Google announced today that it will be offering a free turn-by-turn directional GPS service for its Android 2.0 mobile devices.According to Gizmodo, Google is working closely with Apple to deliver this app in the future to the iPhone. Google's GPS navigation will take advantage of Google Maps, hybrid and Street View images.
When Android 2.0 ships in November to consumers, the Google GPS mobile application will offer a fantastic feature list including traffic data. Traffic data will notify users of accidents and slow traffic on major highways. The cloud map network, which will be constantly updated, will offer the latest reports on highway traffic flow, using data from department's highway cameras and from cell phones using Google Maps.
Google's GPS application will offer cached maps, so users will still find their way, even if they lose Internet connection. There isn't any route planning for multiple destinations built into the mobile service, but you can search for points of interest along the way including gas and restaurants.
Google's GPS will offer a many more advantages over current devices, including showing satellite view of the overhead and a hybrid overlay with street names. The device will also offer a street view hybrid overlay with arrows when you're supposed to turn or at your final destination.
If the Google GPS releases for the iPhone in the near future, it will definitely ruffle some feathers with developers, who are selling similar applications for upwards of $50.
"Google is working closely with Apple to deliver this app in the future to the iPhone"
But I doubt that will be free, considering how Apple do business.
I'd be happy with this, since I go my very first iPhone yesterday
Last edited by Manish on 28 Oct 2009 - 20:29
Exactly.
I would guess Apple is "denying" their application to the appstore cause it will hurt others.
sadly it wont... tsk tsk go find ur mummy!
It caches ahead as far as I understood it from the Engadget postings. So no internet at one point of the route shouldn't be a problem.
Uh...you do realize that the entire market is down today right? Very little to do with Google's announcement.
A 20% drop in a day isn't a regular market fluctuation.
It's free because businesses and others can advertise their locations on google maps. In addition it sells Android phones and helps them serve more ads and make more effective searches.
Advertising is a fact of life. I would rather relevant and valuable ads rather than the usual method of just bombarding everyone with everything. Advertising isn't evil by its nature as it allows many things to be offered free of charge.
It doesn't haha. But if I disable EDGE/3G it's a different story.
with offline maps too, this product will be gold.
I will actually use this when and if it comes out for the iPhone.
Looks like he sits at the office all day with something shoved up the right nostril... o_o
otherwise it will be useless for must users.
anyone with a smartphone will be able to use this when ported to their platform
right here, it's about $1.3/MB , or you can go for unlimited MBs plan for $80/month.
right here, it's about $1.3/MB , or you can go for unlimited MBs plan for $80/month.
You're serious? Smartphone's with data plans based on MEGABYTES? How lame... Talk about not wanting people to even buy a smartphone.
They are of small for England. I have england mapped out on my Sony Ericsson and it's less than a gig. It's around 500mb.
It's definitely a decent enough size to help you around the country.
Mmm somehow I just don't think that's gonna happen, if theres no mention of even WM or Blackberry.
It's not really a closed platform, is it? My hopes would be for apple to realize how dumb they are.
It's pretty scary, but also awesome that they're so aggressive at trying to dominate everything
It's pretty scary, but also awesome that they're so aggressive at trying to dominate everything
Google tries so much of apps & business models...only few gets clicks and its worth too.
But for sure, they cant dominate too much into us, since they need to penetrate a long way..which i wont thing will ever happen.
And as always, Cloud can be used for just document or personal spreadsheet/pictures backup or sharing...we cant go with it 100%..
Eitherways..i am waiting for long to see Win mobile 7 with these kind of good apps!..lets see..
On to topic..this app looks good...want it on my win mobile & blackberry..hope it will happen
Gotta pay to play. If you can't afford a smartphone and the data plan, then that's that.
If you are gonna have limited data plan..better you stick with separate GPS unit.
I'm pretty sure it will be able to, at least, cache the maps on wifi before the trip.
I got the palm pre but damn... that is a nifty idea.
Welcome to google, the new apple...
Welcome to google, the new apple...
Turn by Turn isn't. Maps with routes aren't. I think you've missed the point.
Conversely, Google finds my home address right on the dot (even shows the pool and camper in my backyard) and its routing literally saved me over a day of extra driving during a recent multi-stop, cross-country trip.
I, for one, welcome our new Google overlords. (Couldn't resist! :-) )
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