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Change to Bing maps disappointing

Former Member over 14 years ago

Hello,

I'm disappointed in the switch to Bing maps. The "far" view in both map and ariel is much more distorted than the previous version with google maps. It also seems that the terrain view has disappeared. I assume this was done as a cost saving measure, but from a user perspective, it's a loss of functionality.

However, I still love my garmin as a training tool, and has been helpful in my quest for my first full marathon in early december.

Chris

0 Former Member over 14 years ago

Garmin, can you please provide a non-BS answer as to why you went to Bing?

I think it's very simple. You don't have to be a genius. You don't have to suspect some secret malicious plan.

Bing maps is much cheaper than Google maps for large volume users like Garmin Connect. Probably Garmin Connect didn't even plan how popular the app would be. Now they have millions of people hitting it every day and Google probably found it was a good time to charge them a monthly fee. Well, Garmin Connect is a free service. And Garmin has shareholders to make happy so it has to look at profit and expenses. You do the math Einstein.

If you are still slow, I'll even give you another hint for free. GRMN stock traded a high of 120 in September 2007. Where is it today? Take a look

0 TTIMLEN over 14 years ago

Einstein was not a businessman.

Bing maps is much cheaper than Google maps for large volume users like Garmin Connect. Probably Garmin Connect didn't even plan how popular the app would be. Now they have millions of people hitting it every day and Google probably found it was a good time to charge them a monthly fee.

Watchmerun - why so patronizing?

Can you substantiate that Bing is cheaper for Garmin than continuing with Google Maps?

In earlier related posts I seem to recall another Forum user stated that there is no cost to Garmin by using Google Maps - is there is any evidence to support your statement that there are costs?

Whether or not Bing is actually cheaper is not the only factor. As you point out Garmin shares have fallen and they face tough competition as devices such as iPhones now offer free GPS tracking, etc.

Under such circumstances, does it make commercial sense to switch to an inferior mapping service that provides customers with substandard quality of road & trail information?

By doing so Garmin is not enhancing customer relations, but in fact alienating customers who will now look at alternative devices. This will certainly not help Garmin's sales figures and in turn further weaken their stock value.

Panasonic is already preparing a device that will compete directly with the Garmin Edge 705, 500 and 800 - I doubt that it will be based on Bing!

0 Former Member over 14 years ago

Changed to Bing Map really disappointing!
Now I can even run on ocean!
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/61405568

Is this because you are running on reclaimed land? If you click on Aerial view, it matches up with the streets in the area you were running.

Still, it pales in comparison to Google Maps.

0 Former Member over 14 years ago

Is this because you are running on reclaimed land? If you click on Aerial view, it matches up with the streets in the area you were running.

Still, it pales in comparison to Google Maps.

You might want to check out Gfix to get Google Maps back in Garmin Connect

http://bit.ly/gfix77

Works only in Chrome

0 DEITEMILLER over 14 years ago

bing is really poor second

Garmin really needs to listen to their customers here and step up to making changes. there is really no reason why a leading provider of products and services like Garmin is should be using a second rate, copy product like bing. Its not the real thing! Please bring back google.

What is really ironic is that you require a google earth export icon to really see things good. The prior Garmin connect views actually incorporated google earth into the dash board page.

Garmin, please do something!

0 chrlov over 14 years ago

How to get Google Maps on Garmin Connect

How-to for Firefox and Chrome: http://blodsmak.wordpress.com/2011/03/07/garmin-connect-bing-maps-and-google-maps/

0 Former Member over 14 years ago

Garmin, c'mon

0 Former Member over 14 years ago

Disappointing!

I run off road a lot, now I can't see why I run around certain objects!
Very disappointed. This website has now lost value to me. I will continue to use it but I will not recommend the product as heartily in the future!
It was good why it lasted Garmin. Thanks for the memories!
Pete Duffin

0 Former Member over 14 years ago

Dear Garmin.
I am very dissapointed about the switch to Bing Maps.
I live in Asia and Bing Maps for most of Asia are vastly inferior to Google’s. It may be ok’ish for the USA but you should have thought of the global market.
Garmin Connect was good until this, now almost useless. You are destroying the value of Garmin, your very brand, and I now consider to have wasted the money spent.
Please please please either let us pick our mapping service or go back to Google within 30 days.
Paul

0 Former Member over 14 years ago

I changed my mind about Bing maps:

BING IS GREAT!!!

First of all: I've never really liked the hill on the north end of New York Central Park. But thanks to Garmins genius switch to Bing there is no longer a hill there. As a matter of fact, Central Park is now all flat. 2011 will be the year of new PR's thanks to Garmin/Bing!

But what's even more impressive: Before Garmin switched to Bing maps I wasn't able to run through buildings. Now I am. That's great I think.

What's weird though is that it doesn't feel like I'm running through them when I'm actually running, but the maps say I did, so I must have.

So, if anyone who doesn't like Bing reads this, please realize these benefits.

And if anyone from Garmin reads this...... wait, let me read up on the terms of use before I go on......