Google's answer to Sat Nav

UPDATE 23/04/10 – Google Navigation now works in UK official! Available from google maps application.

Installed the (hacked) version of Google Maps on my Android phone last night…

First impressions, Impressed! Here is what Google says

Google Maps Navigation (Beta)

Google Maps Navigation is an internet-connected GPS navigation system with voice guidance. It is part of Google Maps for mobile and is available for phones with Android 1.6 and higher.

Google Maps Navigation uses your phone’s internet connection to give you the latest maps and business data. But that’s not all that’s different about Google’s approach to GPS navigation. Watch the below video to learn more

Google Navigation Video link

Used it this morning to travel from my home (near York) to work (Redcar) and it was very good with its directions.  It uses speech synthesising technology for voice directions, and this works ok to be honest.

The only issue I can see with it is that it needs a data connection to display the maps, so no signal I only assume means no maps? Have not tested if this also means no directions?

All in all it’s a thumbs up from me, Google doing there best at ruling the world and doing it well.

Pro’s

It’s free with Android 1.6 – US (hacked UK)
Works well, good instructions & Directions
Includes Google Traffic Info

Con’s

You have to get hack in UK
Needs Data connection for Maps not just GPS