Google Maps Navigation Now Available On Android 1.6

Back when a certain phone that does was hitting the scene, Google sent a small ripple through the world of smartphones when it announced that all Android 2.0 phones would be able to access a free version of Google Maps Navigation. Thems were good days.

Yesterday, Google sweetened the Android pot even further by extending the free download to all phones with Android 1.6 or better. And not a second too soon for the busiest traveling day of the year.

While 1.6 users won’t benefit from all the functionality that 2.0 users enjoy, the navigation app offers cush functions like voice-guided directions and auto-rerouting. The release also includes the Layers feature, which allows users to overlay info likes transit lines and Wiki onto a map.

The updated version of Google maps is available now at Android Market. [via Google Blog]