CoPilot GPS offers free directions and POI search in offline map. Turn-by-turn navigation sold separately.

Google Maps is the premiere navigation Android app on Android, but it’s not the only one. A handful of worthy alternatives exist, especially in places where Maps is sometimes unreliable or incomplete, but they cost money. CoPilot creator ALK Technologies has created a new app that tries to play both sides of the fence. The basic features of directions and POI search are free in CoPilot GPS , but the full slate that includes voice-guided navigation will cost you.

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Google Maps serves up 30 billion miles of navigation, adds new shortcuts, transit choice, and maps for hi-res screens

Google Maps 6.5 is available in the Android Market. The latest version of Google’s beloved turn-by-turn navigation app now looks better on high pixel density phones thanks to a “cleaner, faster map style.” Also of note is that users with Android 4.0 or higher will see a new Navigation home screen that follows Holo conventions and enables shortcuts to important locations. When selecting Navigation from the drop-down Menu on Google Maps’ home screen, users can search/speak a destination or tap the “Go Home” button to navigate to their defined home address automatically. It also has a log of Recent Destinations, addresses of known contacts, and starred locations that can be visited with just a tap. Transit riders also have more choice when getting directions.

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