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Google's Navi-Software for Mobiles with Android 2.0
Oct 30, 2009
Google Maps Navigation provides Android 2.0 users with a free and comfortable navigation software. Every user? No. The software is currently available in the USA only, and for one mobile.
Still in beta, Google Maps Navigation, like most of Google's beta software, is stable and set to replace the quite basic navigation solution Google Maps for Mobile. Map updates are available for free from the net.
As with other navigation software, a computer voice guides the driver through the surrounding scenery. The trick is that the driver can steer the software by voice-control. Just speaking the name of the destination is enough. The complete address is not necessary.
Besides simple directions, the software will provide information about restaurants, gas stations and hotels along the way. Street View images can also enhance the journey, where available. A further mode takes the local traffic situation into account, enabling drivers to avoid congestion.
It all sounds very promising, but until now the software, even in the US, will only run on the droid Motorola mobile based on Android 2.0. The HTC Hero is however about to migrate and further mobiles are sure to follow. Dates for an official European launch are still unknown. This YouTube video shows how the software works.
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