Google has released a new beta version (but then what Google product is not in beta?) of Google Maps for mobile phones.  For phones without built-in GPS the previous version was pretty nice.  I’ve used it on trips to get directions when I wasn’t in my car with the GPS.  Of course it only works when you have cell service so using it on trips to remote locations is sketchy, but still not bad for a free program.

Well the new version with “My Location” has taken a huge step forward and come as close to a GPS system as you can get without actually being GPS.

The My Location feature takes information broadcast from mobile towers near you to approximate your current location on the map - it’s not GPS, but it comes pretty close (approximately 1000m close, on average).

I tried it out at work and it put my location within 3 blocks of my office.  Not exact, but certainly better than the old version when I had to type a beginning location and sometimes wasn’t even sure what that location was.  GigaOm has more information and a better review.  Oh and surprise, surprise.. something else that doesn’t work on the iphone