Filed under: Software, iPhone, App Review
Navigon updates again - adds live traffic
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.
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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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ry said 4:44PM on 11-10-2009
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.
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VKM said 5:06PM on 11-10-2009
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.
Actionable Mango said 6:25PM on 11-10-2009
There doesn't appear to be connections of any type. Everything I can find on the Navigon car kit shows nothing more than a suction-cup iPhone mount and a separate power cable.
I am still looking for a car kit using the iPhone dock connector to provide speaker and power connections.
Warren Lavallee said 4:47PM on 11-10-2009
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.
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joe said 11:39AM on 11-11-2009
This is because you're both jailbroken, and running AppSync. Stop pirating and support developers!
Jon said 5:36PM on 11-10-2009
@Joe,
This crap is so expensive though.. I'll admit, I've sampled Navigon, TomTom, and one other one I can't remember. And they all suck in my opinion. I'm glad I didn't spend money on any of them.
That said, to prove my point, I don't use any of them even at the $0 price point.
If I found one that I liked, I honestly would be more than happy to dump the cash on it. So, I don't see anything wrong with Warren pirating it to try it out. Who knows, maybe it's improved this version.
more_donuts said 5:55PM on 11-10-2009
I doubted to, but used Navigon on a long trip, then every time I drove somewhere I wasn't sure about. It's fantastic. It's better than the stanalone Garmin I've used. It's cheaper than a standalone, and I only need one gadget stuck to my dash for GPS, music and phone.
The only more convenient option would have been the nav package on my car, but talk about a rip off.
Tom said 6:50PM on 11-10-2009
@Jon: Crap? Why do you consider it to be crap? I'm more than happy with Navigon, it works flawlessly, already used it on several longer trips in Germany and Europe. Works very good in cities, too.
Logan said 5:50PM on 11-10-2009
Holiday GPS app recommendation: wait for Google to release its free turn-by-turn app for the iPhone.
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CHRiS said 5:52PM on 11-10-2009
Looks like shit
Spamming in the comments will get you no where.
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Jon said 7:18PM on 11-10-2009
@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.
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Josh said 7:24PM on 11-10-2009
Maybe it's just me - but I can't seem to find where to purchase the add-on in the app...
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Josh said 8:10PM on 11-10-2009
Yep, I'm an idiot - didn't update to 1.3.
Kevin E. McKenna said 8:29PM on 11-10-2009
So where or how do you purchase this new add on feature for $19.99???
Someone please let me know.
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mel martin (TUAW) said 8:50PM on 11-10-2009
elect 'more', thn 'extras'
mel
tuaw
kona2010 said 9:41PM on 11-10-2009
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.
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Talisto said 2:51AM on 11-11-2009
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.
Daniel said 2:19PM on 11-11-2009
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!!??
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