Android gets detailed transit directions!

[Gokhan]

Well, folks, it's time to dump that iPhone of yours and get an Android phone, which is much more fully featured. Today, Google updated the Google Maps on Android phones and now you can get detailed transit directions, including choosing the transit mode. Google says that they have the most complete transit directions out there. This feature, like Google Maps Navigation, is being made available only on Android phones.

News link

Here are some screenshots from my new AT&T HTC One X.

You choose your mode of transit:



Then, you get the detailed listing:

[rubbertoe]

Gokhan,
When Google first started incorporating transit directions into their maps, I knew that it boded well for the future. Now that over 50% of the population has smart phones, just imagine how easy it will be for everyone to get from point A to point B. Just like the Thomas Guide was made obsolete by Mapquest and other online maps, mobile phone transit directions have made them all Dodo's now. Those arcane printed bus/train schedules are now being made obsolete by interactive apps that greatly simplify getting around. That has got to have an impact on the number of riders going forward.

Dead Simple == More Riders

It's funny how Metro has their own app for this, that is completely useless and cumbersome compared to the Google Maps app. Frankly, I don't even know why they put any effort into it. All they need to do is supply the private sector with the information they need in standard format, and the people who know what they are doing can take it from there. And I would include Apple in the "know what they are doing" group, Gokhan's snide comment aside

Been a big fan of Google and shareholder since day 1. It scales well.

RT

[Gokhan]

Google Maps is probably the best product of Google after Google Search. The new transit directions are great and this is the first time anyone put such detailed and accurate transit directions. It does make it very easy if you want to use transit.

I replaced my iPhone 3GS with HTC One X Android phone last month and I am certainly never going back to iPhone. I think most iPhone users wouldn't if they tried a good Android phone. iOS hasn't changed much at all since it was first introduced five years ago and it is boring and monotonic. Lack of Google Maps Transit on iOS, along with the lack of certain other Google apps, are more than good enough reasons not to get an iPhone. I don't think Apple will ever be able to do as well with their proprietary maps coming with the iOS 6 next month. They are good with their OSes and hardware but no so good with their apps and software. Perhaps they can compete with MapQuest and alike but not with Google Maps.

Regarding the Go Metro app, I do use it for looking at the train and bus schedules. It lists the next few arrival times for a station and the bus schedules are actually in real time linked to the GPS. I rarely board a bus; so, I am using it mainly for Expo. I don't use it for anything else at the moment but it works well for what I am using it for.

Note that Metro has/had another app, which is/was really bad. Perhaps you are referring to that one? Go Metro app is OK, even though it can't remotely compete with Google Maps Transit in giving directions.