Nav apps keep updating, adding features

Today it's CoPilot live, continuing a holiday sale price of U.S. $24.99 [iTunes link] through the end of December. We've had a look at the app before. It is good for a low-cost app, but the database seems a bit out of date and the POI list is limited. The new version adds live traffic, local search and fuel prices for an extra $19.95. The new features are for 12 months only, and then you would have to renew. The new features make up for the POI omissions, but it costs extra to solve the problem.

As all these GPS apps race to add features and keep prices down, we all benefit. And of course, we're still holding our breath to see if the new Google Navigator app makes it through the Apple approval gauntlet. With word that Apple has bought a mapping technology company and wants to beef up mapping, the Google app may never see the light of day.

We'll be doing a roundup with our views on the best GPS solutions for the holidays, so stay tuned.

View Tags

Source: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/copilot-live-north-america/id…

Source: http://www.alk.com/copilot/default.asp

Categories

Software iPhone

Today it's CoPilot live, continuing a holiday sale price of U.S. $24.99 [iTunes link] through the end of December. We've had a look at the...

Add a Comment

Sign in »

6 Comments

Filter by:

WorldTravler

Navmii seems to be the best cost/value for turn by turn. Its just a one-time download for 20 quid. The UK and Ireland equipped versions are awesome and I heard work with 1st gen iPhone and iPod touch (with a G-Fi). I have payed for many nav apps on my 3G(s), and although one of the cheapest overall to use, Navmii does the best in UK, it has recent maps, and works well with no cell signal. I will get the US version when it comes out this month for upcoming travel in California!

December 09 2009 at 11:32 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Allen Klosowski

After using the Google Navigator app and its sweet voice search functions, I think I would have a hard time going back to using a phone without it. And being able to leave it on and multitasking while answering a phone call or streaming Pandora is amazing. Navigation is one area I think Google/Android has my old iPhone 3GS beat hands down.

December 04 2009 at 1:29 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Rube

You don't address it directly, but you suggest a big plus to these iPhone apps that most people overlook in their complaints of, "you can buy a stand-alone unit for the same price." Upgrades! I don't like the Copilot payment model, but when you look at the severe competition b/w Navigon, Tom Tom, and now Magelin, you can really see where these iPhone apps stand out.

I realize that you can update your stand-alone GPS maps and get some minor software fixes, but I have never seen the sweeping and dramatic upgrades available via software like we have seen with the iPhone versions - and most of them at no cost. Just like the iPhone has made it seem silly that we used to have to buy new phone to get the newer software version, these fully (and rapidly) upgraded apps may make the stand-alone versions seem archaic.

I can appreciate that there are other benefits to stand-alone units, but the future-proofing of the iPhone apps is a HUGE selling point, and one I hope you address in your upcoming review.

December 03 2009 at 8:04 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

bobics

Has Google officially committed to submitting a Navigator iPhone app? Mel, your writing implies such.

December 03 2009 at 5:29 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Fred

I seriously hope that Apple doesn't keep us from the Google app. It'll put a really large dent in my fan-boyism.

December 03 2009 at 5:04 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

phytonix

I think its built-in POI is better than Navigon.

December 03 2009 at 4:36 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply