On: Announcing Google Maps Navigation for Android 2.0

[rm-rf]

I tend to agree. If it's tethered to a cell tower, it can't completely replace dedicated navigation devices.

Also - Like other navs, this solves the problem of 'what hotels are near me'. Unfortunately neither this solution or existing dedicated navs solve the problem of 'what hotels near me have available rooms, and how much do they cost'.

That's a much more useful problem to solve.

[megaduck → rm-rf]

Phone-based GPS can't completely replace specialty units, but it can drive them into niche markets like backcountry hiking and boating.

Most people spend 90%+ of their time with cell coverage, though. Garmin's going to lose those folks.

[etherealG → rm-rf]

however, with open data in google maps, a search like that may start to yield results sooner than you think. I did a search via google maps the other day for resuraunts around me and noticed booking info in the popup. It's not far away to get the google maps navigation to leave out fully booked hotels, coffee shops etc.