Google offers free satnav to UK Android users

ALL SEEING EYE Google has released its mobile navigation tool to Brits who have Android devices, putting further pressure on satnav vendors.

The ad broker has enabled turn-by-turn GPS navigation on all devices running version 1.6 or later of its Android operating system. The system had been available only in the US until now.

The service works with Google Maps, and while previously navigation was possible, this is the first time that free turn-by-turn GPS based navigation has tipped up on its mobile platform. As the firm has been maturing its Maps service for some time, several 'overlays' are available allowing the user to view traffic, points of interest and, where available, Streetview.

In our far from exhaustive tests, we found that a number of residential streets don't have Streetview-level data, however this is likely to change as Google's thirst for information fills any gaps. By far the biggest problem currently is the 'on-demand' nature of map dat, which means you are at the whim of mobile operators and their typically poor data networks. It is likely that Google will have to employ some form of caching system in order to speed things up, as map data downloading on anything other than 3G networks will be too slow while driving.

For all its faults we have to remember that this is a free service meaning that the traditional satnav providers' business model is at risk. Like most of Google's products, Navigation is in beta and at times it does show, with lag in navigating the user interface being the most visible issue. However, given that Tomtom's Iphone app costs £55, it's hard to see many users putting down that much cash when there's a pretty decent alternative available for free.

Google's navigation service can be accessed by Android mobile users in the phone's "car home" application, with no additional download required. Satnav vendors might well have to think up new ways of flogging the same old kit if they want to stay on the road. µ