Google Maps finally offers voice navigation in Singapore

Cellphones

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Android users in Singapore are finally getting turn-by-turn driving guidance from their smartphones today, years after the feature became available in the United States and several other countries.

This essentially turns just about any Android phone out in the past few years into a GPS device that offers voice prompts, for example, in finding a route between Orchard Road and Beach Road on a Saturday.

Early this month, Google had reportedly added Singapore to a list of countries where it offers this navigation feature over its Maps app for Android phones. The company then seemed to back track on that temporarily, only to finally go live with the service here today.

Besides drivers, the service also offers directions to users who just want to, say, take a walk around town. This means if you are lost sometimes in town – the city is changing so rapidly – the voice prompts will assist in getting you where you want to be.

To make sure you get the new Maps feature, simply update the app. Other than Directions, there will be a Navigation option when looking up a place on the map.

One misconception about Google Maps is that it always requires a data connection. You can actually store large parts of a map on your phone for offline usage. For example, the entire Singapore map roughly takes about 12MB of space if you choose the “Make Offline” option from the app’s menu.

Don’t forget, of course, to turn on GPS on the phone. And get a car charger, if you use the feature often. There are some handy tips here from CNet Asia’s Michael Tan, who’s a fan of Android and Google Maps.