Google Maps GPS For Android 2.0 Apes iPhone 3GS GPS
Google today launched Google Maps Navigation, a Web-based GPS with a number of bells and whistles, as I noted on eWEEK here earlier. The GPS is a feature on Google Maps for Android 2.0 smartphones, the first of which won't see the light of day until Nov. 6 when Verizon Wireless launches the first Droid. Following is the video demo and some pics of the Google Maps Navigation system, which Google also explains here in a blog post.
A Google Search for "burgers" displays results along your driving route and you can just tap a result for more details.
See the traffic patterns ahead, with red, green, yellow indicators:
Street View paired with Google Maps Navigation:
It will be interesting to see how well users will receive this application, which seems to follow the GPS-Google Maps combo used on the iPhone 3GS. AT&T also sells the Nuvifone from Garmin. Search Engine Land's Greg Sterling calls it disruptive to GPS providers, though it's clearly too early to tell what impact this GPS will have. Yes, it's free, and yes it's from Google, but carriers still have to market the heck out of the phones (Verizon is doing a fantastic job with the Droid ad so far) and pray people buy them. On the smartphone rivalry side of the ball, Apple has quite a comfortable lead in the market.
Update: And here are all of the pics. |
Comments (5)
Wow! I just found out about this yesterday and they already launched it. I'm excited and I hope that the carriers plan on updating their 1.6 phones. Thanks for all the info.
All I can say is...navigation with satellite view - that's enough to make me leave the Garmin behind.
Posted by Veronica | October 28, 2009 11:53 AM
Hope you never need GPS when outside of cellphone coverage...and too bad the GPS is reliant on a $50-$70-$100/month data plan.
What if there was a true GPS device, size of a phone, with Android OS and smartphone features...?
Posted by Beaker | October 28, 2009 12:40 PM
I am convinced that Android is the way to go for smart phones. I wont use the navigation tool often, but this just adds to the coolness Android operating system.
Having a smart phone without a data plan is like having a computer without the Internet. Which is like having a car without wheels.
Posted by Chris R | October 28, 2009 2:08 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.
Posted by Andy | October 29, 2009 11:29 AM
Beaker you make no sense..
My data plan is $24.. and I will have the data plan whether I am using GPS or not.. so it isnt costing me anything more to use GPS features..
Posted by Mont | October 29, 2009 5:06 PM