Google has announced the next step for Google Maps for mobile in Ghana: the availability of Google Maps Navigation (Beta) for phones running Android 2.2 (or above) and iOS 5.1 (or above).

Google Maps Navigation (Beta) is an Internet-connected GPS navigation or ‘satnav’ system that provides turn-by-turn voice driving directions as a feature of Google Maps for mobile.

Google Maps Navigation (Beta) uses phone Internet connection to give the latest maps and driving directions with a free application. Google’s navigation tool is regularly updated with the most recent data from Google Maps, which means users will not be required to purchase map upgrades or manually update their devices.

Google Maps Navigation was built from the ground up as an Internet-connected GPS system, allowing users to search for their locations through voice recognition.

Commenting on the launch, Country Manager Estelle Akofio-Sowah added “In addition to offering address search, Google Navigation will allow Ghanaians to search for locations by their business names. You can just say “Tema round-about” or “Nkrumah Circle” and Google navigation will provide directions to the required destination”.

Navigation Beta brings plenty of features including identifying landmarks along the route such as petrol stations, restaurants and parking areas.