Monday, November 23, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving Travels: Google Maps Navigation now available for Android 1.6

A few weeks ago we launched Google Maps Navigation (Beta) as a free feature of Google Maps on Android 2.0 devices. Today we're expanding availability of Google Maps Navigation to devices running Android 1.6 (Donut) and higher, such as the T-Mobile myTouch 3G and the G1.

Google Maps Navigation is an internet-connected GPS system with voice guidance and automatic rerouting, all running on your mobile phone. Using Google services over your phone's data connection brings important benefits to GPS navigation users, like using Google search (typed or spoken) to enter your destination; fresh map, business, and traffic data; and satellite and Street View imagery along your route.

This release also includes the new Layers feature, which lets you overlay geographical information on the map. View My Maps, transit lines, Wikipedia articles about places, and more.

So if you're traveling this Thanksgiving, you'll be able to enjoy the benefits of an internet connection, whether it's free Wi-Fi at the airport or Google Maps Navigation in your car.

If you have a phone running Android 1.6, you can download an updated version of Google Maps from Android Market to use Navigation today. Google Maps Navigation is in beta and is currently available in the United States. Some features of Android 2.0 are not available on Android 1.6, for example, the ability to use the "navigate to" voice command as shown in our demo video. However, you can still create a shortcut that will allow you to launch Navigation and start getting directions to a specific place from your current location with just a single touch from your home screen. For example, you can create a "Home" shortcut to quickly navigate home, no matter where you are. Just use the "Add" menu item from the home screen, then choose "Shortcuts", then "Directions." Please visit our forum to give us feedback, or our Help Center to get help using Google Maps Navigation.

Posted by Michael Siliski, Product Manager
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81 comments:

  1. mattNovember 23, 2009 at 11:33 AM

    I love you guys.

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownNovember 23, 2009 at 11:38 AM

    I'm naming my first child Michael Silinski

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownNovember 23, 2009 at 11:39 AM

    one of the best thing i love about google... never keep anyone unhappy. a Great Thanks Giving gift to Donut users.

    thank you google.

    ReplyDelete
  4. GregNovember 23, 2009 at 11:40 AM

    Thank you very much, I've been waiting a lonnnngg time for this!

    ReplyDelete
  5. wcyarbroughNovember 23, 2009 at 11:41 AM

    You guys rock. Even though I have a CLIQ and Motorola uses 1.5, it's stuff like this that make me love the stuff you do! (It's not like I couldn't upgrade myself)

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownNovember 23, 2009 at 11:45 AM

    This will revolutionize the way we get around, making maps easy accessible for everyone. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the guys at Google, you are truly worth your title as the most innovative company in the world!

    Keep up the amazing work that you do!

    ReplyDelete
  7. UnknownNovember 23, 2009 at 11:48 AM

    Thank you google!

    ReplyDelete
  8. UnknownNovember 23, 2009 at 11:54 AM

    Can't install. I'm getting a Package file was not signed correctly error. What's going on there?

    ReplyDelete
  9. Tiny ScoreNovember 23, 2009 at 11:55 AM

    can we here on the other side of the Atlantic expect this anytime soon?... :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. TrasplerNovember 23, 2009 at 11:59 AM

    Yeah, when you're basing a good junk of your earth/maps team here in Zurich, why not give us Europeans some Navigation love?

    ReplyDelete
  11. Steve St. GermainNovember 23, 2009 at 12:02 PM

    Thank you Google!! This means a lot, as I have been getting pretty jealous of all the 2.0 users, lets hear it for the early adopters!

    ReplyDelete
  12. UnknownNovember 23, 2009 at 12:09 PM

    And yet here I sit with a Sprint Hero...stuck at 1.5
    Sad...come on HTC...COME ON.

    ReplyDelete
  13. DrewbNovember 23, 2009 at 12:12 PM

    Thank you google, I was a little bitter that since I couldn't get 2.0 I wasn't able to get this. But you guys came through. Me and my G1 are thankful.

    ReplyDelete
  14. UnknownNovember 23, 2009 at 12:12 PM

    wow, this is great! let's hope one day this will come to europe too...

    ReplyDelete
  15. RyanNovember 23, 2009 at 12:13 PM

    This application is amazing! Thanks for all the hard work all of you put in to bring apps and services to us!

