Android OS Navigates The Way

Broadcom Company has announced, at the 2010 CES, that they have successfully ran Android on their most advanced navigation processor, the Broadcom® BCM4760.  Broadcom says:

“enabling a new generation of location-aware mobile internet devices (MIDs) and personal navigation devices (PNDs). As PNDs and MIDs evolve to include increasingly sophisticated navigation functionality and location based services, support for open operating systems will make these devices  attractive to a broader range of application developers, driving innovation and improved user experiences.”

Broadcom’s success with Android will lead to MIDs and PNDs that will better utilize mapping, navigation, and location applications using bluetooth and Wi-Fi!

[via Broadcom]

Navigon has also made an announcement at this year’s CES in Las Vegas. Navigon is bringing their MobileNavigator to Android users in North America. The MobileNavigator originally launched on Apple’s iPhone, and has now been improved to handle Android. The Navigator uses your phone’s GPS along with it’s preloaded maps to provide accurate navigation during points in which there is no cellular service. Navigon’s MobileNavigator has key features such as:

  • Reality View™ Pro displays photo-realistic 3D views with actual road signs and lane guidance for virtually every highway interchange and exit drivers will encounter.
  • Lane Assistant Pro helps drivers prepare to make an upcoming exit or turn by providing a lane map complete with arrows and actual road geometry.
  • Text-to-speech announces street names in addition to turn-by-turn directions. Instead of only stating “turn right”, the app informs the user to “turn right on to ‘Main Street’, enabling the driver to further concentrate on the road ahead and not become distracted looking for street signs.
  • Speed Assistant with adjustable audio-visual warning.
  • Day & Night Mode for map display.
  • Direct Access allows navigation to contacts saved in the phone’s address book.
  • Route Planning

    • The Navigon MobileNavigator application for Android devices will be available in the  Spring of 2010 and will be available for a one time fee, which has not yet been announced.

    [via BusinessWire]

    Navigation devices have come such a long way from our original expensive devices to our super sleek Android phones. It will be exciting to see what additions and new features these and advances in Android navigation will bring in addition to the Google Maps Navigation we are familiar with.

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