Navigation solutions developer Mapquest has launched its first navigation application for Android in a beta version with features such as free voice-guided turn-by-turn directions, walking and driving directions, real-time traffic mapping with automatic rerouting, satellite mapping and voice search. The application is completely free with no additional fees necessary for use.
Humberto Saabedra
Humberto Saabedra is the Editor-in-Chief of AnimeNews.biz, PhoneNews.com and an occasional columnist for Ani.me. He can also be found musing on things at @AnimeNewsdotbiz
This will be interesting as a sideload play, for devices that do not have the Google Experience. I think if Mapquest aggressively gets this app into devices that cannot run Google Maps Navigation, it will see some success.
The issue for Mapquest is, that most devices which can use the service qualify for the Google Experience (GPS, WWAN, etc). Though, if Mapquest figures out how to leverage offline maps, it could be interesting to push non-GE tablet makers to build in GPS and offer an autonomous GPS solution, sans having to satisfy Google’s requirements.
For example, I’d love to see a GPS-enabled Archos 43 that had turn-by-turn free from Mapquest.