iGo enters the iPhone navigation sweepstakes
Yet another nav system for the iPhone has hit the market. The latest is called iGo My Way 2009 (iTunes link). It sells for US$79.99 and it probably the closest competitor to the recently released Navigon (iTunes link) which is $10 cheaper.The software is a large, 970 MB download, but that means everything is on your phone, so it doesn't need to get data from the cellular system. I consider this a big plus. The cost of the system includes software updates and map updates until December, 2010.
I found a lot to like with the iGo software, with one big caveat so stick with me until the end of the review. From a feature standpoint, the iGo is quite complete. Unlike the competition I've reviewed, (AT&T Navigator, Navigon, G-Maps) the iGo lets you select from multiple voices, male and female. The voices are clear and understandable. While navigating to a destination, there is a soft 'gong' before a voice announcement, which helps me focus. iGo uses the Navteq database, which is also found on the Navigon. Like the Navigon, it does not use text to speech, so you will get "turn left in 100 feet" instead of 'turn left at Mission Street".
Address input is easy, but unlike the Navigon, it does not allow you to use your existing iPhone contacts. It does have auto complete, which makes the process pretty fast. The developers say contact input is coming in the next update.
The maps are easy to read. The display can be set to go to night view automatically, something Navigon lacks. The display, like all the nav apps I have tried, lags a bit behind real time, but not distressingly so. It's unlikely the iPhone hardware and nav software will ever run as fast as a dedicated GPS unit, but I think all the apps I've tried have been more than adequate to the task.
I made some trips around town and on the highway while running my built in car nav system, which also has Navteq data. As I expected, the same streets showed up in both systems. There was a surprising discrepancy in estimated times of arrival. The iGo software was more accurate, but as I approached my destination the two systems began to converge in their estimates.
Tapping on the top of the iGo screen gives you a voice announcement of the distance to the next turn. Tapping at the lower left of the screen gives you a display of time to the destination, distance to the destination, and a prediction of what time it will be when you get there.
The app works in either portrait or landscape mode, and switches orientations pretty quickly, less than a second in my tests. Tapping on the map gives you a menu that allows you to select 2D or 3D maps, and control the zoom level.
One nice feature is the display of 3D buildings when you get to downtown areas of larger cities. It really doesn't add much to navigating, but it is clever eye candy. At an intersection or highway ramp the display gives you a nicely detailed look at your options with helpful guidance cues.
One feature I really liked is a 'where am I' mode. You tap the map while en route, and select 'where am I'. It gives you latitude, longitude, altitude and the city, state, and street you are traveling on. In the lower right is another button labeled 'help nearby'. Tapping it gives you links to the closest car repair, police, health facilities, and ATMs. I think this is a terrific feature, and should be on every nav system, but as far as the iPhone goes, I've only seen it on the iGo package. There are some screen shots of this feature in the gallery below.
So what's the big caveat? When I first loaded the app and drove around town it worked very well. When I tried the next day with a highway trip, the app froze at the splash screen. I could exit the app, but every time I launched it, I could not get past the first screen. I did a hard reset to my iPhone, and that didn't help either. I went home, deleted the app, synced, then reloaded it again. It has worked fine ever since, but if I was on a trip it would have been a big pain to reload almost 1 GB of data without my desktop machine to help me. With WiFi I could get it loaded again, but if it happened just as I was leaving for a trip I'd be in the deep weeds.
I haven't seen any customer comments that matched my experience, but it was troubling.
So how does iGo stack up. I would rate it just behind the Navigon app. The iGo has more features, and is more customizable, but it doesn't use the iPhone contacts list as yet. When that happens I'd rate the two as a toss up, depending on your desired features. The developers also say they will add beter iPod control, text to speech, traffic and speed camera info and a quicker startup time. No dates given, but 'in the pipeline'
Next on the list is G-Map. It is a nice app,, but the POI data is very thin, and the screens, at least to my eye, are not as attractive as the Navigon or iGo apps.
Last on the list is the AT&T apps, which requires a data connection, has no contact list integration, and costs 10 dollars a month to use. I just don't think the AT&T app is competitive in price, but it did work very well, except for a consistently distorted voice.
If you are in the market, check out the detailed feature set of all these apps, and read the user comments carefully. Remember also that the TomTom app is on the way, but it is so late to the party that I think people that want nav on their iPhones are already making choices.
I would encourage our readers to share their own experiences with all of these apps because it really helps buyers decide which way to 'navigate' to a good decision.
Here are screen shots:
Tapping on the top of the iGo screen gives you a voice announcement of the distance to the next turn. Tapping at the lower left of the screen gives you a display of time to the destination, distance to the destination, and a prediction of what time it will be when you get there.
The app works in either portrait or landscape mode, and switches orientations pretty quickly, less than a second in my tests. Tapping on the map gives you a menu that allows you to select 2D or 3D maps, and control the zoom level.
