So by now, you may have heard about some problems with Apple’s new iOS6 and their new maps/navigation. Earlier this year, Apple parted ways with Google Maps, and decided to use their own mapping software. It hasn’t been smooth. I won’t go into their issues, but I will let you know about Android’s great navigation.
First, it’s FREE! It comes with every Android phone. And, it works. If you open up your app drawer and scroll over/down (depending on what version of Android you have) you’ll find Navigation.
Before I had a smart phone, I used Verizon Navigator. I liked it. When I got my first Android, the Navigation app replaced it by leaps and bounds. Not only can you get turn-by-turn directions (for free), but you can also choose if you want driving or walking directions.
I’ve never had Navigation take me the wrong place. It may not always take the most direct route. But it will get you there. I also love that I can ‘star’ places that I go a lot and the app remembers them for quick recall. And if you want to get really fancy, you can sync your Google account from your phone to your home computer, running Google Chrome Browser, and put in your destinations from home and then have them appear on your phone.
Another really great thing about Navigation is the way it integrates with other Google apps. Let me explain. There’s an app called ‘Local.’ It’s pretty much like Zagat/Urban spoon. It tells you what’s around and lets you get reviews from other users. So let’s say you want to check out one of my favorite eateries in Norfolk, Dog-n-Burger Grille, you could search in ‘Local’ and then you’ll see the listing.
From there you can click ‘directions’ and you’ll get a new prompt. You can see it on the map, or just navigate and get those turn-by-turn locations to one of the best burgers in the Mermaid city.
Navigation is a powerful tool, one that Android users have had for a while now, and have I mentioned it’s free? I know, overkill. But why pay for another app that does it all? So try it out, let me know what you think. And if you’re already using it, let me know!
