Filed under: iPhone
Navigon submits significant update to app store
I love the iPhone navigation app competition that's taking place. Navigon has sent Apple a rather nifty update that adds some unique features that are sure to please current owners and perhaps entice those still on the fence about getting some kind of GPS technology for their iPhone. The Navigon MobileNavigator app [iTunes link] is on sale through today for U.S. $69.99Here are the goodies on the way:
- Enhanced Pedestrian Mode: It features a new user interface and uses the digital compass built into the iPhone 3GS. The map now automatically moves with the user making it easy to recognize in which direction to walk.
- Google Local Search: Users can easily find their way to new places. Simply entering "steak Chicago," for example, provides a comprehensive list of steak restaurants in the Windy City. By clicking on one of the search results, users are guided to the destination.
- Navigate by Geographical Coordinates: Navigate using latitude and longitude, and email those coordinates to others.
Depending on the approval process, Navigon users should get the free update soon. We'll test it all as soon as we can get it in our anxious little hands.
![TUAW [Cafepress]](http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/tuaw-cafepress-promo.png)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
info said 4:18PM on 11-30-2009
I'm tired of reading countless articles on here about nav software for the iPhone. We get it, there are a lot of choices and regular updates to them. Nothing to see here, move along.......
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Adam said 4:39PM on 11-30-2009
Disagree. It's nice to know what new features are coming out for the nav apps, and what functionality is different between apps. If you didn't want to read about the post, why did you even leave a comment?
DistortedLoop said 5:59PM on 11-30-2009
Who's making you read them? Skip the headlines you don't like. What's the big deal?
jb510 said 12:25PM on 12-01-2009
I'm a bit conflicted I admit. One the one hand I'm happy to hear they're adding google search (the lack od POI's has been my biggest complaint). On the other hand I agree TUAW is a little over zelous with the GPS app eviews, this isn't even released yet, Making this article more a press release than a review. How about putting together one big review every 3 months comparing ALL the GPS apps at once? And actually reviewing them... You know as in USING them in camparison to one another.
I'll still be left hoping that the app will temporary pause music/podcasts playing in the background rather than just talking over them, but if the google search functionality is actually well implemented i'll finally cough up the money for this app and the live traffic too.
Squid7085 said 4:30PM on 11-30-2009
Well shoot, while this update is very much appreciated, I just yesterday updated my Navigon app, Finally, to the latest version. Thanks to Apples way of updating apps, I have to wipe quite a bit off my phone before it can install. Please Apple fix the way large Apps like this update. I really don't wan to keep multiple gigs free on my iPhone.
However, I might do this one sooner, Google Search sounds enticing.
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JD said 5:16PM on 11-30-2009
I hope I can use the Google search for addresses too. One of the major flaws of Navigon (still the best GPS on the iPhone) is searching, which remains stuck in the state-city-street-number hierarchy, instead of allowing simple address and POI search. It can be a real pain, and often makes it not worth the effort for short trips, especially if you don't know what "city" a rural or suburban location falls under.
The other problems are no route overview, too many tiny road names unreadably displayed on the screen, and of course too slow (to load and search). Also, the accuracy of TomTom's voice lane guidance has recently surpassed Navigon's (though N's pictures are better) -- Navigon needs to add more "keep right" kind of tips.
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Evan said 6:12PM on 11-30-2009
As I don't currently own a nav app for the iPhone (outside of the built in maps app) I am quite surprised that these are "new" features. Wtf were you guys living with before? A gen 1 garmin equivalent? I would have thought this stuff would be standard in the first release.
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Kyle said 10:46PM on 11-30-2009
Can we cut down on all these GPS reviews it is getting ridiculous.
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John R. Haigh said 11:07PM on 11-30-2009
Apple's probably going to offer a free version that works as well. No sense in paying for these nav apps.
-John :)
App Popular, LLC
M.O.C. Interior Designer, LLC
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turim said 3:29AM on 12-01-2009
When I bought Navigon Nordics, I thought I could eventually upgrade and include other countries with in-app purchase. Not so!
Guess that´s on my list of wishes for future features in Navigon!
Looking forward to try the new features in the forthcoming ver. 1.4 though!
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Gary Mueller said 6:50AM on 12-01-2009
How about reviewing the Navicat navigation app?
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