Software Review: MobileTracker for BlackBerry 8800 and BlackBerry 8830

By k | May 18th, 2007 | 36 Comments »
Software Review: MobileTracker for BlackBerry 8800 and BlackBerry 8830

MobileTracker KML / Google Earth logging tool for BlackBerry 8800 and 8830
Finally I can break my silence! Having be involved in a silent beta test is good to get in tough with new technology but is really hard for a blogger … ;)

Anyway, lets talk about the tool. MobileTracker for BlackBerry The cool thing is that it does something no other application is doing by now: Tracking the user’s (respectively device’s) position and generate a tracklog from it. This tracklog will be created in the KML format. Which allows us to open the tracklog easily in Google Earth (image on the right).

The program has been built (due to my feeback, of course) to be very easy to use. You just enter enter a file name and can click “Start Tracking” if you are in a hurry. That’s what the left image below should show. Moreover, it has a “hide” function (right image, bottom) which allows you to have tracking enabled while using the your BlackBerry. Setting up the delay between position recordings is also possible as well as enabling and disabling height tracking which might both result in a lower battery usage.


MobileTracker for BlackBerry 8800 and BlackBerry 8830 - Start Screen MobileTracker for BlackBerry 8800 and BlackBerry 8830 - Finished

All in all, a nice and small tool which does exactly what it promises. Just $24 are some kind of a bargain. Here again the official feature list of the vendor:
MobileTracker for BlackBerry 8800 and BlackBerry 8830 - Icon

  • » Worldwide usable.
  • » Customizable delay between position recordings.
  • » Record your track.
  • » Height recording.
  • » Background tracking.
  • » View your track in the Google Earth’sâ„¢ 3D view.
  • » Easy integration into Google Earthâ„¢ and Google Mapsâ„¢.
  • » Unlimited track length.

One more thing to say: It is currently only compatible with the BlackBerry 8800 and BlackBerry 8830. Unfortunately I had to experience that some BlackBerry 8830 devices have a deactivated built-in GPS receiver. So you check if your built-in GPS is active ;) Moreover, you must have a micro SD-Card installed in your BlackBerry as this is the location the KML file will be stored to. It is not possible to change that location / directory.

Related links:
MobileTracker for BlackBerry
Spot for BlackBerry – the GPS and mapping tool from Skylab
Skylab Mobilesytems Ltd. – the vendor


  • http://www.blackberryinsight.com/2007/05/19/spot-supports-blackberry-curve-8300-and-8830-officially/ BlackBerryInsight » Spot supports BlackBerry Curve (8300) and 8830 officially

    [...] Besides the review of MobileTracker I didn’t see that there are some other news as well. [...]

  • http://www.blackberryforums.com/gps-mapping/72224-gpstrack-free-app-export-track-logs-sd-card.html#post540442 GPSTrack. FREE app to export track logs to SD card – BlackBerryForums.com : Your Number One BlackBerry Community

    [...] Finally – Today, 10:24 PM Finally it has been released. Take a look the software review: BlackBerryInsight » Software Review: MobileTracker for BlackBerry 8800 and BlackBerry 8830 Blog | HowTos | Deals & Free Downloads | Search | Ringtones [...]

  • http://jeqq.com/story.php?id=991 Jeqq.com

    MobileTracker for BlackBerry 8800 and BlackBerry 8830…

    Finally I can break my silence! Having be involved in a silent beta test is good to get in tough with new technology but is really hard for a blogger…

  • Rob

    Quote: “One more thing to say: It is currently only compatible with the BlackBerry 8800 and BlackBerry 8830. Unfortunately I had to experience that some BlackBerry 8830 devices have a deactivated built-in GPS receiver. So you check if your built-in GPS is active”

    I believe my GPS on my new 8830 may be deactivated. How do I verify if it is or isn’t, and if it is, how do I activate it?

  • http://www.blackberryinsight.com/ k

    Hi Rob,

    that can only be verified by your network carrier. It is a pitty that they have the right to deactivate the GPS receiver because they want to sell so called “GPS-subscriptions”. Those subscriotions just offer access to a service that is usually free! (or do you pay a monthly fee for your car navigation? ;) )

    Anyway, please check on your network carrier and you will be certain is deactivated or working.

