Google Maps Navigation: The newest feature on Android

Google Maps Navigator is a feature on the newest Android 2.0 devices like Motorola's new Droid. The application basically makes the GPS device you currently use in your car useless.

The features Google has packed into this application are better than most anything you would find on a typical Garmin or TomTom -- it's hooked up to the internet, so it's got incredible power -- and potential.

Google Maps Navigator lets you program your destination by typing, using natural language. Since the device is hooked up to the internet, you don't need to be exact -- that's because Google is usually smart enough to figure out what you mean by itself. A good example they gave in the video was the voice command:

"Navigate to the museum with the King Tut exhibit, in San Francisco"

Try programming that into your Garmin, and see what you get. Of course, there will be challenges with some people's voices -- but Google has been collecting voice data and building a world class speech recognition engine through services like 1-800-GOOG-411.

Another really cool feature is real-time traffic information. This is available on some other devices -- but usually for a cost. Android 2.0 gives you this feature for free, along with the rest of the application.

While driving, you can easily see if there will be delays on your way -- and if so, it makes it easy for you to re-route as well.

Though the application is free, you will probably want to pick up the Navigator car dock for $29 bucks. Based on what I've seen though, it's definitely worth it.