Google Maps Navigation for Mobile

Google Maps Navigation is an internet-connected GPS navigation system with voice guidance. It is part of Google Maps for mobile and is available for phones with Android 2.0. So looks like iPhone user’s will have to stick to using just the regular Maps app, or fork out some cash for the premium Tom Tom or Navigon applications.

Google Maps Navigation uses your phone’s internet connection to give you the latest maps and business data. But that’s not all that’s different about Google’s approach to GPS navigation.

The application for Android 2.0 allows you to take advantage of the following features:

  • Search in plain English – No need to know the address. You can type a business name or even a kind of a business, just like you would on Google.
  • Search by voice. Speak your destination instead of typing (English only): “Navigate to the de Young Museum in San Francisco”.
  • Traffic view – An on-screen indicator glows green, yellow, or red based on the current traffic conditions along your route. A single touch toggles a traffic view which shows the traffic ahead of you.
  • Search along route – Search for any kind of business along your route, or turn on popular layers such as gas stations, restaurants, or parking.
  • Satellite view – View your route overlaid on 3D satellite views with Google’s high-resolution aerial imagery.
  • Street View –Visualize turns overlaid on Google’s Street View imagery. Navigation automatically switches to Street View as you approach your destination.
  • Car dock mode – For certain devices, placing your phone in a car dock activates a special mode that makes it easy to use your device at arm’s length.

    Google states that Google Maps Navigation is currently only available in the United States on phones that run Android 2.0, including the Droid. Looking forward to iPhone support in the near future.

    Read



    Comments

    No comments yet.

    Add Yours

    • Author Avatar

      YOU


    Comment Arrow




    About Author

    Heeren

    I am a web developer that works in the IT field for the Government with an interest in design and technology and how it effects us on a daily basis.