Link: http://news.ecombizcenter.com

Navigation feature for Google Maps available for smartphones running the Android 1.6 operating system build and higher. This means users of the T-Mobile myTouch 3G and inaugural but clunky G1 can enjoy turn-by-turn voice directions. This release includes Google’s new Layers feature, which lets users overlay geographical information, such as transit lines, Wikipedia articles about places, and more on the map. However, users cannot use the “navigate to” voice command.

The free Google Maps Navigation feature for Google Maps is now available for smartphones running the Android 1.6 operating system build and higher, the search engine said Nov. 23.

Google Maps Navigation is a Web-based GPS navigation system that provides turn-by-turn voice directions and automatic rerouting for U.S. users. Users can speak or type their destination and receive directions along with fresh map, business, and traffic data, as well as satellite and Street View imagery along their route.

When Google launched this feature to beta Oct. 28, it shocked the GPS world for being a disruption to existing GPS devices from TomTom? and Garmin and annoyed Android phone users because it was initially launched to smartphones created with Android 2.0.

Verizon Wireless later that day announced it would begin selling the Android 2.0-based Motorola Droid for $199 and touted Google Maps Navigation as differentiator from Apple’s iPhone and other rival smartphones.