Google is working with Apple on putting its free navigation service inside the iPhone’s Maps program. Meanwhile, vendors of dedicated personal navigation devices (PND) are torn between running scared and switching their devices to Android 2.0 that has Google Maps Navigation built-in.
Google stunned the tech world Wednesday by announcing Google Maps Navigation, an Internet-connected GPS navigation system that provides turn-by-turn voice guidance as a free feature of Google Maps on Android 2.0 devices. Shares of Garmin and TomTom fell around 20 percent following the news. Motorola’s Droid, due next Friday, is the first Android 2.0 device to offer a beta version of Google Maps Navigation as the killer feature. When asked about iPhone version, a Google spokesperson told AppleInsider Wednesday that it’s up to Apple:
Apple is a close partner. Millions of users experience Google Maps on the iPhone. We will continue to work with Apple to bring innovation, including Latitude and Navigation, to users but you’ll have to speak to Apple about availability.
Navigation software and maps with PND vendors don’t come cheap.
Google Maps manager Michael Silinski told Pocketlint that the iPhone 3GS has the needed graphics power to run Google Maps Navigation, at least theoretically. PND vendors could also “go Google.”
The arrival of Google Maps Navigation caught most vendors of personal navigation devices on the wrong foot. Even though PNDs have better hardware, a longer-lasting battery, and a stronger GPS circuitry, their software sucks and maps don’t come cheap.
In fact, users are required to purchase maps and map updates separately or pay monthly usage fees. Although Google Maps Navigation won’t kill PNDs, some PND vendors are considering switching to Android 2.0 so they too could offer Google’s free cloud-based navigation technology.
Cnet noted that most PND vendors view Google as a threat to their subscription-based business model. Users typically pay between $5 and $10 in monthly subscription fees to use navigation on mobile phones. Google’s free offering, noted Forbes, is a threat.
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