The rumor mill is running a full speed on this one. Forbes ran an article about a rumored upcoming navigation application from Google. Not the regular Google Maps but one that actually provides you navigation information while you drive like turn by turn directions. Think TeleNav but with Google’s innovation.
I don’t know if this rumor has any merit but I would LOVE if Google stepped into this space. It totally makes sense considering all the investments Google has made in mapping from street view to amassing their own map data to rival Tele Atlas which they no longer require for map data in the US.
Right now TeleNav and other $5-10 month navigation plans for cellphones are price gouging users for a subpar service. I had the chance recently to use TeleNav on my AT&T Bold and I could not believe how bad the experience was. I am hoping that Google can improve upon this and hopefully be the pioneer with caching map data on the SD card. Google will probably also not charge a monthly fee since this would be a great opportunity for advertising since Google will know where you are and where you are going… Imagine driving to the mall and it tells you to stop by Macy’s for a sale.
This is all rumors at this point but it has that grain of truth. RIM also recently made a purchase of a GPS firm so hopefully they also have some tricks up their sleeve. All I know right now is that this TeleNav only world has got to go for cellphone navigation to truly take off. Just read my review and see if that does not convince you.
So what do you think?
Ronen Halevy ( View Profile) - Posts: