Major Google Maps Update

Above, the motorhome at Arches National Park Visitor Center. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During my vacation in July to Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota and Utah, I made good use out of Google maps. I also made good use out of a paper road atlas.

That wasn't the app version, but the one available to anyone online. 

For those who use the app version, there will be major updates coming, some of which could "doom" trip planner apps.

From RV Travel:

The day of paying for an app to help you plan your trip’s route or find places and services along the road may soon be over.

Google is rolling out a major update to its Google Maps that uses artificial intelligence to make it easier for RVers and other motorists to navigate unfamiliar towns, find fuel or groceries near a campground or safely guide a large rig through tight turns and avoid routes with low bridges. And it won’t cost a penny.

The upgrades come from integrating Google’s Gemini AI directly into maps, adding smarter voice assistance, more intuitive directions, and better on-the-ground exploration tools. It’s GPS on steroids.

To read more, go here. 

12° Outside

The temperature in the Gallup/Jamestown area is currently 12° outside.

This is from the National Weather Service and The Weather Channel app from my phone.

It looks like I won't be going outside anytime soon.

 

See What's On Your Phone's Google Calendar Today?

If you are weary of the bombardment of LGBTQ stuff (to put it politely) all over the media, news and advertising (Bud Light and Target come immediately to mind), well, it doesn't end there. Take a look at your phone's Calendar.

I noticed on my phone's Calendar app that "LGBTQ+ Pride Month" is listed today as a "holiday" (or observance). 

The calendar on my Android phone is a Google app that comes with the phone.

From Wikipedia:

Google Calendar is a time-management and scheduling calendar service developed by Google. It became available in beta release April 13, 2006, and in general release in July 2009, on the web and as mobile apps for the Android and iOS platforms.

Google took it upon itself to include holidays and observances on their Calendar App, including "LGBTQ+ Pride Month". This may offend some people to a huge extent. 

Supposedly, you can remove such calendared items by following this:

Some have said that cherry-picking what events to remove is not possible and that in order to do so, one has to remove all of them. I'm personally not going to bother. I find it more amusing than annoying.

It seems this is just another move to make the LGBTQ community "mainstream". I don't care what people do in the privacy of their bedrooms, but I do resent being bombarded with the campaign to make deviant behaviors "normal". Is it any wonder why there is now a backlash?

Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks App

For those RVers who could use an assist or two while driving to the national parks, National Parks Traveler will soon have a new phone app for making the drive a lot easier.

According to their website:

Last year the National Parks Traveler debuted its Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks in eBook and PDF formats. Soon you'll be able to download an app of the guide to your phone.

For more, go here. 

Winnebago Launches Mobile App

Above, The Beast between Wolf Creek Pass and Pagosa Springs in Colorado. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Attendees at the Winnebago Grand National Rally in Forest City, Iowa this week were first to learn of a new mobile app by the Winnebago that will improve the ownership experience of Winnebago products.

Globe Newswire reported:

FOREST CITY, Iowa, July 19, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Winnebago, the flagship brand in outdoor lifestyle product manufacturer Winnebago Industries, Inc., announced a new mobile app at its annual Grand National Rally event for owners. The robust, customizable app provides reliable, relevant information for Winnebago owners on a secure platform, making it even easier to learn about their vehicle’s key features and systems and find a service provider. With this app, Winnebago owners can enjoy greater convenience and peace of mind during their travels and throughout their ownership experience.

“This app gives customers the information they need right at their fingertips to own and operate their RVs,” said Kim Weckert, director of digital customer engagement. “With a greater understanding of their vehicle systems and service needs, owners can travel with ease and more fully enjoy the benefits of RV ownership.”

To read more, go here. 

AOL Trouble

Some people really don't like AOL. Some dislike it to the extent that they call it AO-hell. I have been with AOL for 22 years. 

It is rare that I have problems with the AOL email app or website. Today was one of those days.

Earlier, I was getting error messages from AOL on my computer when I tried to access my emails. Then, I tried my phone's AOL app. It seemed fine at first as I was able to access my emails. But, those same emails kept popping up after I earlier deleted them.

I tried reaching AOL's technical support (they say they're available 24/7) but was kept on hold for 25 minutes. I gave up.

Right now, it appears AOL got things straightened out and I am able to access my emails from my computer and old emails that were deleted earlier aren't popping back on my phone app.

Fingers crossed. 

The NPS App Launched

Above, the Colorado River flowing at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To make visiting our national parks a lot easier for travelers, a new app, The NPS App, has been launched by the National Park Service. Along with interactive maps, the app has all the information visitors will need.

According to KRQE News 13:

NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – The National Park Service is now accessible right from your pocket as park rangers helped create an app to make trips to parks in New Mexico and all over the nation easier. Warm weather is just around the corner and trips are ready to be planned. NPS is ready for the increase in visitors all over the nation.

To read more, go here. 

New AOL App Came As A Non-Pleasant Surprise

Above, the campers near my campsite this morning. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A little while ago, I returned from taking a nice hot shower at the campground's facilities. 

