Most smart phones now include a Global Positioning System . Google has already put mobile maps in the hands of most smart phone owners. But you can't use most of these phones as a navigation system while you drive—unless you want to run head on into the car in front of you.
Google now has introduced turn-by-turn directions as part of its Maps app on the Nexus smart phone. As with most GPS navigation systems, a voice from the phone warns you of upcoming turns. The app is free for any phone that runs the Android 2.0 software. Right now, that's just the Google Nexus.
Traditional GPS navigation systems like those from Garmin and TomTom still have one advantage over the Google app, however—they work even when there's no cell phone coverage.
But Nokia is now removing even that advantage away. The phone manufacturer is now offering a free navigation feature for its smartphones that has maps built-in.
Nokia's Ovi Maps application, which is available across most of the company's smartphones, now provides not just free driving navigation for over 70 countries, but downloadable maps that work even when you drop out of your provider's cell coverage.
The Ovi Maps service also includes the Lonely Planet and Michelin travel guides, as well as a way to post your location to Facebook. You can also use the service from your computer for free at maps.ovi.com.