  • http://booyaa.org/2007/05/21/web-links-for-may-20th/ booyaa dot org» Blog Archive » Web links for May 20th

    [...] BlackBerryInsight » Software Review: MobileTracker for BlackBerry 8800 and BlackBerry 8830 – This software uses the built in GPS device of the 8800 (full sized keyboard pearl) to track your movements, even elevation. It then turns this into a KML (Google Earth file) so you can see where you went. I wonder if it tracks speed? Whilst this won’t rep [...]

  • http://www.blackberryinsight.com/2007/05/21/discount-on-mobiletracker/ BlackBerryInsight » Discount on MobileTracker

    [...] I just got a press announce email from the folks at Skylab Mobilesystems Ltd. who told me what I already knew and already blogged [...]

  • http://www.blackberryforums.com/gps-mapping/75009-someone-really-needs-write-good-gps-hiking-application.html#post542576 Someone really needs to write a good GPS hiking application. – BlackBerryForums.com : Your Number One BlackBerry Community

    [...] Originally Posted by richard371 I wish there was a good hiking app that made the 8800 etc perform like a handheld Garmin Etrex etc. That has been released yesterday: BlackBerryInsight » Software Review: MobileTracker for BlackBerry 8800 and BlackBerry 8830 Seems to be what you are looking for. Blog | HowTos | Deals & Free Downloads | Search | Ringtones [...]

  • http://www.blackberryforums.com/gps-mapping/72224-gpstrack-free-app-export-track-logs-sd-card.html#post546762 GPSTrack. FREE app to export track logs to SD card – BlackBerryForums.com : Your Number One BlackBerry Community

    [...] Finally – 05-18-2007, 10:24 PM Finally it has been released. Take a look the software review: BlackBerryInsight » Software Review: MobileTracker for BlackBerry 8800 and BlackBerry 8830 Blog | HowTos | Deals & Free Downloads | Search | Ringtones Last edited by funkym : 05-18-2007 at 10:29 PM. Reason: forgot to paste the image ;) [...]

  • http://blog.jeromeparadis.com Jerome Paradis

    I just purchased it.

    Seem like a great application!

    However, I have a problem. It does not track any points for me! My other GPS applications work fine on my Blackberry 8800, but MobileTracker always exports 0 points in my files. I have a 1GB microSD cards and the file it creates contains a bit of XML, but not coordinates. If I ask it to track each 1s and notify me each 10 points, still nothing happens after starting the tracking…

    The only thing I could see, is that the first time, I would have made a mistake and did not allow it to access the GPS (I am pretty sure I did), but I cannot see this screen again since I checked the “do not ask me again” checkbox. I don’t know how to check if I got this right.

    Does someone has any hints to help me?

    I cannot wait to use it!

    Thanks

  • http://www.blackberryinsight.com/ k

    I had this problems occasionally but it was my fault as I didn’t have GPS-Coverage in my room. Therefor, I went out and tried it outside.

    Right now, it works fine for me. Sometimes I need to press start and stop before starting the actual tracking. I don’t know why but I am sure they will figure that out.

  • http://blog.jeromeparadis.com Jerome Paradis

    So, you get some indication when it is tracking? At least, if I know when it is actually tracking, I won’t start it for nothing.

    Thanks.

  • http://www.blackberryforums.com/gps-mapping/61317-pearl-gps-tracking.html#post556713 Pearl GPS Tracking – BlackBerryForums.com : Your Number One BlackBerry Community

    [...] Originally Posted by bchelms Does anyone know what services are available to remotely track a blackberry pearl with a gps puck? Being in sales, I drive around a lot and I would LOVE to track where I go for millage expenses as well as being able to look at a map and see what areas I have covered. The only thing I have found is MbizTrack but there is not very much detail given for it. Thank your help! That has been released yesterday: BlackBerryInsight » Software Review: MobileTracker for BlackBerry 8800 and BlackBerry 8830 Maybe not exactly what you are looking for but you can track your movement. Blog | HowTos | Deals & Free Downloads | Search | Ringtones [...]

  • http://booyaa.org/2007/06/17/web-links-for-april-2nd-through-june-16th/ booyaa dot org» Blog Archive » Web links for April 2nd through June 16th

    [...] BlackBerryInsight » Software Review: MobileTracker for BlackBerry 8800 and BlackBerry 8830 – This software uses the built in GPS device of the 8800 (full sized keyboard pearl) to track your movements, even elevation. It then turns this into a KML (Google Earth file) so you can see where you went. I wonder if it tracks speed? Whilst this won’t rep [...]

