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Google Introduces Free GPS Navigation for Android 2.0
- Thread starter edesignuk
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Yawn. I never understand what was wrong with reading a map. Nor do I understand why anyone would pay more money for the [iPhone app] or whatever than a dedicated device costs...
At least this is free but really what's the big deal - GPS is a massive battery hog and it just sucks the life out of your phone.
If this is the main new feature in Android 2, I'll go back to sleep.
At least this is free but really what's the big deal - GPS is a massive battery hog and it just sucks the life out of your phone.
If this is the main new feature in Android 2, I'll go back to sleep.
holy cow. this is killing garmin, tomtom and sony consumer grade navigation devices. why spend $150 and carry a second device?
also a interesting "killer app" for the andriod phones over the iphone. this could level the playing field in the consumer/lifestyle smartphone market.
also a interesting "killer app" for the andriod phones over the iphone. this could level the playing field in the consumer/lifestyle smartphone market.
Very impressive.
Of course here in the US we have AT&T, who would probably try to block this even if Google wanted to bring it to the iPhone. But I'm guessing Google will want to keep that advantage for their own OS anyway. This is probably another reason Apple has acquired their own map source company.
Of course here in the US we have AT&T, who would probably try to block this even if Google wanted to bring it to the iPhone. But I'm guessing Google will want to keep that advantage for their own OS anyway. This is probably another reason Apple has acquired their own map source company.
I don't think its forcing. Apple has a partnership with Google for Maps on every iteration of the iPhone. I'm sure a new firmware will make this available in the coming holiday season.
I was really worried that Google would start making software ONLY available to the Android platform, and it's possible this WILL happen after a few high-end (hardware) Android 2 devices launch.
If you US boys & girls like that HORRIBLY designed Motorola Droid for Verizon (using that old world sharp edge look), then wait until you see the SonyEricsson Infinity (code named Rachel) announcement on Nov. 3. Or the Acer Liquid - both will use Android 2.0
btw, Android 2.0 enabled multiple gmail & MS Exchange accounts! I'm curious how individual security and provisioning will be handled when IT Policy's for security are sent ota to the devices, especially with Unified Inbox (a BAD idea) is concerned?
At any rate I'm hoping Contact sync changes arrive to iPhone 3GS in next firmware along with this new Google Maps Navigation feature.
$Free.99 is always welcome. I don't mind ads. As long as the maps are local to the phone, not using 3G. Then that would be a Nav software killers, so get it together TomTom and Garmin and Navigon, you just might be pounced out of the iPhone GPS business.
Usually, if your using your phone for turn by turn directions, it means you're in a car. Plug it in, and forget about the battery usage. Good night!
Its really hard to read a map going down the highway at 70 mph. And there are several nav apps that are cheap that work well.
I know everyone loves to hate on AT&T but they haven't blocked other iPhone navigation apps, why would they block this one? Granted this one is free and the others aren't, but AT&T makes the same amount of money on any of them: $0 (except for their own subscription nav app).
Verizon has yet to release a truly 'open' phone, they lock down features all the time. Who is to say Verizon wouldn't allow Google to put this app on Verizon phones (see droid) because it competes with their paid navigation feature? I guess we'll have to wait and see.
I've had free GPS Navigation on my Sprint phone for a while now. Why iPhone users still have to pay for such a service is puzzling to me.
Mac OS X is based on soe very mature technology. Over 40 years old now. A lot of changes and additions over that time. It's been kept up to date but notice how the free OSes (Linux and the like) move faster.
I agree. As good as this app may look. I hate the idea of everything being stored away from the phone to be downloaded when needed. It just isn't practical in the real world. What happens when you are abroad and data is extortionate? Moreover, when you are out of signal?
Verizon's changed re. their smartphones - no way they'd block this on the Droid when their whole advertising mantra is that it's "open" and you can do whatever you want.
It'll be interesting to see if this does get ported - I'd be pleasantly surprised.