[UPDATE 2009-12-10: As of Dec 7th / 8th (depending on your time zone), Google disabled access to turn-by-turn GPS navigation at the server end for people not in the US. The software still works, but the back end won't give you the information. It won't work now no matter what you do, unless you're in the US.]Google released v3.2.1 of Google Maps for Android on November 24th. It's for the US only. This version includes turn-by-turn audio and visual GPS navigation.
But within a few days, there were alternative android ROMs available that included a version of Google Maps with support for Navigation outside the US. I've tried it here in Auckland and it was perfect all the way from the North Shore to Titirangi and back. You want this.
Now, there is an app on the Android Market called "Nav Launcher". It's only purpose is to help you download a modified version of Google Maps v3.2.1 that turns on GPS Navigation in a long list of countries. New Zealand included. Apparently you don't have to have a rooted phone to use it, either. I'd be interested to know how people get on.So if you want to get over to the market and try this out, here is the QR code. Scan it off the screen with your phone and it will take you to the market and direct to the app. You'll need to have "Barcode Scanner" installed.....but surely everyone already has that installed? If not, get it. It's very useful.
Now I just need a little stand on the dash of my car to rest my phone in when I'm driving so I can hear the instructions, though I think the Bluetooth 2.0 A2DP stereo support in my HTC Magic may come in handy if I wear a headset.
Thanks for the post. Unfortunately this no longer seems to work. I installed Nav Launcher from the Market today. After clicking "Install Google Maps Navigation" button it just seems to hang, throwing a "Close or Wait" error every minute or so.
ReplyDelete