The first navigation application with audible turn-by-turn directions has launched for Android. Called AndNav2, the application is an alpha release so it’s definitely not bug-free, but it’s exciting nonetheless. Looks like Android is a step ahead of the iPhone in the turn-by-turn area as well.
AndNav2 uses OpenStreetMap data, has text-to-speech, and “accessibility-study”–for example, where can I get in 30 minutes–and will contribute GPS tracks back to OpenStreetMap. This is a good idea because if you happen to navigate an unknown route, OpenStreetMap will pick up the data, then the next time you’re in the area it’ll be mapped on your phone.
Right now the alpha release only covers Germany, France, Denmark, United Kingdom, Spain, Switzerland, Italy, Austria & Ireland so North American G1 users are out of luck. According to Gizmodo the choice had something to do with server costs but the AndNav2 developers are looking to raise donations to hop the pond in the future. Unfortunately though, while OpenStreetMap covers Europe more extensively than Google Maps–according to a recent study–the same can’t be said for North America. OSM coverage is fairly patchy here.
If you’re in one of the supported countries, download AndNav2 and give it a try. I’d love to hear how it works.
via mobilitysite
