[Dabhand16]

Free Google sat-nav shakes market

Shares in sat-nav device companies have fallen substantially after Google unveiled its free live sat-nav for mobiles on Wednesday.

US firm Garmin fell 18% after details of Google Maps Navigation were revealed. Dutch firm TomTom fell 9.5% when markets closed on Thursday.

The Google application promises free real-time, turn-by-turn directions for people to follow on their phones.

The Motorola Droid will be the first mobile phone equipped with the system.

Google Maps Navigation, revealed on Wednesday, combines services including a search engine to find addresses, Google Street View for photos of locations, and live traffic data.

Other mobile sat-nav applications, such as TomTom's, can cost up to £60 to add.

TomTom's share decline wipes out all of its gains since August. Separately the company warned of lower prices in the coming months.

Source BBC

[Bellassz1]

ooh, I wonder if this is available for android phones yet? Very interesting - thanks

[morlandroger]

Originally Posted by Bellassz1

ooh, I wonder if this is available for android phones yet? Very interesting - thanks

It is due out in the States first and I belive it is based on the Android platform.
I have tried the current Google maps on my N97 but there is a problem with data connection away from WiFi. Google recognise the problem but have not found a solution. It may be carrier specific. Nokia maps already does satnav and the annual sub is just £7.50 but I also have aTomTom and asince that is paid for I am not too bothered (as long as I accept slightly out of date maps and use common sense)

Roger