster routing; an updated User Interface featuring a new navigation carousel with pre-defined navigation views such as navigation, arrow, and bird-eye views; and enhanced navigation features such as signposts and multi-stop route planner which are usually found on top-of-the-line GPS devices.

The Walk feature is designed for use when walking instead of moving quickly over terran such as in an automobile. Walk features a pedestrian navigation system which uses visual guidelines, contextual information about the surrounding areas, and in supported devices, the direction being walked. The Walk features public transit information for 17 cities with localized icons. For better performance, Walk uses advanced multi-sensor positioning using A-GPS, and pedestrian orientation using the compass feature (specifically to the Nokia 6210 Navigator device).

Discover takes advantage of the fact that there are areas to be discovered in traveling. This feature offers satellite images with hybrid rendering overlays for selected cities; a "one-box search" for places, addresses, restaurants, nightlife, outdoor, accommodation; and premium multi-media city guides including features photos, video, audio streams.

Use and Availability

Nokia Maps 2.0 uses vector-based maps provided by Navteq and TeleAtlas which cover over 200 countries and over 70 of them navigable. Maps can be downloaded over the air directly to selected devices or by using the Nokia Map Loader on a PC. A new beta version of the Nokia Map Loader is available on the Nokia Betalabs website.

Nokia Maps 2.0 is a free application, however some features may have trial-then-purchase limitations. Nokia Maps also uses data services in order to view and update map data. An unlimited data plan, or Wi-Fi connection is advised for use.

To download Nokia Maps 2.0 and more information, visit http://www.maps.nokia.com.

So, Get Out A Bit

Even if you do not have a Nokia device, that is no excuse to not get out a bit and see the community around you. Besides being able to interact with people, you can also find out about places to eat that you've not see and sow into local businesses. And you never know, you might end up going out and about and catch a crime in progress that you'd be able to report. (LINK HAS QUESTIONABLE AD CONTENT)

Get it? Use that mobile tech and let that faith intersect with someone :)

Labels: church, community, Earthcomber, Google Maps, Internet, maps, people, software

One of the things that I liked about my MD church is that there is free wifi available for those using handheld or laptop devices. And while some of you might be thinking, "what does a church need to be offering wifi for?" One of the reasons that it does so is to enable those who are not staff to utilize the church's resources to get some things done. Some college students are even seen working on their laptops between services on Sundays getting papers done and what have you. If you will, by offering free (and usable) wifi, the church has made it easy for people to leave home for a while and come to another place to work and worship.

I had this thought after reading this article though, that there could be more done to serve those who are out and about, but want to be connected to either what is going on with life or church. I wonder what all could be one to help facilitate some seemless mobile computing usages throughout some (larger moreso than smaller) congregations.

I think of simple things such as having a mobile friendly page on their website that can be used to find out church times and the latest events (since search seems to be a big reason people are using mobile internet). I think of plugging into services such as Earthcomber that will not just give you a heads up on what is around in terms of places, but also what is going on in terms of events.

I wonder if it is even possible that one could log on to their church/community's website and then engage in community building events or discussions. Similar to a distance learning application, but where the browser is all that is needed, and information can be quickly shared.

The key thing is making something accessible, and from that point, we can use the tech to facilitate/encourage community.

Labels: accessiblity, community, Earthcomber, mobile