Google's Navi-Software for Mobiles with Android 2.0
Google Maps Navigation provides Android 2.0 users with a free and comfortable navigation software. Every user? No. The software is currently available in the USA only, and for one mobile.
Still in beta, Google Maps Navigation, like most of Google's beta software, is stable and set to replace the quite basic navigation solution Google Maps for Mobile. Map updates are available for free from the net.
As with other navigation software, a computer voice guides the driver through the surrounding scenery. The trick is that the driver can steer the software by voice-control. Just speaking the name of the destination is enough. The complete address is not necessary.
Besides simple directions, the software will provide information about restaurants, gas stations and hotels along the way. Street View images can also enhance the journey, where available. A further mode takes the local traffic situation into account, enabling drivers to avoid congestion.
It all sounds very promising, but until now the software, even in the US, will only run on the droid Motorola mobile based on Android 2.0. The HTC Hero is however about to migrate and further mobiles are sure to follow. Dates for an official European launch are still unknown. This YouTube video shows how the software works.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Linux Kernel 6.17 Drops bcachefs
After a clash over some late fixes and disagreements between bcachefs's lead developer and Linus Torvalds, bachefs is out.
-
ONLYOFFICE v9 Embraces AI
Like nearly all office suites on the market (except LibreOffice), ONLYOFFICE has decided to go the AI route.
-
Two Local Privilege Escalation Flaws Discovered in Linux
Qualys researchers have discovered two local privilege escalation vulnerabilities that allow hackers to gain root privileges on major Linux distributions.
-
New TUXEDO InfinityBook Pro Powered by AMD Ryzen AI 300
The TUXEDO InfinityBook Pro 14 Gen10 offers serious power that is ready for your business, development, or entertainment needs.
-
Danish Ministry of Digital Affairs Transitions to Linux
Another major organization has decided to kick Microsoft Windows and Office to the curb in favor of Linux.
-
Linux Mint 20 Reaches EOL
With Linux Mint 20 at its end of life, the time has arrived to upgrade to Linux Mint 22.
-
TuxCare Announces Support for AlmaLinux 9.2
Thanks to TuxCare, AlmaLinux 9.2 (and soon version 9.6) now enjoys years of ongoing patching and compliance.
-
Go-Based Botnet Attacking IoT Devices
Using an SSH credential brute-force attack, the Go-based PumaBot is exploiting IoT devices everywhere.
-
Plasma 6.5 Promises Better Memory Optimization
With the stable Plasma 6.4 on the horizon, KDE has a few new tricks up its sleeve for Plasma 6.5.
-
KaOS 2025.05 Officially Qt5 Free
If you're a fan of independent Linux distributions, the team behind KaOS is proud to announce the latest iteration that includes kernel 6.14 and KDE's Plasma 6.3.5.