One of the new most competing features of the newly release Motorola DROID was its ability to use Google new turn-by-turn navigation system. Google originally touted Google Maps Navigation as a feature only for Android 2.0, but seeing that there are probably 5 million Android handsets across the globe that may not get a 2.0 upgrade; Google has chosen to release the new feature to Android 1.6 devices. If you currently own the T-Mobile G1 or the myTouch 3G, head on over to the Android Market and grab the latest copy of Google Maps. All you have to do is type in the directions you want and then hit the Navigate button. Other new features include layer overlays for transit lines, Wikipedia Articles, about places, and more. You will not be able to take advantage of the “Navigate to” voice command feature since that is something that is built into Android 2.0 and not the app, but you can always create directions shortcuts from your home screen. Just long press on a blank area on your home screen and then select Shortcuts > Directions and then set up your destination. You can type in an address or name of a contact and select the appropriate icon to display. I’ve already got a whole folder of directions shortcuts set up and ready to go.
Google Maps Navigation is currently available only in the U.S. market, but I’m hoping that one of our readers can tell us if they can download the new app. According to xda-developers, there are reports of navigation working outside the U.S. on the ported version of Navigation from the DROID.
