October 28th, 2009
Google, Android 2.0 sticks fork in GPS devices
Global positioning devices were already on the road to becoming irrelevant and Google Maps Navigation for Android 2.0 may speed up the trip.
Google on a blog post announced the beta of Google Maps Navigation for Android 2.0 devices. Two takeaways to note:
- The app could be killer for Android devices and probably the first in a long line of goodies as Google aims to entice consumers to jump to the mobile operating system.
- The Google Maps Navigation app replicates a GPS device with turn-by-turn directions and automatic rerouting.
So what does Google’s move mean for sales of GPS devices?
Google outlined how Google Maps Navigation has the most recent data, simple search, voice search and various views (satellite, traffic, street). In other words, Google will effectively take on Garmin and TomTom with its Android phones.
Also: Five interesting new details about Verizon’s Moto Droid
Motorola Droid gets official on Verizon; arrives Nov. 6 for $199
Larry Dignan is Editor in Chief of ZDNet and Editorial Director of ZDNet sister site TechRepublic. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
For daily updates, follow Larry on Twitter.
Subscribe to Between the Lines via Email alerts or RSS.
