Google launches Maps Navigation in UK

BEIJING, April 21 (Xinhuanet) -- Google has announced it will be making Google Maps Navigation available for Android phones in the UK and Ireland.

So far the turn by turn navigation app has only been available to Android users in the U.S. The new UK service will be available for all phones running Android 1.6 and above.

The data for the mapping service is streamed over 3G, and can use both a vector view and StreetView mapping. Just as in the U.S., voice search is included too, and searches along the route to tell users where landmarks such as hotels, petrol stations and restaurants are situated along the route.

Google account users may also link to their contacts through Gmail and with only a few clicks navigation to a specific address can be activated. There is real-time traffic information with an indicator which glows either red, yellow or green depending upon conditions.

A smooth English accent provides directions, though early users have described problems using an English accent for voice search with the device responding better to a faux American accent.

Car dock mode is also part of the new release, meaning that the device's user can access a 'driver friendly' mode. The program is free via the android app store, however the data is received over the air so those without unlimited data tariffs may find themselves receiving large phone bills.

Nonetheless as compared with similar apps for the iPhone, Google Maps Navigation comes cheap. Apple iPhone GPS navigation apps cost between 15.34 U.S. dollars and 84.49 dollars. A bespoke satnav specific device can cost anything upwards of 70 dollars, though there are usually no additional costs. However Google's new app is likely to rattle manufacturers such as TomTom and Garmin.