Google Maps Navigation on Android

When it comes to maps, Google maps has everything you can expect from Google which includes great coverage, satellite imagery. Now everyone likes to have turn-by-turn direction and text-to-speech feature in any traditional GPS. But historically has to pay extra for the basic feature.

But here comes Google again and dropped a bombshell on GPS makes like Garmin and TomTom with its free Google Maps Navigation Beta app for Android 2.0. Here are quick overview of the features:

• Search in plain English - quickly search and navigate to places, businesses, landmarks
• Search by voice
• View of live traffic data over the Internet.
• Search along route - find locations near your current path
• Satellite view - you can view the same satellite imagery you’ve seen Google Maps on your phone
• Street View - check out what the exact surroundings of a location look like
• Car dock mode - when you place certain devices in a car dock, a special mode activates that enables easier operation

The Google Maps Navigation looks robust and promising. But, again, don’t throw away your traditional GPS just yet. I’m sure Garmin and TomTom will be working on something new, and Google still has lot to improve as well. But it’s a great start.