Google adds real-time traffic data to Android map app

Google has updated its algorithms to support real-time data for its map application for smartphones running on the Android operating system (OS).

The application, Google Maps Navigation, is an internet-connected GPS navigation system that uses real-time data to automatically re-route drivers around traffic congestion to save time.

Previously, the application only chose the fastest route regardless of traffic conditions.

"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 be able to find a faster way, but it will always try to get you where you're going as fast as possible," said Google software engineer Roy Williams in a blog post.

Google Navigation is available in beta across North America and Europe.

Using Microsoft's Azure cloud platform, Transport for London (TfL) recently made real-time tube travel information available to mobile application developers.

[Video: Google demonstrates Google Maps Navigation (Beta)]