Google’s just-announced Android GPS navigation app is more than just impressive - it’s actually quite awesome. But right now, it’s just for Android (and only on Android 2.0), but it’s still awesome. The Google Maps-integrated satellite navigation app brings Google Maps’ satellite view to navigation, as well as Street View for snapshots of interchanges, intersections, and your destination. It also leverages Google Search with intelligent voice recognition to find your destination, even if you don’t even know where it is. Oh, and did we mention that it’s free?
So, how about other platforms, Google? We obviously would love to see this awesomeness make its way to webOS, but we all know that there’ll need to be more webOS users to justify the programming investment. But what about that other big advanced smartphone platform? Yeah, Apple iPhone. Google says it could happen, so long as Apple is willing to let it into the App Store. You know, like they did with Google Latitude and Google Voice. Oh... wait. Nevermind.
As for webOS, something like Google’s navigation app could be done for webOS, probably even with the current HTML/JavaScript/CSS Mojo SDK. But we doubt it’d be pretty - think about how much the phone seems to struggle with a Calendar app built on the same tools. For an app that requires such heavy lifting we’ll need a better SDK, preferably with native code access so rich applications like this can be brought to webOS devices.
But what does that mean for other GPS providers? As Engadget noted, the game has changed and traditional GPS device providers like TomTom and Garmin took a huge hit on the stock market on the day of the announcement. Not only do they make standalone GPS devices, but TomTom makes an expensive GPS app for the iPhone and Garmin just released their first Nuvi phone on AT&T. Even the Sprint Pre’s GPS navigation solution (Sprint Navigation by TeleNav) is a paid option, though it is included in compatible Sprint contracts. Will Google change the landscape of the GPS market? You bet.
When Google unveils something impressive (Gmail, Maps, etc) they tend to either dominate that arena or force other players to adapt to Google’s standards to survive. The question is how can TomTom, Garmin, and other GPS providers adapt to survive Google’s onslaught? It’ll be difficult - if Google Maps Navigation catches on like we hope and expect, they’ll have to overhaul their business model to something that requires minimal upfront investment from the consumer and recoups their investment from advertising. Is that something that they can manage? We’ll see.
Comments
Do we need it thought? We have Sprint Nav., which is fine anyway. I only need it to talk to me, I'm not gonna glance at the phone and take my eyes off the road for snapshots. I'm unconvinced.
I agree. Sprint Nav works great.
I agree. Sprint Nav works great.
Guys. Stop with the "native code" stuff. Seriously. You don't know what that means. Look it up on Wikipedia. Humans do not program in machine code.
JavaScript is "native" on webOS. Get used to it.
Er, no. Javascript is the interpreter running in the Luna GUI for "cards" that run inside the Luna system. Luna itself is an ELF binary compiled for the ARM architecture. Or, if you're Linux-aware:
LunaSysMgr: ELF 32-bit LSB executable, ARM, version 1 (SYSV)
There are plenty of "cards" that interface with things below Luna, like the IM stuff. You just happen to get access to that stuff through javascript calls from the SDK.
And without the proper javascript tools built-in, you can't access anything not already rigidly defined. For example, if you want access to the center LED notification function, there had to be code for that (native code, if you will) available to the javascript. Until the last update, that was not available. No amount of javascript code in the world could have made any use of that LED.
Actually, JavaScript appears to be JIT compiled in webOS, not interpreted.
JavaScript is an interpreted language in webOS, but because it uses Google's V8 JavaScript engine - the same version as was in Chrome 1.0 if I recall - it's partially JIT'ted.
That said, I'm gunning for Palm to update the build of V8 to take advantage of some of the latest speed increases. Since the entire OS depends on JS performance, this would be a nice and cheap win for Palm.
That said, I remain perplexed as to why they chose Prototype JS library to underpin Mojo - it's proven as the slowest JS framework of them all, and jQuery was already being crowned at the point when webOS was in development.
"Rasen" is right..if I'm driving using the navigation, I want it to talk to me, not have to look down at the phone and risk getting into a wreck. The only advantage to having this google nav app is when your a tourist in a city on foot, then at least you could stop and look at the satellite images and compare.
