Google again states plans for free iPhone navigation app


This week the search giant reiterated plans to bring its turn-by-turn GPS navigation app to the iPhone

Thursday Google announced that it will bring its free mobile navigation solution to the iPhone. The announcement was tied into the introduction of navigation services for the UK on Android. Google's turn-by-turn system has been a popular feature for Android phones. The turn-by-turn navigation differs from the iPhone's built-in Google Maps apps as it offers directions for each turn as they approach. Maps require the user to manually click each step to see the next turn and offers no voice guidance. The system would appear to compare best to AT&T Navigator, which is currently about $10/month service.

The Google solution is as mentioned free and operates with over the air maps, similar to AT&T Navigator. This means maps are downloaded via the device's data connection. Other popular GPS navigation apps like NAVIGON and TomTom have maps loaded on the phone. The advantage of having maps installed makes mobile data connections not a concern, and is generally faster performing. Google says it's solution, however, allows users to pre-load route maps which should be sufficient in most cases.

It will be interesting to see how the solution works compared to other paid options. Google Maps Navigation has some spiffy features like Street and Satellite View and also voice commands. The iPhone GPS apps are among the most expensive on the iTunes App Store, and the Google Maps may be a good alternative. The Google solution will certainly appeal to more casual travelers. IGM is a bit skeptical based on the accuracy of Google Maps app, however. Additionally, our impression of Google's attitude towards its products has been if it's free it doesn't need to be perfect. Driving is area where paying for quality probably makes sense over perpetually "beta" free services.

MacUser UK