Google's free turn-by-turn Navigation app comes to more Android phones

Tue Nov 24, 2009 9:47AM EST

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One of the coolest features of the just-released, Android-powered Motorola Droid—its support for Google's new Navigation app, which delivers turn-by-turn directions, all for free—isn't exclusive to the Droid anymore.

Google has announced that the app will now work on handsets running a slightly older version of Android—specifically, Android 1.6, code-named "Donut." (The Droid is the first Android handset to ship with version 2.0 of the Android OS.)

That means that older phones like the T-Mobile G1, the myTouch 3G, plus newer handsets like the HTC Hero on Sprint and the HTC Droid Eris on Verizon (sorry, my bad; the Hero and Droid Eris are still stuck with Android 1.5, for now), will now be able to deliver turn-by-turn directions, complete with first person-perspective arrows and maps, voice prompts, and automatic re-routing if you make a wrong turn.

Being the Brooklynite that I am, I'm a bit car-challenged; that's to say that I don't own a car at all, so I haven't been able to test Google Navigation on the road. However, I did give it a quick test on foot on some confusing NYC streets, and the app performed admirably, accurately pinpointing my location and orientation, calling out the next turns and recalculating my route after I padded the wrong way. Pretty nice, especially considering the low, low price of free.

Not all Google Navigation features will run on Android 1.6 phones as they do on the 2.0-enabled Droid, however; specifically, you won't be able to navigate to a location using voice commands. Bummer.

That said, a post on Google's blog says you'll be able to create home screen shortcuts for, say, "Home," "Office," or "Grandma's House"; tap the shortcut, and Google Navigation will automatically crank out directions to the location from your current position. (To create a shortcut, tap "Add" from the home screen menu, then tap "Shortcut," "Directions.")

OK, so how do you get Google Navigation on your G1, Hero, or other Android 1.6 device? Just fire up the Android Market and download the latest version of Google Maps.

Related:
Happy Thanksgiving Travels: Google Maps Navigation now available for Android 1.6 [Google Mobile Blog]

Comments on Google's free turn-by-turn Navigation app comes to more Android phones

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  • 1 Posted by nerd160 on Tue Nov 24, 2009 2:08PM EST Report Abuse

    I'll have to admit, I was skeptical about Android at first; however, it is really gaining some momentum.

  • 2 Posted by david_lmt on Tue Nov 24, 2009 5:24PM EST Report Abuse

    Just downloaded the update. Very cool!

  • 3 Posted by david_lmt on Tue Nov 24, 2009 5:32PM EST Report Abuse

    Ben...can you explain how this "layers" feature works? I can't figure it out.

  • 4 Posted by mark_okin on Tue Nov 24, 2009 9:14PM EST Report Abuse

    I've been wishing for this feature ever since I got my G1 so I got the update first thing this morning, and it made my whole day!

  • 5 Posted by mttburns on Wed Nov 25, 2009 8:20AM EST Report Abuse

    The Eris and Hero are on Android 1.5 they dont get the update.

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