But let's see how the other Nav(GPS) providers adapt. Hoepfully WebOS won't be left out.
Right now i think sadly, webOS, has pretty much zero momentum. Not a lot of major apps being made, not a huge userbase, a lot of bad press, better competition, and not looking like it's growing. I don't see the incentive to port it. What does google have to gain?
I bet you've been waiting all day to say that. Yawn! Seriously though, this is not necessarily the app that palm needs. Docs2Go anybody? I do agree with you to a certain extent, and think for some of the more important apps, Palm may want to pay upfront and hopefully reap the benefits of gaining a few customers looking for key capabilities. I'm happy with my pre, tough.
"waiting all day to say that"? what are you talking about? Regardless, If i'm google i'm not spending money to develop for a platform without a ton of users especially when they have their own.
I think Android has text-to-speech capabilities in 1.6+. You'd think they would enable that in the app. I hope the GOOG starts thinking of WebOS. It doesn't feel like we are even on their radar yet...
Google hit the kill switch for TomTom and Garmin a long time ago with google maps but this will completely shut the door on them from every doing this on a mobile device again.
I have a hard time seeing this app for iPhone just yet to get more droid sales but they cannot ignore 40million base too long. WebOS will get this too but will need some big updates just like droid needed.
Just read the engadget full review of this phone. it seems like it has alot of issues, no multitouch, issues with navigation, slow camera speeds, nothing intuitive or impressive. ill stick with pre. palms doin fine
The Droid is being made out to be vastly superior to the Pre, but there really isn't that big of a difference. It has some major advantages:
1. Battery Life
2. Screen Resolution
3. 2 Extra MP on the camera with video.
Otherwise, the hardware is just about the same. I think the single most impressive thing about the Droid is how small it is considering the specs, but it is still bigger and heavier than the pre.
7. Removable media
8. Voice dialing
9. Larger screen
10. Video recording (original poster lumped two advantages into one in #3)
11. Voice control
12. 5-way nav contoller
13. Dual virtual keyboards
"no multitouch"
but only in America. outside of America it seems to include the multi touch ability:
http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/gsm-droid-with-multitouch-pinch-to-zo...
Who's kidding who. Palm's stock has lost 50% of its value. At this point the future is a couple of acquirer's waiting for the stock to tank enough to acquire them.
This would be a good thing as hopefully an acquirer could take the Webos technology and get the R&D into it to make it run quickly.
if I were Google, I would develop this for WebOS, and not even bother with apple, especially after the trouble apple is still giving them with the latitude and gv apps. Google doesn't really need apple, and more and more the competition between the companies is becoming less friendly.
And, since Palm has completely opened up development on WebOS, there is no reason why Google couldn't go ahead and develop the app at whatever level of kernel access necessary, and just release it on Google's website. It would certainly be free as well, just like the rest of Google's apps. When the sdk catches up with the app, then they can make it "official."
you're right! google don't need apple and google don't need to go begging!! apple is too big for it's own bridges.Palm Pre will get better.
what's the point? Sprint navigation does EVERYTHING i need it to do and more.
For me, as a German user, it has the simple problem that it is not available.
It do not work, even if I install it out of the sprint webdoctor.
iphone has voice dialing and voice control.
Droid has voice dialing and voice control.
Pre/WebOS has NEITHER. When I watched the demos of the Droid and Google navigation, it seemed like voice control was one of the major features.
At least we have navigation already. I would be far more interested in reaching feature parity with the other smartphones before worrying about Google Navigation.
I like my Pre, but I must say, this kind of apps on Android could kill Pre. I still like WebOS's cards better than the messy widgets, but if Javascript really starts to limit app implementation, Palm has to address it quickly.
Now, here is my skepticism against this Google map. It needs very good network connection to work. TeleNav does the same thing, but I would think it is less data intensive than loading satellite and street views. How would cellphone companies adjust to this?
Ah, it would be nice if we Bell users had a GPS nav app. Our app store is still in beta too.
