Google’s Android Navigation App Routes You Around Traffic Jams

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Google says, “You’ve got better things to do than wait in traffic.” It’s a bold assumption clearly indicating that Google’s never met babies, the unemployed or retirees, but the company’s heart is in the right place.

The beta version of the free Google Maps Navigation app for Android phones now features automatic rerouting based on current and historical traffic conditions. According to Google’s blog post:

“Before today, Navigation would choose whichever route was fastest, without taking current traffic conditions into account. It would also generate additional alternate directions, such as the shortest route or one that uses highways instead of side roads. Starting today, our routing algorithms will also apply our knowledge of current and historical traffic to select the fastest route from those alternates. That means that Navigation will automatically guide you along the best route given the current traffic conditions.”

The new features are available today on compatible handsets in North America and Europe.

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