I can see it coming , in Thailand too, Google mapping cars for Google Street View are already cruising the streets of CM. Rugged tablet are available for those who want a more informative view of the surroundings than any smartphone can render, like the Panasonic Toughpad A1
or others http://goo.gl/Z6t5B
For now, an internet/cloud connection is needed for navigating accurately and to use the many features but, again, I can soon see the maps will be fully pre-download-able and a pure GPS signal will suffice to see in detail a certain segment of your trip.
It is such a delight to see in satellite view the surrounding terrain which you are traveling compared to the simplistic road maps on e.g Garmin.
http://www.phonearena.com/news/Google-Maps-Navigation-is-a-free-voice-navigation-app-for-Android-2.0_id7647
http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/android-2-0-provides-a-free-google-maps-navigation-feature/
or others http://goo.gl/Z6t5B
For now, an internet/cloud connection is needed for navigating accurately and to use the many features but, again, I can soon see the maps will be fully pre-download-able and a pure GPS signal will suffice to see in detail a certain segment of your trip.
It is such a delight to see in satellite view the surrounding terrain which you are traveling compared to the simplistic road maps on e.g Garmin.
http://www.phonearena.com/news/Google-Maps-Navigation-is-a-free-voice-navigation-app-for-Android-2.0_id7647
http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/android-2-0-provides-a-free-google-maps-navigation-feature/