On the bright side, Bell is still pushing the Pre. I even got a spam message from them today offering new users money off and also for existing users if they buy some Pre accessories.
You definitely need to check out the thread "[HOW TO] Get Sprint firmware/apps on Bell Pre" on the PreCentral Forum. Sprint Nav on a Bell Mobility Pre works flawlessly!!!
I keep reading about voice command, voice dialing... I did try it when it was new, haven't used it since... Just curious: am I the only one whom absolutely couldn't care less about those? I don't think I even know anybody who uses them... (though obviously some do, just none of the people I know :) )
I personally know two people who would not buy the Pre because it doesn't support voice dialing.
Me? I don't care as much about voice dialing. I just want damn audible nags so I know when I miss important notifications.
If given the choice between a free, ad sponsored nav system that requires a data connection or a package with an up front cost but no ads, on device maps, and able to run from just the gps radio, I'd happily pay the up front cost for the latter.
I keep reading about voice command, voice dialing... I did try it when it was new, haven't used it since... Just curious: am I the only one whom absolutely couldn't care less about those? I don't think I even know anybody who uses them... (though obviously some do, just none of the people I know :) )
Let's do it again...
I personally know two people who would not buy the Pre because it doesn't support voice dialing.
Me? I don't care as much about voice dialing. I just want damn audible nags so I know when I miss important notifications.
Guys, don't forget: you Americans havs Sprint Navigation, BUT everyone here in Europe is without ANY navigation! So we are really missing out here, who knows maybe Palm is already working with Google to bring the maps navigation to WebOS. It's not really about the cdma version because you guys have Sprint.
We need this here!! Google, Palm, pleaase!
You definitely need to check out the thread "[HOW TO] Get Sprint firmware/apps on Bell Pre" on the PreCentral Forum. Sprint Nav on a Canadian Bell Mobility Pre works flawlessly!!! Not sure whether international maps outside of North America are supported but it is certainly worth a try. If you do try it out, don't forget to report back.
Enough of all this Sprint has this crap. We're not all on Sprint you know. UK users (and I assume all European Pre owners) are left with no real navigation software. This would be a godsend IMO
+1 That is a very good point.
If given the choice between a free, ad sponsored nav system that requires a data connection or a package with an up front cost but no ads, on device maps, and able to run from just the gps radio, I'd happily pay the up front cost for the latter.
Sprint navigation is extremely buggy for me sometimes. I've had many times that it can't find my current location when I'm on the expressway in Chicago. It makes no sense to me. Then I open google maps and it works, but it doesn't tell directions...so I don't like it.
So this thing doesn't talk? If it doesn't talk, it is worthless.
I don't get it, apple keeps rejecting google apps for iphone left and right and google keeps trying to develop for them. On the other hand, Palms WebOs is making it easier and is less restrictive with approving apps, yet google keeps passing WebOs by. WTF?!!!
Simple, Apple has a much bigger user base. But we don't know yet if Google ignores WebOS, I don't think so.
Fact is, Palm needs to give us European users real navigation! We don't have any and cannot buy any for our Pre. So come on Palm, Google would be perfect for everyone.
Nah, Google isn't ignoring WebOS, they're just putting it on the back burner, and undersandably so with Android, Wave, Voice, Latitude, etc.
The Google maps app on the pre is usable enough (though I think that one for WM is much better) and they have made some updates to it here recently. I'm standing by my earlier comment: Google should (and I think will) fully develop all their apps for WebOS in due time, and if they were smart, they would just ignore apple.
The irony of a web-based navigation system by google ---> when driving, you need/use your navigation most in those very places where there is limited to no cell phone coverage.
While this is true, let us not forget that it is still a free offering that may come to multiple platforms. So, while it isn't perfect, you are not paying anything for the privilege. Thus, it helps give services to those who may not have them yet.
