Android 2.0 gets Google Maps Navigation Beta [Video]

[talkbackdroid]

While we may have caught up with the main features of Android 2.0 earlier this week, Google have been keeping one surprise. Google Maps Navigation Beta is an update to the company's free GPS app, initially exclusive to Android 2.0 devices such as the Verizon DROID by Motorola, adding in turn-by-turn directions, vocal prompts, speech-recognition and more.



The software - which is likely to strike fear into the hearts of standalone PND manufacturers and GPS software providers - hasGoogle search is built in; you can tap in - or, by holding down the search button, search by voice - an address, landmark or business and get a list of results. Points of interest (such as gas stations) along the route are also given priority in searches, while both satellite mapping and Street View imagery is shown.

You can place shortcuts to commonly-accessed destinations on the Android 2.0 homescreen, and of course there'll be integration from the Contacts. There's also a new UI more suited for in-car use, which has larger icons and a predominantly voice-controlled menu system.

[gallery][via SlashGear]

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[djunio]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGXK4...embedded#at=16

[OKC-G1]

NOW there is something actually worth talking about with 2.0

[djunio]

NOW there is something actually worth talking about with 2.0

I know, finally and I think the framework for flash will be in there as well.

[konzern]

the guy paused alot like dora the explorer but im looking forward to this!

[HavocG1]

the guy paused alot like dora the explorer but im looking forward to this!

LOL! Been waiting for this, though. Question though...if this is on the Droid, and the Droid is on VZW, will owners need to purchase the VZ Navigator service???

[bmcclure937]

Awesome!! I think stock 2.0 is going to be pretty damn slick, I can't even begin to imagine the ROMs that will be built based off of 2.0. And I wonder when a SenseUI HTC device will be based off of 2.0.

This Google Navigation is very impressive!! And FREE This is, hands down, the best device that Verizon has ever offered... mainly because it is not Nazi-locked and required to use all of Verizon's proprietary services. I am utterly shocked that Verizon allowed this, since they charge $x/month for VZW Nav on their other devices and Google Nav is FREE

[djunio]

Probably, but this supposed to be a free addition to google maps.

[Derrick]

Google just keeps on impressing and innovating.

[Ward]

Sweet now if only my battery would last from Mountain View to San Leandro, we'll be in business!