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Google has expanded the availability of its free Google Maps Navigation service, which previously ran only on handsets equipped with the company’s Android 2.0 operating system. Now handsets running Android 1.6 and higher — such as the T-Mobile myTouch 3G and the G1 — have access to the beta software, according to navigation manager Michael Siliski.

“If you have a phone running Android 1.6, you can download an updated version of Google Maps from Android Market,” Siliski said. “So whether you’re traveling that Thanksgiving, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits.”

The Web Advantage

Google Maps Navigation is an Internet-connected GPS system featuring 3-D map views, turn-by-turn voice guidance, and self-moving rerouting capabilities similar to personal navigation devices. “But unlike most navigation systems, Google Maps Navigation was built from the ground up to take advantage of your phone’s Net connection,” said software engineer Keith Ito.

One feature that differentiates the fledgling service from rival navigation

offerings is its delivery of satellite views. Another comes from the ability it gives users to access online knowledge about their destinations by either typing or saying the location’s name.

“Typing on a phone can be difficult, particularly in the car, so with Google Maps Navigation you can say your destination instead,” Ito said.

Even whether users don’t know the exact address, they can simply enter the name of a business, a landmark or just about anything into the search box, and Google will find it. “And since locating an address can sometimes be tricky, we’ll show you a picture of your destination as you approach the end of your route so you’ll know precisely what to look for,” Ito said.

Heading Home

Google’s latest beta release includes a new Layers feature, which gives users the ability to overlay geographical info on the map, including transit lines and…

Original post by dhiram