Oct. 28--Google introduced its free navigation system for mobile phones this morning, bringing free turn-by-turn directions to smartphones using its Android 2.0 operating system.

If the service takes off, it could cut into sales of GPS devices offered by Garmin and TomTom.

Garmin this month introduced its Nuvifone in the U.S., a smartphone offering its top-of-the-line navigation services.

The New York Times, quoting a study by Forrester Research, noted that it would take time for the Google service to change the market. But by 2013, the study said, phone-based naviagion systems are expected to dominate the market.

Google's Android operating system for smartphones has been getting increasing notice. Its 2.0 version also was announced today, and Motorola and Verizon Wireless unveiled the Droid, the first smartphone to use the operating system.

Microsoft's Windows Mobile system powers many smartphones, and Apple and Palm also have operating systems. But Android, because it is open source, is gaining traction with developers and handset makers.

Read the full New York Times report here [http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/29/technology/companies/29gps.html?_r=1&hp].

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