ELECTRONICS

The mobile navigation offerings continue to evolve and expand, with Google announcing that it will offer Google Maps Navigation in beta form for Android 2.0 devices when they hit the market next week. Previously Google Maps on cell phones, including the Apple iPhone, had limited-functionality indicating just current location on a map. Starting next week, Google will be able to provide turn-by-turn guidance, along with several other features that will add unique appeal.

The Droid has a 3.7-inch screen, giving it an advantage over the 3.5-inch iPhone screen. It also has the ability to run multiple applications as once, unlike the popular Apple phone. Perhaps the greater advantage is that it is on the Verizon network, rather than AT&T, which as been higher rated in our national cell phone surveys. (See our iPhone navigation app reviews.)

Verizon has the exclusive on the Motorola Droid, and it will be the first phone using Google Maps Navigation when it goes on sale November 6th for $199, after a $100 rebate. Nationwide cell-phone voice plans begin at $40 a month, with e-mail/Web data plan adding at least $30.

Google claims its app does seven things you may not be able to do with your current device:

Search in plain English, rather than stick with specific points of interest categories and specific addresses. Google allows these, as well as approximate addresses and business name, and it can resolve misspellings.

Voice recognition allows the user to speak the address, or query a specific search such as ask for the museum with a certain exhibit. Android is able to perform the search online, as you would with Google at your desktop, and integrate the findings into the navigation app.

Live traffic data is displayed with green, yellow, and red overlaps on the route. Android can provide alternative routes.

Points of interest can be found along the route, though this function is common among current portable navigation devices (PNDs).

Satellite view as popularized online is available to provide the context for routing, though this may not be the preferred mode when driving.

Street view gives a photo-based take on reality, overlaid with the colored route guidance. When you arrive at your destination, the address may be shown with a photograph, when available.

Car dock mode reacts when the phone is put in a mount to provide easy access to voice command and navigation.

Whether these nifty features hold up against the ease of use and travel information provided by other applications and dedicated portable navigation devices remains to be seen. Both our telephone and GPS experts will evaluate the Droid and this software for a full report in the coming days.

The Droid will also face competition from the Garmin Nuvifone G60.