One nice feature is the display of 3D buildings when you get to downtown areas of larger cities. It really doesn't add much to navigating, but it is clever eye candy. At an intersection or highway ramp the display gives you a nicely detailed look at your options with helpful guidance cues.
One feature I really liked is a 'where am I' mode. You tap the map while en route, and select 'where am I'. It gives you latitude, longitude, altitude and the city, state, and street you are traveling on. In the lower right is another button labeled 'help nearby'. Tapping it gives you links to the closest car repair, police, health facilities, and ATMs. I think this is a terrific feature, and should be on every nav system, but as far as the iPhone goes, I've only seen it on the iGo package. There are some screen shots of this feature in the gallery below.
So what's the big caveat? When I first loaded the app and drove around town it worked very well. When I tried the next day with a highway trip, the app froze at the splash screen. I could exit the app, but every time I launched it, I could not get past the first screen. I did a hard reset to my iPhone, and that didn't help either. I went home, deleted the app, synced, then reloaded it again. It has worked fine ever since, but if I was on a trip it would have been a big pain to reload almost 1 GB of data without my desktop machine to help me. With WiFi I could get it loaded again, but if it happened just as I was leaving for a trip I'd be in the deep weeds.
I haven't seen any customer comments that matched my experience, but it was troubling.
So how does iGo stack up. I would rate it just behind the Navigon app. The iGo has more features, and is more customizable, but it doesn't use the iPhone contacts list as yet. When that happens I'd rate the two as a toss up, depending on your desired features. The developers also say they will add beter iPod control, text to speech, traffic and speed camera info and a quicker startup time. No dates given, but 'in the pipeline'
Next on the list is G-Map. It is a nice app,, but the POI data is very thin, and the screens, at least to my eye, are not as attractive as the Navigon or iGo apps.
Last on the list is the AT&T apps, which requires a data connection, has no contact list integration, and costs 10 dollars a month to use. I just don't think the AT&T app is competitive in price, but it did work very well, except for a consistently distorted voice.
If you are in the market, check out the detailed feature set of all these apps, and read the user comments carefully. Remember also that the TomTom app is on the way, but it is so late to the party that I think people that want nav on their iPhones are already making choices.
I would encourage our readers to share their own experiences with all of these apps because it really helps buyers decide which way to 'navigate' to a good decision.
Here are screen shots:
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Mystic said 4:22PM on 8-12-2009
I can't wait for a navigation app that uses Tele Atlas data. I find Navteq to be lacking a lot!
BTW, google maps uses Tele Atlas.
Reply
Digaos said 1:35AM on 8-13-2009
You don't need to wait for that... Sygic uses Tele Atlas maps and it's available for quite a while...
According to the developer, it has several spoken languages available and the next version will have text-to-speech...
BTW, I don't own it, so I can't tell you if it's good or not. As Thwarko, I'm waiting for tom tom before make a move.
Thwarko said 4:16PM on 8-12-2009
@ Mel Martin
I disagree my friend. I believe that that most people, including myself, are postponing purchasing navigation software until Tom Tom ships.
Reply
BeyondtheTech said 6:00PM on 8-12-2009
Unfortunately, TomTom has made no official iPhone release date announcement or pricing, and Navigon is set to go from the promotional price of $69.99 to full price of $99.99 on August 15. That's a lot of extra game purchases!
Though iGo looks nice, I think I'll stick with Navigon. Hope I make the better choice.
kais said 4:29PM on 8-12-2009
These nav apps need to be significantly less expensive.
Why would anyone buy this when you can get a standalone that does the job better for $50, and doesn't tie up your phone for talking or playing music?
The mind boggles.
Reply
Martin said 4:32PM on 8-12-2009
I have Navigon, and it doesn't interfere with audio playback at all (in fact, audio-only is the way I use it because of the great text-to-speech).
As for buying a standalone unit, go ahead. You have that *option*. I prefer to know that I have a GPS with me wherever I go (as long as I have the maps)
CaptCaveman said 7:59PM on 8-12-2009
Why when I hear about someone just buying a stand alone, the price gets lower and lower with each post.
So far I've seen in different posts by different people from $125 to now $50.
Anyway. When you buy a cheap GPS. That is exactly what you get is a cheap GPS. You may think it works as good as any other. And you may think you will be happy with it. But let me tell you. You won't.
Not to mention. I don't have to worry about someone breaking into my car and stealing my GPS. And trust me, it doesn't matter if it is showing or not. Matter of fact it doesn't matter if anything is showing. Heck it doesn't even matter if the car is nice. Someone broke into my Plymouth Sundance to have a look around. A Sundance! Heck, they almost caused more damage to the door getting it open then the car was worth. OK, I kid about the damage vs value of the car. But I think the apps are a good thing.
