Android has free turn-by-turn navigation

19 December 2008 by Staff Editor

Worth Reading?

Yes

+19 [25 votes]

Android now has fully audible real-time turn-by-turn navigation with an application called AndNav2. This one is now only a public Alpha, but due to all the experience gained in AndNav1 this version is actually in a really solid state. AndNav2 is free, for the time being anyway.

Unlike Garmin services there is no monthly charge or need to download extra map pack upgrades. The only way they can maintain a free application is by placing ads into the applications itself and through donations. It’s a very small price to pay to keep from having to purchase this application.

Right now AndNav2 supports Contacts/POI/Address-Search and many more, but even the recently released free Text2Speech library by Charles L. Chen giving users fully audible turn-by-turn directions. AndNav2 is currently only available in the United Kingdom, Germany, Ireland, France, Denmark, Spain, Switzerland, Italy and Austria.

[Via GoogleAndBlog]

Join the Discussion (15 comments)

kaysesoze

12-19-2008 04:39 AM

would try it but the file is too big...
A.C.A.B.

12-19-2008 04:58 AM

is this real time? the app says NON-REALTIME
mmace

12-19-2008 05:44 AM

Just downloaded it from their website, it's terrible, looks like a kids has made the GUI in paint and the maps never load and it's a pain to use!
roll on the paid-for apps!
onemanish

12-19-2008 05:54 AM

Could not find HelloAndroid.apk! why this error come
ghoonk

12-19-2008 06:45 AM

Also note this, especially US users:

AndNav2 is currently only available in the United Kingdom, Germany, Ireland, France, Denmark, Spain, Switzerland, Italy and Austria.
robmpulse

12-19-2008 08:40 AM

yea, i downloaded it before realizing it was not for US, yet.

I tried using andnav1 and it was garbage. google maps was much better at driving directions. I could not even get andnav1 to even work......
plusminus

12-19-2008 11:20 AM

It is realtime o_O !!!

I coded this dude... I should know better than you...
astevezimm

12-19-2008 11:22 AM

I've been looking forward to this being available in the US. I donated $50 dollars to them. They need $730 more before they can support US. Anyone else want to spread some Christmas cheer?
newuser2008

12-19-2008 11:25 AM

When will it be available in the U.S market????
ndheah

12-19-2008 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newuser2008

When will it be available in the U.S market????

When you donate enough money to allow them to funds to purchase the US maps.
joelp228

12-19-2008 11:41 AM

This sounds great. Hope it comes soon to the US,
krkeegan

12-19-2008 01:48 PM

I think the simple graphics are just place holders. These guys are more worried about the backend working properly than they are about the GUI looking complete and polished. I am sure once this gains popularity and they start getting some revenue from ads they will improve it greatly.

I for one gave some money to get a US version:

http://www.andnav.org/

At last check they only needed $700 more to get going.

inportb

12-19-2008 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmace

Just downloaded it from their website, it's terrible, looks like a kids has made the GUI in paint and the maps never load and it's a pain to use!
roll on the paid-for apps!

Instead of posting meaningless fluff, how about suggesting a "paid-for app" that you're satisfied with?

d2castle

12-22-2008 02:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krkeegan

I think the simple graphics are just place holders. These guys are more worried about the backend working properly than they are about the GUI looking complete and polished. I am sure once this gains popularity and they start getting some revenue from ads they will improve it greatly.

I for one gave some money to get a US version:

http://www.andnav.org/

At last check they only needed $700 more to get going.

Don't get too excited. When I visited the andNav site it appeared that they are trying to raise 10k for the U.S. servers and so far only raised $1850.00. Still got a ways to go. Not sure where you get the $700.

Oh well, lets all support the cause.

Rdiohead

09-03-2009 11:16 AM

Dear US people,
Don't be fools! AndrNav is not free. It uses GSM and it cost me 100 Euro for a short use in Greece. I could buy a real navigator!