ALK CoPilot brings full navigation to Android

CoPilot will work with devices such as the T-Mobile G1 and HTC Hero

Personal navigation firm ALK Technologies has launched a version of its CoPilot satellite navigation software for Google's Android mobile operating system.

The move follows the recent announcement that rival TomTom is offering full navigation on the latest iPhone handset.

The ALK solution will work with devices such as HTC Magic, T-Mobile G1 and the newly unveiled HTC Hero.

CoPilot Live for Android features most of the latest navigation features, including lane indicator display at junctions, 'reality' sign post information, speed limit indicator and tunnel guidance.

The interface uses flickable scrolling menus, and the maps support touch-screen gesture recognition. The turn-by-turn audible directions are offered in a choice of voices.

CoPilot also boasts phone integration, allowing direct dialling to local points-of-interest, location sending via text, and photo navigation. A new feature dubbed LiveLink allows users to view the location of friends on-screen and share locations with them in return.

Drivers can also access safety camera alerts through free database updates.

"The release of CoPilot Live for Android, and its availability for download via Android Market, is a major milestone in our quest to provide full-featured navigation to the largest possible number of smartphone users," said Michael Kornhauser, vice president and managing director of the CoPilot division at ALK.

"We are delighted to extend CoPilot to Android and, in doing so, help more people find their way easily in-car or on foot."

The application is available now on the Android Market for £22.60 with maps for one region, and £52.17 for the whole of Europe.