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  16. MrBillyWhiteNovember 23, 2009 at 12:13 PM

    This should have a barcode accompanying it so I can get straight to the app RIGHT NOW... ah well, back to the standard "search" method, it is...

    ReplyDelete
  17. UnknownNovember 23, 2009 at 12:13 PM

    Wow, I wasn't even expecting this! Works great too!

    ReplyDelete
  18. UnknownNovember 23, 2009 at 12:15 PM

    I wished [every night] that Google would make my G1 a GPS Navigator. Google FTW!

    ReplyDelete
  19. UnknownNovember 23, 2009 at 12:16 PM

    OMG I SO LOVE YOU NOW!!!! I thought Ill had to wait until Android 2.0 update comes out..but nahhh...you got us covered!

    Thanks Big G.


    CEO:
    http://mwd.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. DekeNovember 23, 2009 at 12:17 PM

    Okay, where's the Windows Mobile version?!?!?!

    ReplyDelete
  21. CodingToadNovember 23, 2009 at 12:20 PM

    Thanks Google. However, my ADP1 can't seem to install. I'm also getting the "Package file was not signed correctly error". Happy Holidays.

    ReplyDelete
  22. wonderbreadNovember 23, 2009 at 12:22 PM

    HTC has said that it will be skipping 1.6 and going to 2.0. so don't bank on getting Google Nav for an HTC device any time soon unless they are ready with their 2.0 stuff.

    http://www.androidguys.com/2009/10/28/european-htc-hero-skipping-1-6-update/

    ReplyDelete
  23. Jason MoreNovember 23, 2009 at 12:22 PM

    I am also getting "Package file was not signed correctly"

    ReplyDelete
  24. UnknownNovember 23, 2009 at 12:27 PM

    Also getting "Package file not was signed correctly"

    ReplyDelete
  25. robotshoelacesNovember 23, 2009 at 12:28 PM

    Sadly, I can't get it to install on CyanogenMod 4.2.5.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Artem RussakovskiiNovember 23, 2009 at 12:35 PM

    Any plans to port to 1.5 too (another Sprint HTC Hero user)?

    ReplyDelete
  27. Dirk StaudenmaierNovember 23, 2009 at 12:41 PM

    The same as others from the other sid of the atlantic ocean. When I try to download (via QR code of an US-android related website, which linked this post already), I get a "package file was not signed correctly" error. Guess that has to do with the fact that you wrote "...is currently available in the United States", but obviously not in good old Europe. When will we be able to enjoy it too?

    ReplyDelete
  28. DougNovember 23, 2009 at 12:59 PM

    Thanks guys, screw you I just purchased CoPilot Live...
    Nice job though

    ReplyDelete
  29. NielsNovember 23, 2009 at 1:02 PM

    European users intentionally left out? Who decides thats an unimportant market share?

    ReplyDelete
  30. Phillip DubovNovember 23, 2009 at 1:04 PM

    Thanks Google! I sincerely appreciate your efforts, not only to bring this wonderful app to the market, but to make it available so quickly for those of us still running 1.6! I thought I'd have to buy a new phone, but not now! Awesome!!!

    ReplyDelete
  31. ...November 23, 2009 at 1:38 PM

    Just in time for my trip home! Thanks!

    Will this ever allow pre-loading/caching like AndNav2 or MapDroyd so that it can work without a data connection? There are a lot of roads without a cellular signal or Wi-Fi.

    ReplyDelete
  32. UnknownNovember 23, 2009 at 1:43 PM

    I almost went through the process of flashing this, but you guys released it for us 1.6'ers just in time! You guys really do live up to your reputation and I'm consistently reminded of all the reasons I love Google. Thanks again, we all greatly appreciate it.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Gary FNovember 23, 2009 at 2:11 PM

    And Gmaps Navigation for iPhone? Considering it's superior to any paid GPS apps there, I for one will gladly pay for it although you'll likely release for free, on every mobile platform.

    ReplyDelete
  34. UnknownNovember 23, 2009 at 2:13 PM

    Nice, but we want to have Google Navigation outside the USA!

    ReplyDelete
  35. NithinNovember 23, 2009 at 2:28 PM

    Yes, one for iphone please. I know you guys are not particularly fond of the folks at Cupertino and AT&T, but you know it would be a sweet implementation with the compass.

    ReplyDelete
  36. UnknownNovember 23, 2009 at 2:32 PM

    "Installation error: Package file was not signed correctly."

