Internet search giant Google’s turn-by-turn GPS navigation system has been launched for smartphones running its Android operating system in the UK and Ireland.

Google Maps Navigation has been made available for all devices running 1.6 or later version of Android operating system.

Until now, the system was available only in the United States.

The development could be a serious threat for the market leaders such as TomTom, which guides motorists to their destinations.

TomTom for Apple iPhone costs more than 50 pounds, but the newly launched Google Maps app is available free of cost.

Google Maps Navigation is an Internet-connected GPS that offers turn-by-turn voice guidance on Google Maps.