Google Tries to Dominate Handheld Navigation

Google Maps, Google Earth satellite images and Google Street View — all in one navigation system? That’s right. Google has just announced its upcoming Google Maps Navigation beta, which will be available on Android phones like Verizon’s upcoming Motorola Droid.

A few of the most intriguing features include voice search, alternate routing to avoid traffic, points of interest along route search and access to the up-to-date points of interest database. The most amazing feature that we have yet to see on any navigation platform is Google Street View images overlaid on the route; with it, you see a real photo from your exact vantage point and a directional arrow telling you where to go. The app will require an active internet connection at all times, which allows it to download only the maps and information you’re requesting at the time as well as provide up-to-date information regarding traffic and points of interest.

After the Motorola Droid rolls out Nov. 6 for $199.99 (with a two-year contract), Google Maps Navigation beta should extend to other devices using the Google Android operating system. There’s no word on whether this will be available for iPhones.

While this is great news for smartphone users, it’s terrible news for the navigation industry. Check out the video below and let us know if you think this could be the death of dedicated portable navigation devices.

Comments

It won't be the death of portable navigation devices.

Using your phone as a navi
-requires too much battery, even if "plugged in"
-depends too much on data download speeds, which can be spotty
-would lose navi mode if phone call incoming/outgoing
-phones generally won't have as large a screen as a dedicated device.

I want the functionality on my iphone, but won't be giving up our Garmin any time soon.