Rumored Google Maps Navigation App Turns Out to Be Real on Android 2.0

Just yesterday, we covered a rumor that Google was developing a free voice-guided, real time, turn-by-turn navigation app. Today, the rumor becomes a fact, as Google has announced a beta version of its new Google Maps Navigation app for Android 2.0. And boy, does it sound awesome.

Google Maps Navigation is packed with all the features you find on a real GPS navigator, and more. But unlike an expensive navigator, Google Maps Navigation takes advantage of your phone’s Internet access to bring you the following features:

• The most recent map and business data – Google Maps is constantly being updated for free.
• Search in plain English – You don’t have to know an address, just enter the name of a business or landmark. Google Maps will find it.
• Search by voice – Name says it all.
• Traffic view – Using your Internet connection view live traffic conditions.
• Search along route – Find businesses along your route.
• Satellite view – See it in the same imagery as in Google Maps for desktop.
• Street View – See what your route looks like.

It’s clearly visible why all the navigation service companies were scared. Google Maps Navigation sounds incredible in every way. Especially, the “free” part, which is something those navigation service companies can’t compete with. Though, we can probably expect to see ads put into it in the future, since it’s free.

Unfortunately for the rest of the smartphone world, Google Maps navigation is only available for Android 2.0 devices (for now). The first Android phone to be equipped with the app will be Verizon’s Droid, which is being released next week.

Check out a real life video demo below:

For more information, and to see more screenshots click here.