Google attacks yet another industry, by introducing a FREE navigation system for Android 2.0 powered mobile phones that offers turn-by-turn directions, 3D views and automatic rerouting.
So that, if you haven't bought an Android phone by now, you should clearly buy one in the near future. Because, of course, Google Maps Navigation is only available for Android 2.0 phones.
The features include easy search, you don't need to know the exact address you want to go, voice search, traffic information (from data sources and crowd sourced from app), and street view close up pictures when you get near your destination. Google Maps Navigation is initially available in the United States, according to the official Google Blog.
More images and video:
Features:
- search in plain English. No need to know the address. You can simply type, for example, the name of the restaurant you want to go to, just like you would on Google, then press "Navigate", and you're on your way.
- search by voice, if you're an English speaker. Speak your destination instead of typing. Hold down the search button to activate voice search, then tell your phone what you want to do (like "Navigate to Pike Place in Seattle"), and navigation will start automatically.
- traffic view. An on-screen indicator glows green, yellow, or red based on the current traffic conditions along your route. If there's a jam ahead of you, you'll know. To get more details, tap the light to zoom out to an aerial view showing traffic speeds and incidents ahead. And if the traffic doesn't look good, you can choose an alternate route.
- satellite view or street View.
- 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.
For more info, see: TechCrunch and Google Blog.