Google Maps brings GPS navigation to Android 2.0 phones
As if we weren't already excited enough about the next version of Google's Android mobile OS, Google has now announced that Android 2.0 devices will offer GPS navigation with 3D views and turn-by-turn directions. Google Maps Navigation looks great, and it's a smack in the face to Apple, who seem to been distancing themselves from Google after buying their own mapping company. The iPhone is cool, but it's hard to beat Google Maps at its own game.
It's especially hard when Google's offering practically everything you get from a pricey GPS navigation unit, right in your Android phone. 3D maps, live traffic updates, and voice directions are all included, along with Google's Street View and Satellite view. When it comes out next week, the Verizon Droid will be the first phone to support the new navigation features. For right now, it'll only work in the United States, but other countries with Google Maps should get it eventually.
It's especially hard when Google's offering practically everything you get from a pricey GPS navigation unit, right in your Android phone. 3D maps, live traffic updates, and voice directions are all included, along with Google's Street View and Satellite view. When it comes out next week, the Verizon Droid will be the first phone to support the new navigation features. For right now, it'll only work in the United States, but other countries with Google Maps should get it eventually.













Comments
4
Subscribe to commentsRyanOct 28th 2009 6:52PM
The main problem I've always had with Google Maps navigation on my phone, is that I normally need a GPS when I'm in the middle of nowhere (where I'm on a slow/costly roaming network).
If Google provided an easy way to download entire maps for a region using your PC, and transfer this to you mobile device for offline use (like Nokia do), then I'd use it a lot more.
digitalseditionOct 28th 2009 10:42PM
That's exactly right! The biggest problem with Google Maps is that it assumes that everywhere you go you have a reliable and fast data connection to receive updates. While the tile render approach worked well on the Internet where more reliable connections were likely, on a "connected device" where the network can be spotty or expensive to use - we need a much better solution.
yanivyjNov 9th 2009 6:07AM
when does this google navigation will be heading towards European countries ?
MandeeNov 9th 2009 5:25AM
Agreed, Google Maps is great until your out of range and its up to your own sense of direction.
Iphone does have a variety of app's that supply the in-car navigation function. a little costly, but it works out a look cheaper and its great having it all in one gadget.
Im currently using the tom tom app and its been great. Apparently there is a car kit being released specifically for it. which wil boost GPS reception and so on.