Speaking to online technology evangelists TechRadar, Google Maps for mobile ptoduct manager Steve Lee mentioned that the company is ‘evaluating other platforms’. “We’re always evaluating other platforms for Google Maps Navigation. Google Maps is the application that has the most breadth on other platforms – Windows Mobile, iPhone, J2ME phones, but Google Maps Navigation requires higher capabilities. We can’t say any more today other than we are always evaluating other platforms.”

So, nothing concrete but interesting to note that Windows Mobile (Windows Phone 7?) and iPhone were both name checked. When asked directly about whether Google Maps Navigation could make it over to the iPhone, Lee said: “We’re close partners with Apple, but we can’t comment on the ifs and whens. But it’s hard to say we’d never license our services to anyone, because at the end of the day we’re a search and ads company.”

What about the likes of Symbian (Google Maps is a downloadable app for Symbian) and WebOS (the Palm Pre comes pre-installed with GoogleMaps)? Do they meet the ‘higher capabilities’? Well, whether these are the other platforms currently being evaluated is unsure but with Nokia already offering ‘Free SatNav Forever’ on selected Symbian phones and the Palm Pre’s market share dwindling, we wouldn’t count on it but the possibility of Google Maps Navigation for iPhone definitely looks promising.

Attention Android owners nlikely to be 2.0-ed any time soon! You can now stop holding your breath. Google Maps Navigation is coming to 1.6, and you can download it right now. It’s missing a feature or two (voice-activated navigation, for instance), but it’s 95% there. Of course, depending on your handset, network, and so on, your mileage (so to speak) may vary.

We can hardly remember the last time a Motorola handset caused as much excitement as the Motorola MILESTONE. The good news is that starting today you can get yours from O2 (but only in Germany).

The Motorola MILESTONE costs 1 euro with a 2-year 20 euro/month contract and it’s not SIM-locked. There is no Google Maps Navigation this time as it simply doesn’t work in Europe but you do get a 60-day trial of MOTONAV application. You can take the pinch zooming (which the US version lacks) as a little consolation.

Vodafone Germany and some Italian carriers (there is still no mention which exactly) will be the next to get the Motorola MILESTONE. The rest of Europe will have to wait a little longer before everyone gets their hands on the first Android 2.0-running handset.

That didn’t take long – the GSM version of the Motorola DROID is official and is headed for Europe. It’s going to be called MILESTONE and Germany and Italy will be the first to get it, but the bad news is that it won’t have the same perks as the US version.

On the Motorola site, there’s a page for the Motorola MILESTONE with specs and a list of accessories – the Multimedia Station and the Phone Holder car kit. Don’t get too excited though, there’s no Google Maps Navigation for Europe, all you get is a 60-day trial of MOTONAV. Google has Street View for many European cities, so keep your fingers crossed they make Google Maps Navigation available for Europe soon.

O2 Germany has the MILESTONE site up and running – they offer it on a 24-month contract for 20 euro a month and it’s not SIM-locked. Vodafone Germany are getting it too, but they haven’t added it to their site, or you can buy it from PhoneHouse.de (not added yet either). Here, this page on the Motorola website has the links you need for buying the MILESTONE in Germany.

Things are still at a preorder stage and it doesn’t say when it will be available.

The Motorola MILESTONE is coming to Italy too, but there’s no info on which carriers are getting it or when. The rest of Europe will have to wait even more – not even UK or France are mentioned at this stage.

Google has announced Google Maps Navigation (Beta) for Android 2.0 devices. 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. The first phone to have Google Maps Navigation and Android 2.0 is the Droid from Verizon. Google Maps Navigation is initially available in the United States. And like other Google Maps features, Navigation is free.

Here are seven features that are possible because Google Maps Navigation is connected to the Internet:

The most recent map and business data

When you use Google Maps Navigation, your phone automatically gets the most up-to-date maps and business listings from Google Maps — you never need to buy map upgrades or update your device. And this data is continuously improving, thanks to users who report maps issues and businesses who activate their listings with Google Local Business Center.

Search in plain English

Google Maps Navigation brings the speed, power and simplicity of Google search to your car. If you don’t know the address you’re looking for, don’t worry. Simply enter the name of a business, a landmark or just about anything into the search box, and Google will find it for you. Then press “Navigate”, and you’re on your way.

Search by voice

Typing on a phone can be difficult, especially in the car, so with Google Maps Navigation, you can say your destination instead. Hold down the search button to activate voice search, then tell your phone what you want to do (like “Navigate to Pike Place in Seattle”), and navigation will start automatically.

Traffic view

Google Maps Navigation gets live traffic data over the Internet. A traffic indicator light in the corner of the screen glows green, yellow or red, depending on the current traffic conditions along your route. If there’s a jam ahead of you, you’ll know. To get more details, tap the light to zoom out to an aerial view showing traffic speeds and incidents ahead. And if the traffic doesn’t look good, you can choose an alternate route.

Search along route

For those times when you’re already on the road and need to find a business, Google Maps Navigation searches along your route to give you results that won’t take you far from your path. You can search for a specific business by name or by type, or you can turn on popular layers, such as gas stations, restaurants or parking.

Satellite view

Google Maps Navigation uses the same satellite imagery as Google Maps on the desktop to help you get to your destination. Turn on the satellite layer for a high-resolution, 3D view of your upcoming route. Besides looking cool, satellite view can help you make sense of complicated maneuvers.

Street View

If you want to know what your next turn looks like, double-tap the map to zoom into Street View, which shows the turn as you’ll see it, with your route overlaid. And since locating an address can sometimes be tricky, we’ll show you a picture of your destination as you approach the end of your route, so you’ll know exactly what to look for.