swansonager – what is matt up to?

Announcing Google Maps Navigation for Android 2.0 – yep. that’s right all you rapid Apple iPhone users. The new navigation system from Google a la Android 2.0 will give any GPS a run for it’s money it looks like. I’ve been using my Android phone for about 3 weeks now and it’s hands down awesome. I like it better than the iPhone and it’s completely open unlike Apple’s device. If you haven’t watched what they have in store for Android, take a look at this video.

Here are the features for the new navigation system from Google:

The most recent map and business data
When you use Google Maps Navigation, your phone automatically gets the most up-to-date maps and business listings from Google Maps — you never need to buy map upgrades or update your device. And this data is continuously improving, thanks to users who report maps issues and businesses who activate their listings with Google Local Business Center.

Search in plain English
Google Maps Navigation brings the speed, power and simplicity of Google search to your car. If you don’t know the address you’re looking for, don’t worry. Simply enter the name of a business, a landmark or just about anything into the search box, and Google will find it for you. Then press “Navigate”, and you’re on your way.

Search by voice
Typing on a phone can be difficult, especially in the car, so with Google Maps Navigation, you can say your destination instead. Hold down the search button to activate voice search, then tell your phone what you want to do (like “Navigate to Pike Place in Seattle”), and navigation will start automatically.

Traffic view
Google Maps Navigation gets live traffic data over the Internet. A traffic indicator light in the corner of the screen glows green, yellow or red, depending on the current traffic conditions along your route. If there’s a jam ahead of you, you’ll know. To get more details, tap the light to zoom out to an aerial view showing traffic speeds and incidents ahead. And if the traffic doesn’t look good, you can choose an alternate route.

Search along route
For those times when you’re already on the road and need to find a business, Google Maps Navigation searches along your route to give you results that won’t take you far from your path. You can search for a specific business by name or by type, or you can turn on popular layers, such as gas stations, restaurants or parking.

Satellite view
Google Maps Navigation uses the same satellite imagery as Google Maps on the desktop to help you get to your destination. Turn on the satellite layer for a high-resolution, 3D view of your upcoming route. Besides looking cool, satellite view can help you make sense of complicated maneuvers.

Street View
If you want to know what your next turn looks like, double-tap the map to zoom into Street View, which shows the turn as you’ll see it, with your route overlaid. And since locating an address can sometimes be tricky, we’ll show you a picture of your destination as you approach the end of your route, so you’ll know exactly what to look for.

Here’s the video from Google about the new GPS Navigation System:

Read more at the official Google Blog about the new software >>

Google Street View is going beyond the road – and to the Trike to be more specific! Check it out:

We’re working hard to bring Street View to new places, but some interesting areas, like pedestrian malls and trails, cannot be reached by car. That’s why we’ve created the Street View trike; a mechanical masterpiece made of 3 bicycle wheels, a mounted Street View camera, and a very athletic cyclist.

The Street View trike has already collected some imagery, but now we’re accepting your suggestions for where to send it next in the United States. Send us your most inspired suggestions for the places you really want to see featured in Street View.

Since I’m a MTB rider, I thought it would be cool to showcase a fun little application that some genius Googlers have put together for Android based Phones. Matt Cutt’s does an excellent job explaining how you can leverage (for free) an application for Android Phones called “My Tracks”. It will track everything from distance to elevation and easily allow you to send your stats to the web to share with your friends. Check out Matt’s summary video below. I’m really considering a new G1 or MyTouch device just to snag this app alone..