In my last post (Have you been LOVING Windows Live Search for Mobile Devices?), I described finding an Indian restaurant near an Italian restaurant near your hotel. Yes: I was a bit roundabout. I wanted to demonstrate multiple levels of reference. In that post, I sent a text message with the location information to the Italian place, which is where we're going to dinner.
In this post, I'll discuss what the recipient might do, and note: the recipient doesn't need anything more than the ability to receive text messages and open a mobile browser!
The recipient receives the text message which provides a link to see the map of the location:
Let's say the recipient is coming from the airport to meet for dinner. Scrolling down, they can click 'drive to', which opens a dialog to enter their current location. If this is the first time you've used Windows Live Search (WLS) in your mobile browser, the most recent plotted location will be found (in this case, the Italian restaurant). You need to put in a new location, so we'll enter 'LAX' as we're coming from the airport. WLS recognizes airport codes, but will give you a list of businesses who might also use that code. Selecting the code you want produces the driving directions and map (I wrapped the directions so the image would fit in this post):
Naturally, the directions can be reversed (just showing the map here; note how the 'start' (green) and 'end' (red) flags change). The directions take into account one-way grids and road construction, where applicable.
You might ask: "Yeah, but what about traffic?". Read on. Rather try it for yourself? Link your mobile phone to http://wls.live.com.