Google Maps Navigation (Free GPS) On Android 2.0 Beta

Just as we were complaining about having to spend $220 get Tomtom maps for iPhone and the Tomtom car kit for iPhone, Google's Android team has announced news that is sweet music in commuters ears or eyes (who owns Android based phones) and what seems like death metal rock in GPS manufactureres ears and eyes.
Android 2.0 which was announced yesterday will carry capability to give turn by turn instructions to you without having to actually look at the device and decipher the route. In california, with all the hands free laws, I refrain from using Google Maps for mobile while on the go. Yes I map places out or create a route and commit them to my mind before the trip starts.
But now with Android 2.0, Google Maps for Mobile is going to be really mobile, with Google Maps Navigation (Beta) for Android 2.0 devices. See the video to get an idea how it works.

Google Mobile blog is giving us following features on Google Maps Navigation;

The most recent map and business data
When you use Google Maps Navigation, your phone automatically gets the most up-to-date maps and business listings from Google Maps — you never need to buy map upgrades or update your device. And this data is continuously improving, thanks to users who report maps issues and businesses who activate their listings with Google Local Business Center.

Search in plain English
Google Maps Navigation brings the speed, power and simplicity of Google search to your car. If you don't know the address you're looking for, don't worry. Simply enter the name of a business, a landmark or just about anything into the search box, and Google will find it for you. Then press "Navigate", and you're on your way.

Search by voice
Typing on a phone can be difficult, especially in the car, so with Google Maps Navigation, you can say your destination instead. 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
Google Maps Navigation gets live traffic data over the Internet. A traffic indicator light in the corner of the screen glows green, yellow or red, depending 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.

Search along route
For those times when you're already on the road and need to find a business, Google Maps Navigation searches along your route to give you results that won't take you far from your path. You can search for a specific business by name or by type, or you can turn on popular layers, such as gas stations, restaurants or parking.

Satellite view
Google Maps Navigation uses the same satellite imagery as Google Maps on the desktop to help you get to your destination. Turn on the satellite layer for a high-resolution, 3D view of your upcoming route. Besides looking cool, satellite view can help you make sense of complicated maneuvers.

Street View
If you want to know what your next turn looks like, double-tap the map to zoom into Street View, which shows the turn as you'll see it, with your route overlaid. And since locating an address can sometimes be tricky, we'll show you a picture of your destination as you approach the end of your route, so you'll know exactly what to look for.

Times they are a changing.

Announcing Google Maps Navigation for Android 2.0
Official Google Blog is also carrying the same article;
Official Google Blog: Announcing Google Maps Navigation for Android 2.0
Google LatLong Blog also carries the news;
Google LatLong: Google Maps Navigation comes to Android 2.0
 

http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/