June 10, 2010

Google Maps navigation now available in Europe

When Google first announced its free navigation services, companies like TomTom and Garmin stocks took a nose dive. On Wednesday Google announced, via its German blog, that the service is now expanding to Europe.

Google released free turn-by-turn navigation to the U.S. back in October of 2009 and in the UK in April of 2010. Unlike other navigation programs, Google's does not store maps locally on the device. Instead, it relies on an Internet connection to stream the latest and most up-to-date maps and traffic information. Should your connection drop, Google caches your route to keep you from getting lost.

Google's GPS offers many advantages over current devices, including showing satellite view of the overhead region and a hybrid overlay with street names. The device will also offer a street view hybrid overlay with arrows when you're supposed to turn or at your final destination. The service is available now in most countries in the EU.

Visit Google's mobile navigation site to download the application for your device.

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