  • Gordon

    Hopefully they will fix the app to be able to run on older BBs utilizing bluetooth GPS and without SD cards. I have been in touch with them and they are interrested in fixing these problems, but I don’t know when it will happen. AFAIK, to save to internal memory, they’d just need to change /SDCARD to /Device, but I don’t know the specifics. From there, it’d be easy to grab the files using the media manager or eFile.

    I hope they fix it soon…I’d love to have it working by the time I go on vacation!

  • http://www.blackberryinsight.com/2007/09/14/beta-testing-mobiletracker/ BlackBerryInsight » Beta testing MobileTracker

    [...] Related links: MobileTracker 1.2.0 has been released MobileTracker on your Pearl and Curve MobileTracker for BlackBerry Video Software Review: MobileTracker for BlackBerry 8800 and BlackBerry 8830 [...]

  • http://www.blackberryinsight.com/2007/10/16/mobiletracker-140-coming-this-week/ BlackBerryInsight » MobileTracker 1.4.0 coming this week!

    [...] Software Review: MobileTracker for BlackBerry 8800 and BlackBerry 8830 [...]

  • http://de.blackberryinsight.com/2007/11/09/wie-man-einen-bluetooth-gps-empnger-mit-dem-blackberry-kombiniert/ BlackBerryInsight – Deutsch » Wie man einen Bluetooth-GPS-Empänger mit dem BlackBerry kombiniert

    [...] Einige Anwendungen benötigen ein externes Bluetooth-Gerät, damit sie funktionieren. Die meisten von Ihnen werden ein Bluetooth Headset benutzen, um bequem anrufen zu können. (Ich bevorzuge das mit meinem Pearl mitgelieferte Kabel-Headset, denn es muss nicht aufgeladen werden und schaltet sich nicht mangels Strom ab). Um GPS Positionierungs-Funktionalitäten in einem BlackBerry zu integrieren, das über keinen eingebauten GPS-Empfänger verfügt, benötigt man einen externen Bluetooth-GPS-Empfänger. Auf dem Markt gibt es viele GPS-Anwendungen und wir haben sie alle getestet : BlackBerry Maps, TeleNav, Spot, BerryVine, MobileTracker, Naggie, etc… Seitdem ich den Artikel“MobileTracker auf Ihrem Pearl und Curve” geschreiben habe (der eigentlich noch nicht offiziell supportet wurde), empfing ich viele E-Mails, in denen ich gefragt wurde, wie man eigentlich das Bluetooth-GPS-Geraet zum Laufen bringt. Technisch gesehen ist es ziemlich einfach. [...]

  • http://www.blackberryinsight.com/2007/12/26/blackberry-pearl-with-chinese-input-method/ BlackBerryInsight » BlackBerry Pearl with Chinese Input Method

    [...] That’s great news! I was looking for such an device for more than a year! Now it is available at the shops of HK CSL in Hong Kong. Unfortunately, I could not find its BlackBerry OS for download – so I could upgrade my old BlackBerry with the new software. However, the 8120 in Hong Kong comes with features like: Wireless email Organiser, Browser, Phone, Camera, Video Recording, BlackBerry® Maps, Multi-media player, Corporate data access, SMS, MMS, and Wi-Fi! The missing GPS receiver is a huge contra argument for not buying this device. I just like to track my trips and play around outside. [...]

  • http://de.blackberryinsight.com/2008/03/14/mobiletracker-ohne-sd-card-nutzen/ BlackBerryInsight – Deutsch » MobileTracker ohne SD Card nutzen

    [...] Vor einiger Zeit waren wir die erste Seite, die über die zur damaligen Zeit revolutionäre Anwendung MobileTracker von Skylab Mobilesystems Ltd., mit der man GPS-Tracklogs in den bekannten Formaten KML/KMZ und GPX speichern konnte, berichtete. Seitdem gab es für die Anwendung mehrere Updates, bei denen unter anderem Photo-Tagging und das Generieren von kmz-Tracklogs hinzukamen. Jetzt ist MobileTracker auch für PocketPC- und Smartphone-Geräte mit Windows Mobile erhältlich. [...]

  • http://brad.freemusicradioonline.info/blackberry8830review.html blackberry 8830 review

    [...] for BlackBerry …Software Review: MobileTracker for blackberry 8800 and blackberry 8830 …http://www.blackberryinsight.com/2007/05/18/software-review-mobiletracker-for-blackberry-8800-and-bl…SPECIAL OFFER – ???Kingston 2GB Secure Digital Memory Card SD/2GB, Retail Package??? Kingston H. [...]

  • http://imanol.newsworlddigest.info/8800cover.html 8800 cover

    [...] that KML file in Google Earth or publish it on Google Maps. Review seems to be written by a formehttp://www.blackberryinsight.com/2007/05/18/software-review-mobiletracker-for-blackberry-8800-and-bl…Nokia 8800 – Support Forum – eXpansys Incif you have removed your cover and there are obvious signs [...]

  • http://www.blackberryinsight.com/2008/07/23/hardware-review-solar-charger-for-blackberry-wireless-handheld/ Hardware Review: Solar Charger for BlackBerry Wireless Handheld | BlackBerryInsight

    [...] (or Bluetooth GPS receiver with which it is compatible as well). For example, when you go hiking or doing any outdoor activity that requires your BlackBerry to work. For demonstration photos [...]

  • http://www.blackberryinsight.com/2008/07/23/hardware-review-solar-charger-for-blackberry-wireless-handheld/ Hardware Review: Solar Charger for BlackBerry Wireless Handheld | BlackBerryInsight

    [...] (or Bluetooth GPS receiver with which it is compatible as well). For example, when you go hiking or doing any outdoor activity that requires your BlackBerry to work. For demonstration photos [...]

  • http://www.blackberryinsight.com/2008/08/29/mobiletracker-141-available-finally/ MobileTracker 1.4.1 available – finally! | BlackBerryInsight

    [...] than 1.5 years ago we reported the first time about MobileTracker for BlackBerry. Since then a lot of development took place with [...]

  • RANGA RAJESH BABU

    How to run my dot file applications in the blackberry 8800 model
    As if i loaded the dot file then my application is not hitting to the server
    Any suggestions please welcome on my mail id:rajesh.ranga@ril.com
    Another thing in tools what are all the modifications to be changed..

  • Pkt

    Download free mobile finder software
    http://mobile.xarrows.com/mobilefinder/mobilefinder.aspx

  • http://www.blackberryinsight.com/2009/02/06/blackberry-and-gps-2/ Blackberry and GPS | BlackBerryInsight

    [...] of waypoints crossed, Distance covered and the average speed. It is easy to install and use. Read here for a more detailed [...]

  • kelvin

    my black berry phone cant display and i need your help please

  • kelvin

    I CANT FIND MY BLACK BERRY PHONE ANY MORE PLEASE HELP ME WITH IT COS AM LOSSING A LOT OF THINGS I NEED TO DO WITH IT HOPE TO HEARING FROM YOU SOON

  • http://www.blackberryinsight.com/2008/08/05/new-free-solar-charger-for-blackberry-unboxing-photos/ New Free Solar Charger for BlackBerry Unboxing Photos | BlackBerryInsight

    [...] Though I already have the black one with an orange stripe (seems to be kind of limited as they don’t have this anymore) I could use another one as well to charge my BlackBerry and my Bluetooth GPS receiver at the same while I am hiking or biking and tracking my GPS positions. [...]

  • a raj singh

    RECENTLY I PURCHASED B.BERRY 8100 IT IS NOT SUPPORTING BLACK BERRY SERVICES.HOWEVER I HAVE PURCHASED PLAN FROM AIRTELL.PL.ADVICE HOW TO OVERCOME THIS PROBLEM.

  • http://www.trackblackberry.com track BlackBerry

    as I stated out I did not have this problem because I had Outlook installed on my system … I think he just ignored the error message

  • http://www.itoolsoft.com kellyb

    thanks for sharing, i will try it

  • http://www.itoolsoft.com blackjill

    thanks for the info

  • geekyivan

    A free version of GuardianWare BlackBerry, let you locate your kids with their blackberries. The application can be downloaded from MobiHand or BlackBerry App World.




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