Google Maps Navigation Arrives With Android 2.0
The seven launch features
- Current maps and business data. The phone gets up-to-date maps and listings automatically, with no paid map upgrades.
- Search in plain English. Type a business name, landmark or almost anything, then press Navigate.
- Search by voice. Hold the search button and say where to go, for example a place in Seattle.
- Traffic view. A corner light glows green, yellow or red for conditions on the route. Tap it for an aerial view and alternate routes.
- Search along route. Find a business near your path, by name or type, or turn on layers such as gas stations, restaurants and parking.
- Satellite view. A high-resolution 3D view of the route ahead, helpful for complicated manoeuvres.
- Street View. Double-tap the map to see an upcoming turn with the route overlaid. Near the end, a picture of the destination is shown.
Why it mattered
Free navigation built into the operating system was a big change for people who would otherwise pay for a separate GPS device or app. The data keeps improving thanks to user reports and business listings.
Canada
The author hoped Rogers, Telus and Bell would push out Android 2.0 so Canadians could use it too.
Frequently asked questions
Was Google Maps Navigation free?
Yes, it was free and part of Android 2.0.
Which phone had it first?
The Motorola Droid, on Verizon in the US.
Is this the same app today?
It is the ancestor of the navigation in Google Maps today, which has evolved a lot.