In addition, the problem is actually *quite* fixable. Imagine Google Maps Navigation loading up all the squares within a given deviation distance from the route it has preprogrammed for you and saving them in memory (or temporarily to storage). As long as you don't go overboard outside of the route, even if cell coverage is lost, the program no longer needs data access to function. AGPS is used in most cell phones and require a service connection, but software/firmware updates can easily turn modern day smartphones into standalone GPS devices. The Pre can be hacked to do so (or allowed from Palm if they fix it!), and I'm sure Droid and others can be as well.
Google Maps Navigation already caches the entire journey ahead of time and continues to do so whilst you are in transit whilst you have coverage.
this navigation app would be cool to have for free. I like my sprint NAV app way better I like watching the little blue car drive around...
besides this new motorola droid phone sucks bad... I would never buy it over the pre or iphone. it doesnt even compare in my opinion
Yep! dRoids are for dRaculas. hee...
I love my Sprint Nav. I'm not that jazzed over Google's nav app. Would rather see doc to go, actually. But I do sympathise with my Pre-bretheren who need some Nav Love from somebody. Port some apps for these poor (and literally) lost souls!
I would pay for this! ($10-$30) If Google doesn't want to develop the app for WebOS for free, I would pay and I am sure many others would too!
The app is so futuristic and smooth, something I don't see on my Pre, Tomtom portable, or Kenwood Garmin indash. That is enough for me to love.
We all need to petition on Google's site so they know there is need!
IN THE UK, we dont get ANY GPS app for free! and there is non available! :(
this would be great, but very unlikely
Sprint can forever solve the apps issue by retooling the OS and SDK to run applications in the programming language for Android and iPhone. It is all about how they are compiled. Don't abandon Javascript and the WebOS concept, but allow compiled languages, and create a compiler than can take the source code to a iPhone or Android app and compile it to something WebOS can run.
This isn't like running Windows software on a Mac. WebOS and Android are Linux-based, and OSX for the iPhone isn't that far off.
It isn't quite that simple. I am sure they could make some type of environment for running ported apps, but there are drastic differences in the user interfaces, libraries, and hardware specifics.
Just to let you guys know, your Pre does have voice activated directions.
When you click find location or address or whatever it is listed at, there is a "call it in" option.
Call it in means you call in the address, and voila it downloads to your Pre.
Since you need a cell connection anyway, this doesn't seem all that hard.
Sprint Nav is excellent, and probably one of the most untalked about features on the Pre.
I understand we are an instant gratification group, but with all the tweaks I am pretty happy with my Pre. I would love for the graphics processor to be unleashed which should speed up the phone (and probably decrease battery life).
My biggest knock on the Pre is it should have come with the Seido 1350ma battery. The Droid only has significantly better spec'd life because it came with a proper battery. The flip side is the Pre came with a $6 centro battery, and I have a few of them, and stand alone chargers.
BTW, as far as build. I have had mine since day 1 (june 6) and so has my wife. Neither of us has had to return it to Best Buy under the replacement plan. I seriously don't know what you guys do to your phones. I have even dropped mine (at least 3 feet)a dozen times in 5 months.
Love my Pre, expecting it to get even better.
Have you read the rest of the comments or considered things outside of your country? Sprint is a US carrier, it's not even the only US carrier that will eventually carry the Pre. For everyone else, and at the moment that's the UK, Germany, Spain etc., Sprint is an irrelevance and the app is non-existent.
Palm needs to garner more than just Flash support if it wants to turn the tide. I've just signed an 18-month contract on a Pre, I really hope Palm is still in existence at the end of it :)
I'd be happy if they'd just get the regular google maps on par with the other platforms. Why are the pre's apps all so unfinished?
specifically:
- no ability to save favorite locations
- no direction of travel arrow on the current location dot
why are these very basic things missing?
sprint nav has issues too, ie lack of night mode (not a big deal, but still)
sprint nav has issues too, ie lack of night mode (not a big deal, but still)
This is actually one of the most intelligent complaints I have seen. And a valid one.
No Sprint Nav is not as good as a really good standalone GPS. And I bet Google GPS isn't either for the power user.
Things like armchair planning, modifying routes on the fly, adding via points, lots and lots of other stuff.
But in terms beyond basic, the Sprint Nav is very good, including traffic, routing options, and search POI along route.
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