Google launched a turn-by-turn navigation update to Google Maps yesterday in the UK. During the press conference they stated that they plan to bring the update to other smartphone devices including the iPhone.
Currently the only way to get turn-by-turn directions on the iPhone is buying an app such as TomTom which is $69.99. Google would offer their service for free. This will create some more competition in the navigation market and hopefully force the navigation creators to continue to innovate and continue to make something that users will pay for.
One of the downsides to Google Maps is that it requires an internet connection at all times. The maps are downloaded on the fly rather than stored on the device like the GPS apps. This is not a big deal in most cities but in rural areas where coverage is spotty it could lead to a lot of lost drivers.
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