Google brings free turn-by-turn Navigation to UK Androids (updated)

Talk about random gifts from the ether. British Android device owners are waking up this morning to discover their robot-themed operating system has gone and upgraded itself overnight. We've confirmed for ourselves that Google Maps Navigation -- yes, the free turn-by-turn stuff with voice directions -- has made its fully functional way across the Atlantic. This is the 4.1.1 Beta released on April 6 to US customers, but as we say, it's now working over in Blighty as well. We've tested it out on a Desire and Nexus One from HTC, with the latter offering the extra-cool option to orally instruct your Google search bar to "navigate to" your destination. Check out the gallery below for some visual edification.

[Thanks, Tes]

Update: We're now also sure the full Navigation service works on at least some Android 1.6 devices, such as the Dell Mini 5 and a reported Sony Ericsson X10 success over on the xda-developers thread.

Update 2: Numerous users have reported successfully using turn-by-turn Navigation on the 4.1.0 version, leading us to believe that the capability was in the Google Maps app all along and it's only now that the company has chosen to activate it. If you aren't yet on board, direct your Android 1.6 or above device to the Android Market and get navigating.

Google Maps Navigation 4.1.1 Beta now working on UK Androids

[Mike Vick Posted Apr 21st 2010 8:47AM]

Is it me or is the Nexus one a very sexy looking device?

[Tassadar Posted Apr 21st 2010 8:55AM]

Got an UK milestone but no luck. Maybe 'cause i'm in the netherlands?

[fourthletter Posted Apr 21st 2010 11:19AM]

@Tassadar

Yes that would be correct they need the map data before they can turn it on in your country.

[ChazClout Posted Apr 21st 2010 9:17AM]

Just tested it. Works fine. YAY!

[Riccardo Posted Apr 21st 2010 9:20AM]

Awesome job Google! Now bring it to the rest of us :D in the meentime im stuck with sygic which is just OK..

[nikgare Posted Apr 21st 2010 9:30AM]

I dont think that its meant for pilots!

[DoctarPeppar Posted Apr 21st 2010 9:52AM]

Windows Mobile PLEASE!
Come on Google, what's taking so long?
Seriously you guys have the resources to build a warp speed spaceship and you can't release some software!?

[lerxst Posted Apr 21st 2010 9:54AM]

For God sake's Google. Get this to Canada already. I mean, we only border the US and have some of the most advanced cellular networks in the world. I can see why there's a delay! COME ON!!!!

[kadajawi Posted Apr 21st 2010 11:48AM]

@lerxst The problem is that they usually license the map data from the usual map providers like NAVTEQ. However they won't let Google use the data for satnav use... they'd rather license these maps to Tom Tom, Garmin etc. Nokia can offer OVI maps because they own one of these providers, Google doesn't. The reason Google can provide satnav functionality in the US and UK is that Google itself has collected data and is using that data for navigation. I'm sure they are collecting data in other regions too, but that will take a while. Until then you will have to hack the Maps app...

[lerxst Posted Apr 21st 2010 2:52PM]

@kadajawi Ahhh. Well, that makes sense I guess. I'm just anxious to get a fully functional legitimate version. I find that the hacked application has a few issues with identifying some streets; otherwise it isn't bad at all. In the meantime I've been using the trial version of Motonav which really is a wonderful application to tell you the truth. I believe I now have 2 days left in my 60 day trial (lol) and they're now asking for $50 in order to purchase the service. I'm considering it. Thank you for clearing that up for me. I love my Milestone!

[Tenio66 Posted Apr 21st 2010 10:16AM]

Somebody knows or have heard when the Navigation app will work in Italy "or in the rest of Europe" ?? thankfull allso for an idea "tomtom is the owner of the mapmaterial in Europe strange they let go of it in a single country like UK and not in the rest" or is it google not prepaired??

[Martin27 Posted Apr 21st 2010 10:52AM]

Just been out for a trip and tried it on my Nexus One. Seems great initially. Might just stop me using Copilot.

[lockstockedd Posted Apr 21st 2010 11:20AM]

2 down, 72 more to go. almost there

[fourthletter Posted Apr 21st 2010 11:20AM]

You don't need to go near the market, I tryed this out on an X10 all you need to do is search for a place and you will get the navigate option in the results.

[Damo2k Posted Apr 21st 2010 11:21AM]

This also is working in Republic of Ireland

Motorola Milestone - Google Maps 4.1.0
Nexus One - Google Maps 4.1.1

[liquidmonkey Posted Apr 21st 2010 11:25AM]

great stuff Gman!

now please, add the world and you'll be in a real power spot to take over symbian!


android rocks!!

[Damo2k Posted Apr 21st 2010 11:33AM]

This also is working in Republic of Ireland

Motorola Milestone - Google Maps 4.1.0
Nexus One - Google Maps 4.1.1

[techlord Posted Apr 21st 2010 12:16PM]

R.I.P. Tom Tom

[JustThatNerdyGuy Posted Apr 21st 2010 1:28PM]

Nice im downloading this on my desire now!

[JFK Posted Apr 21st 2010 1:37PM]

anyone else think that guys hands look like tiny..

[glypo Posted Apr 21st 2010 3:22PM]

I love Google. Even my G1 isn't left out from Navigation goodness.

Now the 4.0" on my soon to be arriving X10 will be utilised to the max :-)

[jonwil Posted Apr 22nd 2010 12:39AM]

If Google can get Google Navigation (including full turn-by-turn) going in Australia as a free-as-in-beer download/bundled app/whatever my next phone WILL be an Android handset

Google needs to do what it did in the US and run around with Google vans taking GPS coordinates of everything so it can then produce its own map data independent of the greedy map companies that currently provide map data for Australia on Google Maps.