Brian Toth dot com

I’ve posted an update to the PowerPC version of the Google Maps Plugin. I spent the better part of yesterday working with an old PowerMac G4 running 10.3.9 and believe that the crashing is finally fixed.

Beta 3 is now bundled as an Apple Installer package. I decided to go this route for a few reasons. The main reason is that now the plugins use a shared framework that needs to be installed in the Frameworks folder. Also, having an installer package means that users no longer have to manually dig around in their Library folder, create folders that don’t exist by default and risk naming things wrong. This leads to emails wondering why the plugins don’t work. Currently the Universal Binary version is not distributed as in Installer Package, I’ll do something about that when I can.

I had planned to go with the Installer package before, but found that PackageMaker is not the most intuitive installer software out there. Though, given that there’s no way I’d ever use Vise to do the job, it came down to PackageMaker or write my own. (Maybe I’ll write more about this later.)

So, the Installer package for 10.3.9 and higher is setup to install the plugins and the required framework into just your Home folder. If there’s a previous version of the plugins installed in your root Library: /Library/Address Book Plug-Ins/, please remove it before opening Address Book. If there’s multiple users on your computer that all wish to use the plugins, they should each run the installer package for themselves.

I fixed the issue with 10.3.9 and the new Google Maps Plugins (after a day of testing with an old 10.3 system). The fix required putting my base classes into a shared framework. Apparently, Tiger ignores duplicate instances of a class being loaded, Panther complains. Currently, I’m working up an Installer package for the plugins. Stay tuned. =)

Now there’s an Intel-compatible version available for download. I have no way of testing the Intel builds, so please let me know if something doesn’t work. Now, if someone would like to donate a MacBook Pro… on a long-term basis… =)

I’ve also updated the PowerPC version, it should now work with 10.3. I had left the build settings set to 10.4 somehow.

Also, Jean-Jacques (last name left out to protect the translator) offered his French translation of the Directions and Preferences windows. My French classes didn’t pay off… I recognized “Merci” though. Once I get the important things tied up with 2.4, I do intend to translate the plugin into other languages, so I’d like to say “Merci” to those of you that have emailed me offering your assistance.

Two items to note: the current beta is not a Universal Binary and will not work on those fancy Intel-based Macs. =) Also, it seems there are some issues with OS X 10.3.9. It looks like I’ll have to setup my 10.3 system again and do some more in-depth testing in Panther.

I’ll try to address both of those issues soon. Thanks to everyone who has left feedback!

What’s new: option to choose your default country. If a localized version of Google Maps is available for your chosen default country, it will be used. Also, if an address’ country field is left blank, the default country will be assumed. This should help with addresses in Europe. (There’s also some other minor changes.)

Download it, try it out, let me know what you think. (I’m sure there’s something that needs to be fixed!)

Google Maps Plugin 2.4 Beta