I found the shower room nice and clean with good hot water in the shower with very decent water pressure.

After that, I returned to The Beast and poured myself a fresh cup of coffee and opened my AOL app on my phone. Gawd almighty! The app totally changed and is confusing as hell! Especially when sending photos from the phone's gallery.

Above, the RV park looking east. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We had no warning that AOL was changing their app for Android users. I noticed a lot of users are raising hell over the change. I added my voice to the complaints.

After that, I stepped outside and looked around. The campground is now almost half full. The sky is clear and it looks to be a nice day in Durango.

Still, the AOL matter is annoying.

Best Apps For Those Who Enjoy The Outdoors

Above, some of the locals of Oatman, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

People who enjoy the outdoors have different interests and ideas on what they enjoy the most.

Fortunately, there are many apps tailored to those varied interests.

Passport Magazine has an article with as listing of different apps for outdoorsy people.

It begins with:

Everyone is looking to get outside this summer. The warm weather, the gorgeous sunshine, and the call of adventure is drawing people out of lockdown and onto journeys around the country. With continuing concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, many travelers are looking for a more socially distanced vacation. Camping, RVing, National Parks, State Parks, and small towns close to nature are at the top of everyone’s list, and why shouldn’t they be? 

This is the summer of outdoor adventure, of road trips, and new and wonderful experiences. And what better way to help you on your journey than with some amazing apps? With all the information you need at your fingertips, you’re bound to have the perfect summer. Here are a few apps you need to check out to make your travels more enjoyable.

To read more, go here. 

WeatherBug Lightning Alert

A few months ago, I was updating, deleting and adding some apps to my phone. One of the new apps I got was WeatherBug.

It is a nifty (if that word is ever used anymore) app with weather updates with easy-to-read graphics on current weather conditions in one's area.

The skies in and around Jamestown, New Mexico are pretty dark and my WeatherBug sent me an alert for lightning activity.

It provided information where the nearest lightning strikes hit, the time and miles. This would come in handy for people who are outdoors working or engaged in any other kind of outdoor activity.

Here's what the alert looks like:

JR Central To Expand Online Shinkansen Booking

Above, a view of Mount Fuji from an Osaka-bound shinkansen. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

More foreign travelers to Japan will be able to book shinkansen train seats online as early as April of next year. 

News On Japan reported:

Central Japan Railway plans to expand its ticketless boarding service for the Tokyo-Osaka shinkansen bullet train line as early as April, allowing more foreign visitors to pay for seats in advance abroad. 

The smartEX app for online booking is now available only in eight countries and regions, including the U.S., Singapore and Hong Kong, owing to the need for trademark registration. JR Central will offer a website through which foreigners anywhere in the world can register their credit cards and reserve seats.

To read more, go here. 

Storm Clouds Gathering

Above, Greg on his tractor (center). Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With monsoon clouds gathered and thunder rumbling in the distance, I stepped outside to see Greg Lucier on his tractor bringing a load of flat stones to his home a mile up the hill. The stones were given to him by Bo from across the street.

The clouds around Jamestown are getting pretty dark. The electricity in the air kept making my radio (on AM setting) crackle constantly. So, I shut it off and switched on my FM radio.

Above, the GOCO Beast Barn today. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

According to The Weather Channel app this morning, we're supposed to have a 40% chance of precipitation this afternoon. It is now sprinkling as I am writing this.

I then took a walk to the Barking Spider Acre. It looks like it won't need another cutting for another week or two.

Forbes: Best RV Park Apps

Above, The Beast at Meteor Crater RV Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those planning a summer camping vacation, there are a number of sources available for information on campgrounds and RV parks.

Forbes.com has an article on the best apps for your summer camping adventures.

They begin with:

Traveling in an RV is different than pulling a regular camper. You have to plan your stops and travel route more carefully. Maybe this is your first RV trip and you want to avoid rookie mistakes. To avoid unwanted surprises, you might consider downloading some of the best RV park apps. 

Whether you are a glamper or still a tent camper at heart, camping is an enjoyable way to sightsee.

To read more, go here. 

Pilot Flying J Launches New Travel App

Above, the Pilot Flying J travel center in Jamestown, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To make road travel easier for truckers, auto and RV travelers, Pilot Flying J has launched a new app.

According to PR Newswire:

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., April 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Pilot Flying J, the largest travel center network in North America, announced today the launch of its new mobile app. With features specifically geared toward the professional driver as well as the auto traveler and RV customer, the app is designed to make travel easier for everyone on the road. Developed with drivers in mind, the new Pilot Flying J app saves users time and money with a more personalized experience tailored to drivers' type of travel, location, preferences and needs.

To read more, go here. 

New App Guides Visitors Through Narita Airport's Terminals

Above, Narita Airport Terminal One Arrival Lobby. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan's main gateway into the country is Narita International Airport in Chiba Prefecture.

TRBusiness reported that the airport has a new smartphone app that will guide visitors "seamlessly" through the airport's terminals.

They wrote:

Toyko’s Narita International Airport Corporation (NAA) has released a new mobile app to guide passengers seamlessly through its terminals. 

