Google Maps Navigation, the free GPS navigation application with turn-by-turn directions is now available for Android phone owners in the UK.

The navigation app was released to Android users in the US earlier this month. The application features the following:

Search by voice, allowing users to search for directions by speaking their destination.

Traffic view, shows a green, yellow or red indicator depending on the current traffic situation on that road.

Search along route, gives the ability to search for any kind of business along the journey, and can show petrol stations, restaurants and parking by turning on those layers. Users can also search for a business without knowing the address just by typing in its name or its business type.

Satellite view, shows the route overlaid on aerial images of the area.

Street view, shows the route overlaid in Google maps street view, and automatically changes to street view when the destination is close, allowing users to easily visualise the route.

Car dock mode, makes it easier to use the phone at arms length (though only available on Android 2.0 devices)

Google Maps Navigation is available for free to Android users in the US and now the UK, and should have already received the application as an update. This means that more phones will have access to free GPS navigation, with Nokia already providing free navigation with its Ovi Maps application.

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