Free turn-by-turn Google Maps Navigation has already threatened an entire industry of GPS navigation companies whose livelihood depends on selling paid versions of what the search giant is now giving away for free. Currently Google Maps Navigation is available for Android phones only, but in a London press conference Google said it will bring free navigation to the iPhone and other platforms.

The press ushered in the arrival of Google Maps Navigation in the UK, but perhaps the juicier part of the news was the official confirmation of free nav in development specifically for the iPhone. Unfortunately, the company still won't say exactly when we should expect the feature to roll out on Apple's smartphone platform, but knowing the light speed at which Google prefers to move it won't be long before we have more news on this front.

What do you think: can free turn-by-turn direction service on smartphones replace the traditional in-auto GPS system, or do standalone navigation devices still have value? How will GPS manufacturers adapt to the changing satnav landscape?