Google Maps adds Voice Navigation

To some, it seems as if Google is looking to take over the world. They have the premier internet search engine, an excellent email system, support a popular blogging platform, own the most well known video site and have a vested  interest in the fastest growing mobile phone operating system, Android. And that is just a few of the many pies in which you will find a Google finger.

Another well used service is Google Maps, and Google have just recently announced the upcoming addition of voice navigation to Google Maps, which will become available on the upcoming new breed of Android 2.0 handsets. The added features make Google Mobile Maps one of the must have applications on a mobile phone, and it is this very kind of functionality that is going to help further enhance the reputation and popularity of Android.

The updates to Google Mobile Maps is more than about voice – firstly, they have what they are calling ‘Search in plain English’ which allows you to type in your search term much as you do in a standard Google search. So you can navigate by business name, or even business type. No need to know the address. Another feature which for me is the best addition of them all is the option to search by voice. So you can just talk into the phone and ask to “Navigate to the cinema” and Google maps will bring up the nearest choices. Just select the one you want, and of you go. Pretty amazing.

The new version of Google Mobile Maps also brings with it a traffic view, based on a simple traffic light system, which is updated every few minutes. This allows you to keep up to date with the latest traffic information in your local area, and if you happen to find yourself in a tight situation, you can get Google Maps to recalculate a new route. Along the way, Google Maps can search for particular items, such as the nearest service station, or restaurant, or parking. So if you are on a long journey in unfamiliar territory, you will easily be able to navigate to your destination of choice.

Satellite view is retained on the new Google Maps, giving a 3D visual view of your route, and there is also a street view option using the data from Google Street View. Just imagine, driving in a town you’ve never been to before and seeing the view in front of you through the windscreen at the same time on the screen of your mobile phone, ideal for those moments when you are not sure if you’ve made the correct turn.

For some of the newer Android devices, there will be in car holders, which will automatically switch the device into SatNav mode, keeping the device at a good level for viewing whilst driving. TomTom and Garmin will be concerned onlookers no doubt.

The changes to Google Mobile Maps, for the moment are available in the US only, but it shouldn’t be too long before these updates are rolled out in to other countries. We are already big fans of Android, and with compelling features like this on the horizon, Android continues to be a very attractive proposition. Below, a video from Google showing some of these new features: