Posts tagged Google Maps Navigation
Google Maps Navigation Reviewed by GPS Blogger
Jan 19th
We’re huge fans of the built-in Google Maps Navigation that comes with Android 1.6 and later. The free GPS service has come along and found itself replacing applications and services from bigger, more established players. Naturally, we tend to show a little bias around here being that we’re all Android lovey-dovey. How does the service stack up in the eyes of GPS bloggers though? We were interested to read the perspective of a writer for a site called GPSTrackLog and find out how they view Google Maps Navigation.
One of the biggest features in Google’s service is that the navigation is tied to the cloud. This means that the data should be always updated, constantly changing and improving. Does that help? We’ll save the meat and potatoes for the full review, but here’s some of the takeaway. Rich Owings, the writer says it’s “Promising, but not ready for prime time. Google has a great start here, but it still needs a lot of work.”
Thanks Rich!
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Google Maps Navigation Reviewed by GPS Blogger
Jan 19th
We’re huge fans of the built-in Google Maps Navigation that comes with Android 1.6 and later. The free GPS service has come along and found itself replacing applications and services from bigger, more established players. Naturally, we tend to show a little bias around here being that we’re all Android lovey-dovey. How does the service stack up in the eyes of GPS bloggers though? We were interested to read the perspective of a writer for a site called GPSTrackLog and find out how they view Google Maps Navigation.
One of the biggest features in Google’s service is that the navigation is tied to the cloud. This means that the data should be always updated, constantly changing and improving. Does that help? We’ll save the meat and potatoes for the full review, but here’s some of the takeaway. Rich Owings, the writer says it’s “Promising, but not ready for prime time. Google has a great start here, but it still needs a lot of work.”
Thanks Rich!
Android 1.6 Gets Google Maps Navigation
Nov 24th
One of the coolest features and improvements in Android 2.0, Google Maps Navigation, is now available for devices running Android 1.6 (Donut). All you G1 and myTouch 3G owners are now able to take advantage of voice guided directions and automatic rerouting.
Using your data connection, Google Maps Navigation turns your phone into full-featured GPS unit with constantly updated maps and content. The new Layers feature allows users to overlay information such as transit lines, Wikipedia, Latitude, and routes created using My Tracks.
If you have Android 1.6 on your phone, head to the Android Market and download the latest version of Google Maps! Just remember kids, the app is in beta. One feature from Android 2.0 that did not make the cut is the ability to use commands like “navigate to”. On the other hand, you can still create shortcuts on your desktop with destinations. Enter your home address in one and make it so that no matter where you are, you can always hit 1 button and get turn-by-turn directions home!
EDITOR NOTE: This article was originally intended for publication on November 23rd, but do to scheduled server maintenance, we pushed it back. We realize that this might not be breaking news to you, but we felt obligated to report it nonetheless.
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Google Maps Navigation: Now (Almost) Every Android Phone Has It
Nov 23rd
Several weeks ago, Google made some serious waves when it launched Google Maps Navigation for Android. The app made Google an instant player in the GPS market. To add insult to injury, Google made the app free, which has ravaged share prices for Garmin and TomTom.
Still, the app was only launched for the Android 2.0 platform, so only newer phones like the Droid could use Google Maps Navigation. But now the search giant has rectified that situation with the launch of Google Maps Navigation for Android 1.6 (Donut) phones.
The upgrade to Google Maps includes most of the basic GPS navigation features: voice guidance, automatic route recalculation, business information, and traffic data, among other features. That’s along with Google Maps and Wikipedia information and, of course, Street View.
However, Google Maps Navigation will not run the same on Android 1.6 as it does for Android 2.0. The key thing that’s missing are the “navigate to” voice commands. Still, the app missing a few features is better than not having Google Maps Navigation at all. It’s yet another step towards Google dominating every facet of our lives.
Reviews: Android, Google, Google Maps, Wikipedia
Tags: android, Google, Google Android, Google Maps, Google Maps Navigation, gps
Google Maps Navigation Launch Aftermath: Yes, This Will Be Huge
Oct 29th
Yesterday, we wrote about a new, free product from Google: Google Maps Navigation. Another free Google perpetual beta product, one might say; nothing to get overly excited about.
Well, the first reviews and reactions are in, and it seems that this is one of those Google products that change the landscape of an entire industry.
GPS turn-by-turn navigation has historically always been something you had to pay for. Creating and maintaining a map of the entire world, together with points of interests and traffic info, plus developing the algorithms that make sure you don’t take a wrong turn, costs millions of dollars. But Google is now offering it for free. The result was devastating for shares of GPS navigation companies: Garmin’s shares fell by 16.4%; TomTom’s by 20.8%. We’re talking billions of dollars of market capitalization, gone in one day, just because Google presented another free product (they release new products on a monthly, if not weekly basis). Read the rest of this entry »
