MapQuest jumps into navigation pool
MapQuest is now offering a GPS navigation system for iPhone users in the U.S. and Canada. MapQuest Navigator [iTunes link] is U.S. $0.99 for a 14 day trial. After than you have to buy it for $3.99 a month, $9.99 for 3 months, or $29.99 a year.According to the company, key features include:
- Streamlined 3D Interface: Features voice-guided, turn-by-turn navigation that speaks directions and street names.
- Regular Data Updates: Search 16+ million points of interest and utilize up-to-date street maps.
- Full Route Corridor Download: Quick route re-calculation for missed turns as well provides continued service in areas of no cellular coverage.
- Traffic Incident Based Routing: U.S. routes are optimized to avoid traffic incidents that might delay your travel.
- MapQuest Place Carousel: Easily displays locations for hotels, movie theaters, gas stations, and more with a single tap.
We've asked for a copy so we can put it through our rigorous review trials and compare it to the other systems we've used, so more to come.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
JackDebian said 2:10PM on 10-08-2009
Sorry, I don't rent software.
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Matt said 2:37PM on 10-08-2009
I like the idea actually. If I'm just going to use it to navigate my way around say Boston for the day, I don't want to spend $99 on TomTom for just the day.
Pierre said 2:10PM on 10-08-2009
The image is interesting because it says "Broadway Street". I always thought it was just "Broadway", which obviously came from "The Broad Way". Is this an inaccuracy? I'm hoping someone at MapQuest did a fact check before coding this in!
Pierre
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puhsitch said 6:56PM on 10-08-2009
I think that map is for a location in Denver. But the street in New York is also definitely "Broadway" and not "Broad Way"
puhsitch said 6:58PM on 10-08-2009
Oh sorry, I misread the fact that you were just referring to the origin of the street's name...but still, that map is not for New York City.
milkmage said 10:26PM on 10-08-2009
I like the pricing model since I don't have to plunk down a ton of cash for an app I'd hardly ever use.
@Pierre - you think there's only one Borad Way or Broadway street? We have one where I live, and that map is definitely not my home town.
@JasonL - how do you enable turn by turn in MotionX, it's a slick app, but I didn't know it had driving instructions.
Paul Mensah said 2:14PM on 10-08-2009
Navigon already rules this sector. Too late Mapquest.
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Ned Scott said 2:37PM on 10-08-2009
How did they get Apple to approve an app that requires subscription for -all- of its features?
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ramzez said 3:00PM on 10-08-2009
I thought Apple doesn't allow trials!
Rick Smith said 2:40PM on 10-08-2009
I really like the 14 day trial for $0.99 before I shell out $30 / $90 bucks for an app. I have seen many posts where folks are not that pleased with the other navigation apps that cost a bit of money.
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Raghu said 2:40PM on 10-08-2009
Hmmm... I might actually bite on this one. I need a true GPS only a few times a year. I could pay for a month only when I need it.
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Fuzzyruf said 2:49PM on 10-08-2009
yeah, I was wondering where Mapquest was in all the "navigation" uproar in July.....I am kinda glad I waited before plunking down serious cash on TomTom. The 1 month option for my upcoming trip to New England will work out just fine...and at $3.99 no less.
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JasonL said 2:55PM on 10-08-2009
MotionX GPS ($2.99) is a cheaper option for an "over-the-Internet" navigator. You own it at purchase—although the voice functionality costs $2.99/mo (if you want to continue using that feature after the 30-day trial). As with other MotionX apps, it's well-designed and seems to work pretty well.
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BeyondtheTech said 3:40PM on 10-08-2009
You asked for a copy? It's $0.99! ;)
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trevors said 9:50AM on 10-09-2009
ya for real TUAW come on they offer a $0.99 trial are you too cheap to plop down the $0.99
DA623 said 3:47PM on 10-08-2009
I'll stick with Navagon/TomTom. I drive into MANY areas that are pretty remote during my repair job and I lose signal or get a weak signal and I can't have it not download the maps while I am somewhere I don't know where I am.
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Brian said 3:58PM on 10-08-2009
Does anyone know if you can listen to music on the phone while using the gps (I have the gps going through the car speakers but it sucks if you can't listen to music too). Also can you answer the phone and it go back to gps when finished. I have both of those problems with G-Maps West and I haven't seen a update on that app for 4 months.
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George Kirkaldie said 4:48PM on 10-08-2009
hmm... "U.S. $0.99 for a 14 day trial. After than you have to buy it for $3.99 a month, $9.99 for 3 months, or $29.99 a year."
so, get the trial for 0.99, or get it twice (approx a month) for 1.98, or 6 times for 3 months at 5.88, or get a whole years worth for 25.50....
they should make the monthly, 3 month and per year options more of a bargain....
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Mystic said 6:22PM on 10-08-2009
Uses NAVTEQ maps which = crap IMO, no matter the features of the software. I really hope Google comes out with their own navigation someday and gets to uses TomToms TeleAtlas maps.
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Dan Mosqueda said 10:04PM on 10-08-2009
I like the idea, but the no signal/no map issue is frustrating. Clearly the rent-an-app thing isn't new, witness AT&T's Navigation app.
Let's hope it puts downward pressure on TomTom et al....
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