    Any clue on what's happening with this?

    ReplyDelete
  37. UnknownNovember 23, 2009 at 2:34 PM

    Mt3g CM 4.2.5 package not signed correctly in LA CA.

    ReplyDelete
  38. charrionNovember 23, 2009 at 2:40 PM

    Canadians get screwed over again. It's bad enough we still don't have access to paid apps in the Market but now we're left out of navigation as well.

    ReplyDelete
  39. AnonymousNovember 23, 2009 at 2:56 PM

    A major fix would make all the difference - when you lay out your trip, Mobile Google needs to download the maps for the whole route. As it is now when you go through a did cell area - you loose your direction info! The satelite works but NO maps - This is back - This is, I believe the major reason to go to TomTom, Garmin, Odyssey etc.

    ReplyDelete
  40. AnonymousNovember 23, 2009 at 3:13 PM

    I <3 google

    ReplyDelete
  41. UnknownNovember 23, 2009 at 3:45 PM

    Just loaded it on my MyTouch. It looks great. Started speaking driving directions to me while at home - can't wait to take it for a spin. Screen resolution looks real sharp too. Thanks Google - Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  42. JeckerNovember 23, 2009 at 3:48 PM

    Looks great, can't wait to try it. Google is my BFF, for reals.

    ReplyDelete
  43. AnonymousNovember 23, 2009 at 4:00 PM

    Google Android users rejoice! Once again Google proves why open source and free access to software is so successful! I look forward to buying my Chrome OS laptop!

    ReplyDelete
  44. DJCNovember 23, 2009 at 4:13 PM

    Awesome, please spread the love Down Under soon!

    ReplyDelete
  45. UnknownNovember 23, 2009 at 4:35 PM

    I am naming my next child a google maps ;)

    ReplyDelete
  46. UnknownNovember 23, 2009 at 4:52 PM

    Why release it only in the US? Why the controlled release of 2.0? These are Microsoft style tactics!!! Very disappointing.

    ReplyDelete
  47. AndrewNovember 23, 2009 at 5:45 PM

    I am hoping this will make it's way across the Pacific at some point in time. 2.0 as well if possible. Thank you for your hard work Google. This couldn't have been cheap to produce.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Dave HongNovember 23, 2009 at 5:56 PM

    Awesome!!

    ReplyDelete
  49. UnknownNovember 23, 2009 at 6:31 PM

    just downloaded it - works beautifully - looks like my garmin is going up on ebay

    ReplyDelete
  50. ssNovember 23, 2009 at 7:12 PM

    very nice job Google! Never felt better about making the switch to my Android based G1!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Rockson CHANNovember 23, 2009 at 7:26 PM

    thank you guys ~!! especially for those who is using G1~ like me ~!

    ReplyDelete
  52. EricNovember 23, 2009 at 9:01 PM

    Omg, this is the best thing ever since my sons birth. Im keeping my G1 now.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Gordon ChiamNovember 23, 2009 at 9:02 PM

    Thanks. Hope it will be available to other countries, especially Singapore soon.

    ReplyDelete
  54. YummchenNovember 23, 2009 at 11:23 PM

    Hello... nice thing, but why not for european? We also like to have Voice-Search and Navigations...!? :-)

    ReplyDelete
  55. tobiaslyNovember 23, 2009 at 11:51 PM

    Patience fellow Sprint Hero users! HTC has confirmed several times that they are working on updating from 1.5, they just need time to integrate it with Sense. We'll have it shortly!

    ReplyDelete
  56. CristiNovember 23, 2009 at 11:51 PM

    Why is not available in Europe?

    ReplyDelete
  57. UnknownNovember 24, 2009 at 12:20 AM

    This is a huge step forward. But you might understand that Europeans start to feel like a "2nd class Android customer"... after voice search ... and now navigation.

    regards from Germany

    ReplyDelete
  58. Sport InspiredNovember 24, 2009 at 2:09 AM

    Any idea when Navigation will be up and running in the UK?

    ReplyDelete
  59. UnknownNovember 24, 2009 at 2:11 AM

    So much love for Google! Eagerly awaiting the European release or at least just Britain - we're such a small island it wouldn't take you long ;)

    ReplyDelete
  60. UnknownNovember 24, 2009 at 2:38 AM

    well... "europeans start to feel like 2nd class customer?"...

    we are "2nd class customer" for google! i'm getting upset day by day because of googles politics...

    google put his fingers in many (under)pants, but still don't satisfy the owner ;-)

    another point is google earth...
    published on iphone but not on googles android!