Oh, and you can take phone calls while using the Navigon app. I was using it while I call came in. Yes, it talks right over whoever your on the phone with. But they don't hear the nav app unless they hear it through the speakers.
kais said 8:22PM on 8-12-2009
Listen, I'm not saying the apps are BAD, or are even a bad idea. I want a decent GPS app for the iPhone as much as the rest of you.
But the prices they're charging are exorbitant. Really, they are.
The first $20 GPS nav app for the iPhone that works as well as the Navigon one that is already out will be the winner. It doesn't have to be perfect, just a good deal.
kais said 8:28PM on 8-12-2009
Oh, and as far as the crap about $125, $50 and getting what you pay for... Newegg had an $88 and a $49 Tom Tom available today. They're fantastic units. I've used on one of them on a road trip.
I guess overpaying for the current iPhone apps, and underpaying for Tom Tom stand-alones evens everything out, so that everyone really is getting what they pay for.
Right?...
Jon said 8:21AM on 8-13-2009
I'm going to admit right off that bat that I haven't paid for any of the currently available navigation apps (Navigon, Sygic, etc) and I must say I'm disappointed with all of them. I'd be willing to pay for a decent one, even their list price, but they're just downright terrible. It's audio instructions were of no use to me when I attempted to use it. As it stands, they aren't worth $5 to me. I've since removed them from my phone, that's how bad they are.
I've played with a Tom Tom before, and if their iPhone software is anything like the software on their hardware models, then I think it will be the clear winner.
damien said 4:30PM on 8-12-2009
Does this thing contain re-routing? If i make a wrong turn does it recalculate and how quickly does it do it? Also, i for one have been holding out for tomtom but i can't afford to wait anymore.. i need a GPS for my wife, our original was a navigon but was stolen. I have to pull the trigger on this sooner than later!
Reply
Martin said 4:36PM on 8-12-2009
Navigon includes recalculated routing, detours, etc. It's basically a full-er featured GPS. And more than likely you can make it so that it works with a mount on the market if you don't want to wait for the TomTom.
damien said 4:46PM on 8-12-2009
I know navigon does that, but does iGo re-calculate? I can't stand navigon. Didn't like the standalone unit i had. Thanks!
ranova said 5:12PM on 8-12-2009
yes it recalculates instantly on my 3GS
Tobby said 9:18PM on 8-12-2009
Navigon will reroute if you missed an exit/street. I reather have the app on my iPhone than carrying an actual GPS around because if you leave it in your car your window will be busted. Why? Because even if the GPS isn't showing on the winshield /console thieves will think it's under the seat costing you more to fix a window then the actual GPS.
Anyway I love the Navigon GPS app on my iPhone 3g
dagamer43 said 4:31PM on 8-12-2009
Were you driving while trying to use the app? I have a sneaking suspicious that if you are in a moving car while the app is launching, it will freeze up and do nothing. That's the only type that's ever happened to me.
I also used this app for a while, but I'm anxiously waiting to see what TomTom is going to put out before i bite the bullet. Though at this point, I think I might just buy a standalone GPS because of the larger screen and the hardware optimizations that the iPhone really doesn't have.
Maybe in a few years, we'll have an Internet connected GPS...
Reply
DA623 said 4:41PM on 8-12-2009
Well, its done this to me while I was not moving so its a general glitch with the program. Something I hope they patch soon.
I just hope they update it soon with some of the features they say their going to introduce, such as being able to use iPhone contacts for addresses, controling music in-app, etc. Their list is here: http://www.igomyway.com/en/features.html
DA623 said 4:35PM on 8-12-2009
I downloaded this because I have experience with iGo's GPS software thanks to my Unisys GPS, but the version of iGo on it is very old, its a themed version of iGo 2006 (the iPhone version is iGo 2009). So this is leaps and bounds better than that.
I however had the same issue, sometimes it WILL load but after about 5-10 minutes after you launch it and it will work just fine after that. Its a rather nasty glitch that needs to be addressed ASAP.
Also, Mystic, TomTom bought out Tele Atlas for $2.8 billion so your only going to see those maps in TomTom's software. iGo DID use Tele Atlas maps (my Unisys provided GPS with iGo 2006 (and those maps are HORRABLY outdated) uses Tele Atlas maps) before TomTom bought them out.
Reply
Mystic said 4:50PM on 8-12-2009
Ah, I didn't know that. That kind of sucks. I've never used a TomTom, I hope I like it as much as the Garmin I tried for a while.
Martin said 4:39PM on 8-12-2009
"Like the Navigon, it does not use text to speech, so you will get "turn left in 100 feet" instead of 'turn left at Mission Street".
This is a misleading statement. In my area, the text to speech does work for major highways and thoroughfares. It also seemed to work if the street was numerical, such as 1st, 2nd, etc.
I'm speaking of the Navigon here, not the iGo. However, because you likened the iGo to the Navigon in this aspect I thought clarification should be made.
Reply