Google Maps for Android already features Navigation and walking directions, explains Andrey Ulanov and Kevin Law, Software Engineers at Google. Today they married the two with Walking Navigation (Beta).
Walking Navigation lets you use GPS navigation with walking directions that are more direct and use pedestrian pathways when Google knows about them. To try it now, choose the “Walking” option from the Navigation icon on Google Maps.
The map will rotate with you as you turn the phone, and walking mode uses satellite view by default. Use it like a virtual compass with satellite imagery to look ahead or help pick out landmarks along the way.
Your phone will vibrate when you need to make a turn. You can even turn off voice guidance and just use these notifications while soaking in the sights and sounds around you.
Just like Street View navigation on your computer, you can get a sneak preview of where you’re going.
You no longer have to slowly move down a street by tapping arrows along roads repeatedly. Now you can quickly navigate Street View by dragging Pegman from the corner and highlighting where you want to go.
You’ll need to download an update for the “Street View on Google Maps” app in Android Market separately from Google Maps. Google Maps for mobile 4.5 and Street View smart navigation are available now for Android 1.6+ everywhere they’re currently available. Search for Google Maps (tap here on your phone) and then Street View on Google Maps (tap here) in Android Market to update both.
