Google Maps, Mobile Marketplace, New Verizon Device

We’ll begin this week with news about a substantial update to Google Maps and about the forthcoming Windows Marketplace for Mobile, but the most timely news is a new device from Verizon — and the strong prospect that Verizon or Sprint could come out with the Toshiba TG01, the hot new device with a speedy processor and a 4.1-inch screen.

Google Maps Adds Layers

Google recently released an updated version of Google Maps for Windows Mobile that now includes layers — which, as you likely know, means overlaying specific information on a map. This information can include things such as Wikipedia content, traffic, nearby friends, public transit, local search results, and even your own My Maps content. You can download it here.

Screenshots and Video of Forthcoming Windows Marketplace for Mobile

I’m excited about Microsoft’s app store because I’ve seen how easy Apple’s app store is to use — and how it greatly facilitates adding to the functionality of one’s iPhone.

PocketNow posted a video from Microsoft a few months ago that tells about this new marketplace and gives a feeling for what it can do for you. And they recently posted some screen shots of the website. Unlike Apple’s App Store, which is only accessible via the iTunes software, Microsoft’s store will be accessible via the web.

You may likely have heard of the controversy surrounding Apple’s app store — the guidelines that disallow certain kinds of apps and a lack of transparency regarding those guidelines and why some apps may not be accepted into the store.

Microsoft’s offering also has guidelines, which are posted on their website. It’s interesting to see what won’t be allowed in the store. However, unlike Apple's App Store, users won’t be required to go through the store but will still be able to purchase software from other vendors.

Verizon HTC Ozone

PocketNow has posted an unboxing video, hardware tour video, and software tour video of Verizon’s HTC Ozone XV6175. It’s a Treo-like device with a front-facing thumb board. It’s Windows Mobile Standard, meaning no touch screen. Perhaps the biggest news is that it’s GPS enabled. Otherwise, it’s pretty much a standard Windows Mobile Smartphone. It’s $49 after a two-year contract and online discount.

And speaking of Verizon phones, a previous generation phone, the XV6900, Verizon’s version of the HTC Touch, is currently on sale from Verizon for $10.

Toshiba TG01 May Be Coming to Verizon or Sprint

PocketNow has reported that the FCC has approved a CDMA version of the awesome Toshiba TG01. This means it would work on the Verizon and Sprint networks.

You can read an in-depth review on TechRadar. Some early reviews say that it seems slow, but suggest that this is likely because it’s optimized for Windows Mobile 6.5, which isn’t out yet. You can also see a hands-on review and photo gallery on SlashGear. And a video review by Coolsmartphone on YouTube.