Both Telenav and Google Maps allow the user to enter in destination information and receive turn by turn directions guided by GPS satellites on a variety of devices. Telenav and Google Maps both function on a variety of GPS enabled devices such as smartphones and laptop computers. These programs will direct the person from their starting destination to their end destination while driving a vehicle.
Both services offer the benefit of helping one get to their destination while driving. Both offer GPS satellite enabled systems and show turn by turn directions with text directions and satellite map directions.
The benefit of Telenav is that it features talking directions, such as one would find on a car GPS device. This can be beneficial because one does not need a passenger to hold the phone or laptop and announce the directions to the driver. Telenav also has the ability to adjust in real time for traffic problems or detours. Google Maps does not offer this feature.
A key benefit of Google Maps is that it is free to download and use on any capable smartphone such as Blackberry or a Google Phone. Other key benefits of Google Maps is that you can get directions right from your current location without having to enter an address and the business finder feature allows you to find your favorite store or place to eat and get directions to it.
A benefit of both programs is that they do not require a separate GPS piece of equipment as they will run on any cell phone or mobile device that has GPS capabilities.
There is a misconception that GPS direction programs can be used specifically for walking directions, but most GPS systems will select and give directions for a route only accessible for driving a vehicle. However for short distances and walking trips, it is possible to use either program to get directions without needing a vehicle to follow the directions.
Also there may be a misconception that only Google Maps will function on the line of Google Android phones, however TeleNav makes a software version of their program for these phones, too.
Google Maps is free to download and use in real time. Telenav GPS costs around $10 U.S. dollars a month to access and use. Users should consider what they need in a GPS navigation system before deciding whether to go for the paid service or the free service.
Those who need GPS navigation on a daily basis and who will be driving most of the time would benefit from the talking directions offered by TeleNav software, especially if they drive alone. Also those who need real time directions that change on the fly due to detours, traffic alerts, and new destinations will benefit from TeleNav.
Those who only use GPS occasionally, will have someone with them while driving to read the directions, or someone who walks short distances will be well equipped with Google Maps. Also those who prefer to print or write out directions before travel will benefit (and save money) by using Google Maps to plan their trip before leaving home.
TeleNav and Google Maps both offer multiple views of the geography and terrain of the area being traveled. This includes showing a satellite image from above showing terrain, and a cleaner map image that shows lines indicating roads and highways. Both also include features that show traffic patterns and traffic lights, however TeleNav can show traffic changes in real time. Google Maps also includes a Street View feature for select areas that shows the view as if you were on the street itself, useful for mapping out locations ahead of time.
