Google has announced that they will be officially entering the turn-by-turn navigation app market with their new free Android 2.0 app called Google Maps Navigation. This news isn't at all surprising considering it was only yesterday that rumors of such an app were making their rounds across the Internet. The most exciting portion of the news, however, comes from Google's vice president of engineering, Vic Gundotra, who has stated that the company is working closely with Apple to bring the app to the iPhone.
In a post on Google's blog, they highlight seven of the app's most exciting features:
The most recent map and business data: Uses the most up-to-date maps and business listings from Google Maps, which is constantly improving thanks to users who report issues and businesses who activate their listings with Google Local Business Center.
Search in plain English: Easily locate destinations even without an address by simply entering a business name, landmark, or just about anything else.
Search by voice: By holding down the search button, you can activate voice search, which will allow you to speak a destination and the app will interpret and plot routes for you.
Traffic view: Displays and warns of upcoming traffic issues indicated with colors, just like Google Maps.
Search along route: Find businesses along your current path by searching by name or type.
Satellite view: Uses the same satellite imagery as Google Maps. Gives detailed 3D view of your upcoming route for easy navigation.
Street view: You will be able to zoom into Street View to see the street from a first-person perspective.
As stated earlier, Google Maps Navigation (Beta) will only initially be available for Android 2.0. The first device to carry it will be the Motorola Droid, which launches on November 6th on Verizon. Google is working with Apple to bring the app to the iPhone, although no other details are available, including a timeframe.
This news will no doubt have all of the other navigation companies shaking in their boots since Google will be offering Google Maps Navigation free of charge. Ads will eventually make their way into the app, but they won't be present at launch.
Embedded below is a video of the app in action on an Android 2.0 device.
