Google Maps has had a traffic layer for a while now, but Google released an update today which will include traffic information while navigating and will automatically re-route you based on that information.

From the Google Mobile Blog…

You don’t have to do anything to be routed around traffic; just start Navigation like you normally would, either from the Navigation app or from within Google Maps. 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.

“This new feature comes with everything you’d expect to find in a GPS navigation system, like 3D views, turn-by-turn voice guidance and automatic rerouting. But unlike most navigation systems, Google Maps Navigation was built from the ground up to take advantage of your phone’s Internet connection.”

Features include:
-Most recent maps (and business listings) by downloading them as you drive
-Search in “plain” English by using the simplicity of Google search
-Search by voice
-Traffic view by downloading live traffic information while you drive
-Search along route
-Satellite view
-Street view

The first phone it will be available on is the Droid from Verizon.

So, will it come to other platforms such as Windows Mobile? Or is this another way to pull people into Android?

Source: Google Blog