Following up on the small announcement made this morning, Google has gone into further detail regarding its new Google Maps Navigation application for devices based on Android 2.0.

The application includes conventional navigation features such as 3D views, turn-by-turn voice guidance and automatic rerouting with an additional seven features that are dependent on a mobile broadband connection, including map and business data from Google Maps, Google Search integration, voice control, live traffic data, business searching along the main route such as gas stations, restaurants or parking locations without excessive deviation, satellite view and the ever popular Street View.

The beta version of the application will be included with the Motorola DROID and will be offered on other future devices released in the US running Android 2.0 for free.

The car kit consists of a dock with a built-in GPS transceiver designed in tandem with the companion TomTom for iPhone GPS application, although the application is sold separately for $99.99 and is not bundled with the $119.99 dock as first expected during its introduction at the last iPhone keynote in June.

With the addition of layers  you are now able to view different types of information about the area around you.

” For example, you can turn on the Wikipedia layer to read entries about nearby places, then use the transit lines layer to help map out a route. Or you can use the My Maps feature of Google Maps to create a collection of places you’re planning to visit on your trip and then use Google Maps for mobile to access it from the road. You can also turn on the Google Latitude layer to see your friends’ locations.”

Another great way to utilize layers is to set a layer to display train routes or bus tops.  By having these layers you can toggle them on and off based on your needs at the current time.  To download the updated Google Maps App, head over to m.google.com/maps with your BlackBerry browser.  Google Maps with Layers is also available for Windows Mobile and S60.

The application is also currently one on the most expensive consumer oriented apps in the App Store at $99.99 but the pricing is justified by the almost identical behavior of the app compared to a standalone TomTom unit after independent testing with the advantage of the capacitive display aiding menu navigation compared to the resistive displays found on standalone TomTom units.

TomTom for iPhone – iTunes Store

The update is set to be rolled out later this afternoon.

The application itself functions identically to standard versions of Navigator with turn-by-turn navigation, points of interest, real-time traffic updates, and voice prompts.

The application is a free download with a monthly fee of $9.99 for use of services.

Download AT&T Navigator from the App Store

With the impending release of iPhone OS 3.0 June 17th, Navigon is readying their MobileNavigator software to take full advantage of the firmware updates to turn the iPhone into a full GPS navigation device. By the end of the month, Navigon wants iPhone users to be able access MobileNavigator from the AppStore internationally.

The MobileNavigator software will be compatible with both the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3G S which will “guide their users safely to their destination – with update map material and intelligent navigation.”

MobileNavigator will include functions such as Reality View Pro, Real Roadsign Pro, Lane Assistant Pro, Speed Assistant, Day & Night Mode, with additional functions such as displaying Points of Interest (POIs). The software will be able to rotate 90 degrees and switch seemlessly between portrait and landscape mode. Navigon has integrated the software with other functions of the iPhone such as navigation to an address through a saved contact on the phone itself. If interrupted by a phone call, instead of closing the application, MobileNavigator will resume once the call is ended, automatically.

A price tag hasn’t been issued (but will be by the AppStore launch) for MobileNavigator but a ‘LITE’ version will be available for free from the AppStore. MobileNavigator LITE won’t have active route guidance, but will display map material and Points of Interests nearby.

The update, firmware version 1.08, adds the long-awaited unlocked GPS support. PhoneNews.com previously reported that Verizon agreed to unlock GPS on the Samsung Saga, Samsung Omnia, and HTC Touch Pro. This is the first of three official updates that will make good on that promise, made last year.

PhoneNews.com has confirmed that the update enables standard GPS functionality in Google Maps, as well as Windows Live Search for Mobile.

In addition, the update adds Visual Voicemail support to the Touch Pro. The Samsung Omnia was the first device to add Visual Voicemail. But, like all other Verizon devices, Visual Voicemail will cost $3/month.

Finally, the update adds EVRC-B codec support. EVRC-B is a second revision to the EVRC voice calling codec, and is part of Qualcomm’s fourth generation of voice codecs (4GV). It improves the ability for calls to be managed on the network, in high-demand situations.

PhoneNews.com is offering the firmware update, ahead of its availability on Verizon’s servers. We can verify that the update has been approved by all relevant parties (PCD, HTC, and Verizon). Jump over to the Phone Encyclopedia page, linked below, to download the update.

HTC Touch Pro (CDMA) – PhoneNews.com Phone Encyclopedia

Update: For the latest developments, see this news article.

The application integrates Google services such as Mail, Maps, YouTube, and other Google Mobile services as well as supporting My Location which is dependent on user activation and handset.

The application can be bound to a hotkey on the handset and also features a homescreen reminder for one-click access.  Google Mobile for S60 is available now and is a free download.

The W995a features a 2.6 inch QVGA display, quadband GSM/EDGE and triband US 3G HSPA access, Memory Stick Micro expansion slot, and speakerphone.

The W995a also features an 8.1 megapixel CMOS camera with autofocus, LED flash, video recorder, face detection and front-facing video camera for video calls where supported along with geotagging support for photos and Wi-Fi radio.

Holding true to the Walkman name the W995a features the Walkman media player along with dedicated controls on the side of the device, a 3.5mm headphone jack, accelerometer control, Bluetooth with stereo audio support, TrackID, FM radio with RDS support, Clear Stereo and Clear Bass spatializer settings, SensMe and WalkMe pedometer support.

The W995a will also be the first Sony Ericsson product to support the new MediaGo software suite first announced for the PSP Go! multimedia gaming device which allows for drag and drop between phone and PC with video clips, music tracks, photos and podcasts from a dedicated directory.

Pricing for the phone is set at $600 with a release date of July 6th at all SonyStyle retail stores and online via SonyStyle.com.