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Home / News / Google moves into UK sat-nav turf

Google moves into UK sat-nav turf

The big G’s sat-nav feature comes to Google Maps today for UK and Ireland Android users riding Donut (1.6) or above.Previously available only on in th

The big G’s sat-nav feature comes to Google Maps today for UK and Ireland Android users riding Donut (1.6) or above.

Previously available only on in the US, Google Maps Navigation is still in Beta testing, but don’t let that stop you giving it a blast. Here’s what you can expect from the company’s turn-by-turn web app:

Search by voice

As with other mobile search services offered by the world’s biggest search brand, Google Maps Navigation will include voice search as well as text input. Good news for safe drivers, but check it’s heard you correctly before you set off. Google also uses its search expertise to find nearby businesses from plain English requests – ‘theatre’, say, or ‘pub’.

Traffic view

Routes glow green, yellow or red, according to the volume of traffic.

Layers

Popular searches such as petrol stations, restaurants and parking can be switched on and layered over maps to help motorists.

Satellite and Street View

Naturally enough, you can overlay your route on Google’s satellite maps, too. Plus you can pull up Street View – no more guessing which is the right turning.

Putting your phone in a car dock activates a special mode (pictured) to make it easier to use Google Maps Navigation without squinting at a distant screen. (Selected devices only.)

We’ve had a play and coloured ourselves impressed. Download the update from Android Market, give it a go and let us know what you think in the comments.

Profile image of Dan Grabham Dan Grabham Editor-in-Chief

About

Dan is Editor-in-chief of Stuff, working across the magazine and the Stuff.tv website.  Our Editor-in-Chief is a regular at tech shows such as CES in Las Vegas, IFA in Berlin and Mobile World Congress in Barcelona as well as at other launches and events. He has been a CES Innovation Awards judge. Dan is completely platform agnostic and very at home using and writing about Windows, macOS, Android and iOS/iPadOS plus lots and lots of gadgets including audio and smart home gear, laptops and smartphones. He's also been interviewed and quoted in a wide variety of places including The Sun, BBC World Service, BBC News Online, BBC Radio 5Live, BBC Radio 4, Sky News Radio and BBC Local Radio.

Areas of expertise

Computing, mobile, audio, smart home

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