When it comes to maps, Google has had nearly everything: great satellite imagery, huge coverage, and even some basic navigation features, but not what everyone that\u2019s ever used a GPS device really wants: turn-by-turn navigation.<\/p>\n
This changes today, as\u00a0Google <\/span>just released a beta version of\u00a0Google Maps Navigation<\/a> for\u00a0Android<\/span> 2.0. Here\u2019s a quick overview of the features:<\/p>\n – Search in plain English \u2013 quickly search and navigate to places, businesses, landmarks Google Maps Navigation<\/a> does two very important things for Google: it makes it a competitor to established GPS firms like TomTom and Garmin, which should make this space a lot more interesting, and it suddenly makes Android \u2013 the only platform this app is currently available on \u2013 a lot more desirable. And \u2013 you guessed it \u2013 the first Android 2.0 phone to support this app is the upcoming Motorola\u00a0Droid<\/a>.<\/p>\n Check out a video overview of Google Maps Navigation and some screenshots below.<\/p>\n\n
\n– Search by voice
\n– View of live traffic data over the Internet.
\n– Search along route \u2013 find locations near your current path
\n– Satellite view \u2013 you can view the same satellite imagery you\u2019ve seen\u00a0Google Maps<\/span>, on your phone
\n– Street View \u2013 check out what the exact surroundings of a location look like<\/p><\/blockquote>\n