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Navigon updates again - adds live traffic

by Mel Martin Nov 10th 2009 at 4:30PM

Navigon [iTunes link] has been very aggressive in the world of iPhone navigation. After taking the early lead in features, they continue to pour on the steam. Using in-app purchasing, any Navigon owners can now get live traffic, both crowd-sourced, and additional data from Clear Channel radio stations and other traffic providers.

According to Navigon:
  • Users receive immediate on-screen alerts via iconic warnings indicating accidents, construction and other incidents that can cause congestion along the current route.
  • Provides detailed information regarding the severity of the incident and the speed of traffic flow.
  • Based on the real-time traffic warnings and the excellent mapping functionality the user can determine an efficient, alternative route or stay on the course.
  • The software automatically adjusts estimated time of arrival.
The add-on is U.S. $19.99 as a one time charge for the next 4 weeks. Then it reverts to $24.99 for the lifetime subscription. I'll review the live traffic feature as soon as I get it loaded and try it on some traffic laden routes.

I've found the Navigon app a pleasure to use. In addition to the extra cost traffic info, this new release has added to the base software. That includes extended destination search. If you are not sure of the address you can move an icon around on a map and navigate to that point. The app also can launch in landscape mode.

Navigon has offered a car kit in Europe with a cradle, speaker and power connections. The company says it is evaluating selling the kit in the U.S., but hasn't come to a final decision.

As I've mentioned in this space before, expect a holiday round up of all the nav apps we've tested, along with some recommendations. Drive carefully.

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Navigon [iTunes link] has been very aggressive in the world of iPhone navigation. After taking the early lead in features, they continue to...
 

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17 Comments

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Daniel

I downloaded the new update, then attmpted to purchase the Live Traffic and it told me that I have to purchase the app before I can purchase Live Traffic. What gives!!??

November 11 2009 at 2:18 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
kona2010

I think the app is great but I can't understand why they won't add a route profile like google map. It is so important that I am able to preview the route before I get in the car and drive.

November 10 2009 at 9:31 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to kona2010's comment
Talisto

I agree.. I don't understand how they can be lacking such a basic yet essential feature; I keep looking to other apps just because Navigon is missing a route overview. Hopefully they add one eventually, since Navigon really does seem to be the best otherwise.

November 11 2009 at 2:51 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Kevin E. McKenna

So where or how do you purchase this new add on feature for $19.99???

Someone please let me know.

November 10 2009 at 8:29 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Kevin E. McKenna's comment
mel martin (TUAW)

elect 'more', thn 'extras'

mel
tuaw

November 10 2009 at 8:48 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Josh

Maybe it's just me - but I can't seem to find where to purchase the add-on in the app...

November 10 2009 at 7:23 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Josh's comment
Josh

Yep, I'm an idiot - didn't update to 1.3.

November 10 2009 at 7:26 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jon

@Tom,

I found it's audible instructions to not be clear. It would tell me to turn right ahead when it wanted me to take the ramp for the highway, even though there was a street I could turn right onto right before the ramp.

I also find the interface to be unappealing. I personal prefer the way TomTom looks, and the information it displays, but the lack of live traffic is a deal breaker for me.

November 10 2009 at 7:17 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
CHRiS

Looks like shit
Spamming in the comments will get you no where.

November 10 2009 at 5:52 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Logan

Holiday GPS app recommendation: wait for Google to release its free turn-by-turn app for the iPhone.

November 10 2009 at 5:50 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Warren Lavallee

I loaded it late this afternoon, and the in-app purchase "domain" was still "Sandbox" so I couldn't purchase the traffic functionality as I didn't have a test "sandbox" login account.

I hope we don't have to wait another 2 weeks for a fixed version.

November 10 2009 at 4:47 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
4 replies to Warren Lavallee's comment
Ry

Where exactly did you find out that the car kit has a speaker? Their website says nothing about it and that was the only thing I was waiting on to see if it came with or not because you have to have that to hear and understand the dang thing while you're driving. I really didn't want to have to buy the tom tom car kit.

November 10 2009 at 4:44 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Ry's comment
VKM

No. Not a speaker, and power connections. But it comes with ..."speaker and power connections." Meaning, wiring jacks for an external speaker and wiring jacks for power.

November 10 2009 at 5:06 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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