Google has just announced that Android 2.0 would include turn-by-turn directions within Google Maps. Over the past week or so, there has been a lot of speculation around the blogosphere which indicated that Google might be leaning in this directly. Honestly, a lot of people were a bit disappointed when Android launched last year without this feature. Even though they might be a little late to the party, Google’s navigation features are sure to impress.
The new Google Maps will incorporate Street View and their satellite imagery into the navigation in order to give users the best experience possible. Rather than just seeing where your next turn is, you can simply double tap it and you will see what the exit looks like. As always, Google’s search features are highly integrated as well, allowing you to search for nearby businesses to navigate to and also displaying the search results that may appear along your route. Simply select your destination and then search for restaurants of gas stations and Google Maps will show all the results that are within a specified radius of your route.
Google also showed off the new Home Navigation UI. Once placed into a dock, the Android 2.0 switched over to a more finger friendly layout which works in both landscape and portrait more. The navigation UI gives you easy access to voice Search, Navigation, Contacts, Search, and View Map. I can’t wait to get my hands on Android 2.0 and take the new Google Maps for a ride around the block.
Screen shots of the new Google Maps UI and a video demo after the break.
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Source: Engadget
