Google Maps with turn-by-turn voice navigation is coming to Android devices. The most requested feature for Google Maps was confirmed through the announcement of Google Maps Navigation, a beta application ONLY for Android 2.0 devices. G1, Magic, Hero, Galaxy, etc. will have to wait for the time being.
Google Maps Navigation will be a free application that doesn’t include advertisements (for now at least) and comes with a nice range of features, which include:
Non-address Search – Ever wanted to get somewhere but didn’t know the exact address? GMN can find it for you if you search for business name, landmark, or something like “The museum with the Egypt display”
Voice search – Speak your destination into GMN as “Navigate to Times Square” and it will bring up directions. (English-language only)
Cloud maps – Maps are stored in the cloud rather than the phone, so they are always the most recent, up-to-date maps Google has available. A driver’s current route is cached onto the phone so it is still available if data connection is lost.
Traffic view – Using live traffic data (probably the crowdsourced information we covered previously) and data from transportation agencies, users get an update on traffic information.
Search along route – Find points of interests based on business name or type. Layers of gas stations and restaurants available.
Satellite view – High-resolution, 3D view of your route just as you find on the desktop
Street view – Double-tap map to see Street View, which is obviously good for landmark/business recognition when trying to find an address.
If you’ll allow me to speculate, I have to guess that aside from being 2.0 only for now, it may also be something only U.S. residents are able to use at the moment. Again that’s just MY PERSONAL assumption. Voice search is English only, and remember that Google recently changed from TeleAtlas-licensed maps to their own Google-sourced map data in the U.S. while they continue to use TeleAtlas in Canada, Europe, and other locales. It wouldn’t surprise me if that plays a role in how GMN becomes available, so keep an eye out for that.
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October 29th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Hi, When can we download Google Maps Navigator with turn-by-turn navigation ? I'm cuirrently using the G1. Thanks.
October 29th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
It's not clear yet. Google says this is only for Android 2.0 at the moment, so we'll have to wait until the G1 gets updated to 2.0 or they release a compatible version for the firmware that we have now.
October 29th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
OK, Google's Navigation app is free, but for sure your 3G connection isn't….
Would be interesting to make a kind of TCO study (Total Cost of Ownership) of this new Google stuff compared to acquiring a TomTom or Gamin unit – for let's say a period of 2 years.
October 29th, 2009 at 10:49 am
Hey is a my touch considered an android 2.0 device?
October 29th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
2.0 simply refers to the version of Android a phone is running. the myTouch is running 1.6 at the moment but can be updated when T-Mobile is ready. The only 2.0 device at the moment is the Motorola Droid.
October 29th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
This is a great feature, I'll be able to use the Maps a lot.
I am definitely looking to get an Android phone when its time for me to upgrade.
October 29th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
Ok…but exactly what fraction of your total data use will be related to navigation? If all you need is nav, then this isn't the device for you. If you want a phone, and e-mail, and internet, and all of the other things that this device brings to the table, then having free nav along with it is a really nice perk that will save you the cost of purchasing a separate nav unit.
November 2nd, 2009 at 12:23 am
Will I be able to set waypoints to map out a new mountain bike trail with Google Maps Navigation?
November 6th, 2009 at 11:41 am
Can i download maps on my nokia 5000d-2