Google Offers Turn-by-Turn Navigation on Motorola Droid
After weeks of cryptic anti-iPhone commercials, the Motorola Droid was made official today. While a new Android phone doesn’t mean a whole lot to car enthusiasts, the accompanying Google announcement that it will offer free, turn-by-turn navigation in its Maps for mobile certainly is big news. While the Droid will be the first, Google Maps Navigation will be included on other phones that use Google’s Android 2.0 operating system. The mobile app will now include enhanced vehicle features like voice-based directions, automatic rerouting, points of interest, voice search and 3D views. The app also takes advantage of a phone’s Internet connection to update maps and data. A car dock will be available to fully transform your phone into a car navigation system. It should be interesting to see how standalone systems from companies like Garmin fare in the face of enhanced smartphone GPS navigation such as this. Check it out in action after the break. [Google via AutoBlog]
Thursday, October 29, 2009 5:41AM
What happens when you receive a call while you are in navigation mode?
Thursday, October 29, 2009 9:31AM
After using a few smart phones i can safely say you will probably be able to answer your call and go directly back to where you should be in the navigation. The real question to be asked is if the maps are stored on the phone or need to be downloaded each time you need a new navigation (driving up the rates charge). If its the latter, then Garmin still has time to improve on its nuviphone.
Thursday, October 29, 2009 10:28AM
Multitasking?
Thursday, October 29, 2009 4:06PM
I currently use a LG versa and have had VZ Navigator on it and have used it since released 3 or 4 years ago on other phones. When a call comes in while VZ NAV is in use you can choose to Answer or Ignore. If you answer you will no longer hear turn by turn directions but once the call has ended VZ Nav is back on the screen. It is still working while you are on a call but you can not see the App working nor hear it. Usually I just ignore an incoming call while navigating to not interrupt the process.