Good news for early adopters, Google announced today that they are releasing the beta of Google Maps Navigation for Android 1.6 users. That means if you have a G1, MyTouch or other Android phone running 1.6 you will be able to get most of the navigation features in the newly released Droid. This release does not support the voice commands available in the Droid version, nor does it include the Auto Home application that comes with the Motorola Droid.
You can install the application from the Android Market. The first time you try to navigate, it will prompt you to download voice guidance support from the Android Market, the application prompts for it, and provides a link to the program.
This was an unexpected treat for Thanksgiving. Keep in mind, it does require 1.6, so folks with the Droid Eris or the Hero still need to wait for an OS upgrade when HTC finalizes it for their Sense UI.
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Android 1.6 Gets Turn-by-Turn Navigation
Fixed that for ya.
@j3ff
Thanks for the heads up… I think my excitement got a little ahead of my proofing skills.
I due always tri to spill chuck everything at lease. 🙂
Finally! I’ve been waiting for this feature!
Used it yesterday – ROCKS. Might as well dump the Tom-Tom stock now.
Accurate, reroutes if you go off-route.
Voice has a separate volume so you can balance between music and phone, etc. Voice mutes music but not phone, is only heard by caller, not on the other end.
Last night I had a router running, listening to Droidlive and making calls simultaneously with no issues whatsoever!
Anyone know how this compares to the turn-by-turn navigation on the iPhone?
With this new slew of location-enabled apps, the Android operating system will definitely take over the iPhone’s hold on the convergent media market.