This is a discussion on Google GPS Application in the works? within the Droid Applications forums, part of the Droid Apps category; We already know plenty of people who've eschewed traditional turn-by-turn GPS systems in favor of plotting it out for free on Google Maps, and now ...
We already know plenty of people who've eschewed traditional turn-by-turn GPS systems in favor of plotting it out for free on Google Maps, and now there's whispers that Mountain View is coming after the rest of the market with a free nav app. That's at least what nav services providers are saying to Forbes, who think El Goog is gearing up to release a free ad-supported navigation app after making moves to use its own US maps instead licensing data from Tele Atlas and putting ads on the iPhone Maps app. Obviously that would shake things up a ton -- and make Android devices a huge bargain -- but we'll see where this all leads over the next few months.
Anyone (The Major Companies) with an open-source phone such as the droid would have to figure out that sooner or later that someone will make a map that rivals their own, and the only thing they can do is locking down the GPS which they wont if they are smart.
If you weren’t sure about switching to an Android phone in the near future, this might put you over the edge. Google Maps Navigation is an absolutely killer app. And it is only available for Android 2.0 phones.
Today is Droid day, and for the most part Google is taking a backseat and letting their partners get most of the attention. But Droid is the first Android phone to run Android 2.0, and Google Maps Navigation is clearly the early trophy app for those devices.
Google Maps already has 50 million active users across various mobile phones, says Google. But what users have today isn’t even close to the new Navigation product. First off, it’s connected, which puts it ahead of all but a tiny percentage of in-car navigation systems which have no Internet connectivity (Dash is a notable exception).
The application is also completely free. So all those paid navigation apps (Navigon, TomTom, CoPilot, MapQuest, GoKivo and Sygic Mobile) are at an immediate disadvantage.
But even if Google charged for this app, it would still win hands down. The features include easy search (no need for address), voice search, traffic information (from data sources and crowd sourced from app), and street view close up pictures when you get near your destination. And the car dock mode gives bigger, simpler icons and auto-voice mode (see video):
Search in plain English. No need to know the address. You can type a business name (e.g. “starbucks”) or even a kind of a business (e.g. “thai restaurant”), just like you would on Google. Search by voice. Speak your destination instead of typing (English only): “Navigate to the de Young Museum in San Francisco”. Traffic view. An on-screen indicator glows green, yellow, or red based on the current traffic conditions along your route. A single touch on the indicator toggles a traffic view that shows the traffic ahead. Search along route. Search for any kind of business along your route, or turn on popular layers such as gas stations, restaurants, or parking. Satellite view. View your route overlaid on 3D satellite views with Google’s high-resolution aerial imagery. Street View. Visualize turns overlaid on Google’s Street View imagery. Navigation automatically switches to Street View as you approach your destination. 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.
Yeah that does win hands down. I don't need turn by turn directions that much, usually while just on vacation, or going to a house in an area of town i've never been to that much. But that looks like it would be amazing to have when it can show you what it looks like on the outside of the house when your almost there.
There was an article on Wallstreet Journal I believe on the GPS manufacturer's stock going down due to the announcement by Google. I'll try to find the link.
The screenshot of the street view in the nav ap with the directions on it just confirmed my decision to buy this phone. That is awesome! I may end up using this instead of the built-in NAV system in my car. So far I have not seen one negative review on this phone.
The screenshot of the street view in the nav ap with the directions on it just confirmed my decision to buy this phone. That is awesome! I may end up using this instead of the built-in NAV system in my car. So far I have not seen one negative review on this phone.
Gary,
It's good to have another one in the ranks! Be sure to stick around and learn more and more about this phone (and other Droid phones) as the community learns!
I never cared for phone navigation, but this one looks better than the one that came with my Dodge Charger. I especially like the voice command. Great job.
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Google GPS Application in the works?
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