Google Maps Navigation Worldwide via XDA developers

Tuesday, 24 November 2009

See, now this is why we love open source software: The modding community over at XDA developers have put together a widget that allows Google Maps Navigation to be used outside of the USA. GMN is currently in beta and has not been officially released in other markets which means that Australian users are left in the cold when it comes to Google`s special brand of navigation. In other Google Maps Navigation related news, Google have back-ported the GMN software so that it will be compatible with Android 1.6 (Donut). Read on for a little more.

If you`re not already aware, XDA Developers are an 800, 000 member community dedicated to the discussion and modification of PDA`s and smartphones. Initially a source for Windows Mobile development, Android development became one of the busiest forum areas after the launch of HTC`s G1, so it should come as no surprise that XDA is the community to remove the geographic limitations on Google Maps Navigation.

Australian users have reported mixed success using the modified widget as it requires Android version 1.6 and a `rooted` phone (developer slang for operating with an adminstrative or unrestricted account). While this is all well and good, the process of obtaining root access can be intimidating for the average user so most people will simply wait until Google officially releases the product for the Australian Market.

tags: android    google    navigation    XDA