    ReplyDelete
  61. UnknownNovember 24, 2009 at 3:05 AM

    Please tell me you are porting this over to windows mobile devices for us that have to us MS operating system. Please.......

    ReplyDelete
  62. RadekNovember 24, 2009 at 3:27 AM

    Please please please relese this in Europe!!!!!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  63. UnknownNovember 24, 2009 at 3:49 AM

    Can you just tell us why Navigation isn't included for users in the UK please?
    The non Nav version of GMM still gives us directions and has all the POIs.

    Any idea of timescales for UK/EU launches?

    ReplyDelete
  64. BlogMasterNovember 24, 2009 at 4:08 AM

    We just drove from Boston to Ludlow VT. Not one exit number could be found on the maps. It tells you where to go, but without exit numbers the maps are useless. This could be a personal knowledge issue. That being said the map should be more intuitive

    ReplyDelete
  65. matt2November 24, 2009 at 4:14 AM

    You guys rock. An amazing app.

    ReplyDelete
  66. UnknownNovember 24, 2009 at 4:22 AM

    GOOGLE MAPS NAVIGATION OUTSIDE US!!!
    see this link...
    http://www.2030.tk/wiki/Google_Maps_Navigation_for_non_root_users

    i live in germany - and it works fine ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  67. LeonNovember 24, 2009 at 7:37 AM

    It looks amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  68. Andrew SpanglerNovember 24, 2009 at 9:49 AM

    Thanks, guys..

    For Christmas, can G1 users get 2.0?

    Please?

    :-)

    ReplyDelete
  69. UnknownNovember 24, 2009 at 10:06 AM

    This is great news...way to go, Google! You guys have revolutionized computing across so many platforms. Please, PLEASE release a version of Navigation for Symbian S60!! I'm holding my breath.

    ReplyDelete
  70. AnonymousNovember 24, 2009 at 12:38 PM

    Wow...glad I got a DROID. I almost got a HERO (gasp)

    ReplyDelete
  71. ConorIANovember 24, 2009 at 12:41 PM

    CANADA! Please! Even just Toronto. It would help me so much!

    ReplyDelete
  72. UnknownNovember 24, 2009 at 1:10 PM

    You just made my day google!

    ReplyDelete
  73. MikeNovember 24, 2009 at 4:39 PM

    This is great! :)

    ReplyDelete
  74. EricNovember 25, 2009 at 2:48 AM

    3.2.1 installation from market is repeatedly unsuccessful...message: "Package file was not signed correctly." anyone know a direct apk download? thanks

    ReplyDelete
  75. SqueakyWheelNovember 25, 2009 at 2:55 AM

    Looking forward to the "Package not signed correctly" issue to be fixed.... (I'm in Albuquerque but it's still the USA LOL).

    I imagine that the export of data comes under very strict laws on both the US's end for exporting it and *your country here* on importing it. (No one can deny there are certainly governments who would no want to trust our data let alone let Google in to do mapping!) Some places try and block street-view mapping because of security, some find it a gross breech of privacy, etc.

    Pretty certain that if Google could you bet they would give it to everyone! No one is more aware than Google of how much more money they could be making, to be sure. Just something to think about.

    ReplyDelete
  76. GautamNovember 25, 2009 at 8:41 AM

    Worked decent for me with voice directions while driving to work today.

    ReplyDelete
  77. UnknownNovember 25, 2009 at 9:26 AM

    I have 1.6 and i keep getting an error that the package was not signed correctly so I cannot use the Navigation. Please assist.

    ReplyDelete
  78. ekowNovember 26, 2009 at 12:58 AM

    when is the rest of the world going to get in on the action?

    ReplyDelete
  79. maddies_pearlNovember 26, 2009 at 1:09 AM

    Why is everyone showing so much love?! Am I the only one who read the part that we didn't get the full map/gps update?! I don't want a half a** app update. I want the full 2.0!

    ReplyDelete
  80. DavidNovember 27, 2009 at 5:13 AM

    Android phones Home Page

    http://www.androphones.com/all-android-phones.php

    ReplyDelete
  81. SunilDecember 1, 2009 at 8:11 AM

    We need it in the UK...asap!!!

    Great work google.

    ReplyDelete

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