Oh, sure -- iOS had it first, but the Android flavor of MapQuest's mobile app has OpenStreetMaps. How d'ya like those apples ? The aforesaid app has just found its way into the Android Market, and as with the iPhone version, it's 100 percent free to download. Unlike most other alternatives, this one provides gratis voice guidance / turn-by-turn navigation, voice search, a map toolbar, walking / driving directions, live traffic flow information and a couple of "major" new adds. Those are OpenStreetMap (OSM) data -- useful for allowing consumers to use the app internationally -- as well as the ability to directly report errors onto the map. Check out the source link to learn more, and head on over to the Market (if you're rocking v1.6 and up) to get your download on. Happy trails, as they say.
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Free MapQuest for Android App Launches With Voice-guided Navigation
New Features Include International Functionality, Error-reporting and Open-source Mapping
DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MapQuest, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of AOL Inc. (NYSE: AOL), today launches its free MapQuest for AndroidTM app for the 18.2 million domestic Android phone users*. The new app features the same award-winning technology MapQuest previously issued for iPhone with major additions including OpenStreetMap (OSM) data that allows consumers to use the app internationally, as well as directly report errors onto the map.
"MapQuest's Android™ app speaks to our mission of offering smart, accurate mobile mapping solutions, and reflects our commitment to open map information that can be shared and improved collaboratively"
"MapQuest's Android™ app speaks to our mission of offering smart, accurate mobile mapping solutions, and reflects our commitment to open map information that can be shared and improved collaboratively," said Michael Iams, principal product manager, MapQuest. "Our mission is to help people get where they need to go, and MapQuest's new Android app will make available to millions of consumers a great mobile turn-by-turn experience specifically for Android."
Some 8.6 million people use MapQuest's mobile website, 1.4 million of which are on Android devices**. Nationwide, 234 million people use mobile phones and 85.3 million of them use mobile web capabilities***. Additionally, recent market studies indicate Android is the No. 2 selling smartphone across the globe.****
MapQuest for Android
The MapQuest for Android app is free and does not require a trial period, subscription or upgrade. Features include:
* Voice-guided/Turn-by-turn Navigation: The phone speaks directions regarding where and when to make a turn
* Voice Search: Drivers can speak the desired destination for search and directions
* Map Toolbar: Easily find restaurants, coffee shops, gas stations and parking with one click
* Walking & Driving Directions: Recommends the best route and rotates the map based on orientation of travel
* Live Traffic Flow/Incidents: Extensive coverage updated every 5 minutes
In its new Android app, MapQuest leverages OpenStreetMap data to provide international maps and directions, user-sourced unique local perspective and detail, and the opportunity to enrich the map through the error-reporting tool.
"We are thrilled to launch international capabilities on the MapQuest for Android application," said Christian Dwyer, senior vice president and general manager, MapQuest. "For maps and directions outside North America, we default to a navigation experience on open data, allowing MapQuest users to play an active role in improving the depth and quality of the map."
The new Android app is available today in both Android's web-based market place and the mobile marketplace. MapQuest launched its acclaimed iPhone app, MapQuest for Mobile, in July 2010. More information on MapQuest's mobile offerings is available at wireless.MapQuest.com.