NAA claims the airport is the first in Japan to utilise ‘precise indoor navigation from any location to a boarding gate or other destination’. 

NariNavi enables travellers to track their current location using a smartphone to lead them efficiently to the boarding gate, restaurants or shops.

To read more, go here. 

NPS and Pacific Historic Parks Launch New Pearl Harbor Apps

Above, the battleship USS Missouri and the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The National Park Service and Pacific Historic Parks are introducing new apps for Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

According to KHON2:

HONOLULU (KHON2) - Pacific Historic Parks and the National Park Service have partnered to create two new Pearl Harbor apps, bringing the USS Arizona Memorial and Pearl Harbor to the world. The new experience offers a unique view of the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument-Pearl Harbor that is open daily, welcoming over 1.9 million visitors annually. 

"Our two new Pearl Harbor Apps add a whole new dimension in learning about the events of December 7, 1941," said Aileen Utterdyke, president & CEO of Pacific Historic Parks. "The stories of the USS Arizona Memorial and Pearl Harbor are more accessible than ever, providing everyone the opportunity to honor the past and to inspire a better future."  

The free Pearl Harbor-USS Arizona app is the official National Park visitor guide for the USS Arizona Memorial and the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. The app is available for download on iOS and Android phones via Apple iTunes or Google Play. 

Above, the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

 Everyone should include a visit to Pearl Harbor on their travel "bucket list".

To read more, go here. 

Unique Camping Spots With Harvest Hosts

Above, the Ohio River from Illinois with Kentucky across the river. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

On occasion, finding a campsite to spend the night at is a hit & miss exercise.

But, there is a new app by Harvest Hosts that will make it a lot easier to find a campsite. And what they have to offer are unique campsites (membership required).

According to Lonely Planet:

There’s nothing quite like the freedom that comes with taking to the open road for an epic adventure. But for RV and campervan enthusiasts, one of the trickier aspects of a trip can be finding a spot to settle down for the night. With that in mind, US-based company Harvest Hosts has assembled a bespoke list of unique camping experiences across the country, allowing guests to book in ahead of time to stay at vineyards, farms, breweries and historical sites.

To read more, go here.

App To Help Relieve Crowding Issues At Tokyo Disney

Above, a crowd enjoying a show at Tokyo DisneySea. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When we visited Tokyo DisneySea (part of the Tokyo Disney Resort complex) in 2015, it seemed that at least half the population of Tokyo were also attending. Wait times for rides exceeded 30 minutes on average. We enjoyed the park anyway.

To help alleviate this problem, the resort operator is resorting to an app.

According to Nikkei Asian Review:

Tokyo Disney Resort operator Oriental Land will roll out a smartphone app in fiscal 2018 to relieve crowding issues that have frustrated guests at the popular theme park. 

The app will offer a single platform on which customers can buy tickets, book hotel and restaurant reservations, and view park maps with estimated wait times for attractions. It will also be compatible with the smartphone-based e-ticket system introduced Tuesday. 

Another feature, in-park online shopping, should do much to help with the congestion problem. Visitors looking to buy souvenirs and the like tend to crowd stores after the park closes for the day. The app will let guests shop during their time at the park, such as while waiting in line, then pick up their purchases when they leave or have them delivered. 

The app will initially be in Japanese, with Oriental Land to add other language options for international visitors later. It plans to collect and analyze data on users' activities within the park for use in developing new services.

To read more, go here. 

New NHK World App Provides Disaster Alerts In English

Above, if Godzilla attacks, the NHK World app will alert you in English. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A new free app from NHK World will provide disaster alerts in English for those who are visiting Japan or don't understand Japanese.

News On Japan reported:

Tourists and residents in Japan who don't speak Japanese no longer need to be concerned about missing out on earthquake and tsunami alerts. 

Thanks to a new feature added on Feb. 1 to an app offered by NHK World, an English news channel provided by the public broadcaster, travelers or residents who don't speak Japanese will be able to receive emergency warnings on their smartphones in English. 

They will have the choice of turning on notifications for earthquake and tsunami warnings as well as breaking news alerts. The breaking news alerts will include J-Alert warnings and updates on weather-related incidents, such as volcanic eruptions and typhoons.

Unless things have changed, American smartphones have been pretty much useless in Japan.

To read more, go here.

App Allows Visitors To Make Shinkansen Reservations From Home

Above, a shinkansen view of Mount Fuji. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Visitors to Japan can now make online shinkansen train reservations online through a new English language app from home.

Back on October 26, Japan Today reported:

TOKYO - Up to now, it has been a real hassle making advance reservations for Japan’s bullet trains from overseas. JR East finally set up an online reservation system a while back, but that was only for trains heading north from Tokyo. If you wanted to head south along the so-called “Golden Route” to Mt. Fuji, Kyoto and Osaka, you had to wait till you arrived and cross your fingers. 

Well, JR Central and JR West have finally got their act together. This week, they announced that they are launching an English-language reservation app for the popular Tokaido Sanyo Shinkansen line, which connects Tokyo and all points south.

To read more, go here.