Google Maps for mobile anounce Navigation Beta for Android 2.0

Google Maps has always been one of the most popular ways to get directions, but the lack of voice-guided navigation to help you on-the-go. Luckily, today it took this next step in its natural evolution with the announcement of Google Maps Navigation for Android 2.0 devices.

    
Google maps Navigation screenshots

This new app should be as good as a fully-functional GPS navigation system, featuring 3D views, turn-by-turn voice guidance and automatic rerouting. Just bear in mind that it will use network data for the whole thing so you better be on a flat data rate if you want to use it.

 
  
Google maps navigation in landscape mode

Some other cool features included are voice search, satellite and street view as well as live traffic information. Certainly the best part about the whole deal is that it is free. Yeap, you got that right - aside from the data charges imposed by your carrier, the Google Maps Navigation doesn't cost a penny to use.

And here is a quick video, demonstrating the real-life performance of the application.

Google Maps Navigation is initially available in the United States only but more countries should follow soon. The first handset to come with it will be the CDMA-based Motorola Droid from Verizon.