Driving around with Navigon Panorama View 3D for iPhone
Of course, when you're driving, you shouldn't be staring at the pretty maps, but keeping your eyes on the road instead. At least the passengers can get entertained by Panorama View 3D.
Panorama View 3D is a U.S. $9.99 update to the Navigon app you already have. It currently works on the USA and Canada versions of Navigon MobileNavigator. It also reportedly works on the less expensive regional versions, but I was not able to test this. You purchase the Panorama View 3D module from the 'Extras' menu in the app.
I did notice that the map display seemed noticeably slower to respond, likely because of the greatly increased number of data points that have to be calculated and redrawn. I think it's a good trade-off though, for a spiffier map and an almost real-world view of your surroundings.
Ultimately, buying this add-on depends on where you live and where you travel. If you're mostly hanging around places like Omaha it doesn't have much use. If, however, your traveling takes you to hill and dale, the Navigon Panorama view is a hot ticket.
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It's been a month now since Navigon offered what they call Panorama View 3D for MobileNavigator for the iPhone. Essentially, Navigon has...
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How can you not mention the 700MB size of the file? That was the big turnoff for me; cool, but not that cool.
May 03 2010 at 4:50 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI found it rather underwhelming. It isn't exactly flat where I've tested it (Southwestern Ontario), but I haven't seen much more than a ripple or bump, even on elevation changes over 100 ft.
I have the MyRegion version and this feature does NOT appear to be available as an inApp purchase. The only options I can find are live traffic and the other two US regions. Bummer. I was about to buy it too.
May 03 2010 at 7:52 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyIt doesn't render properly on iPhone OS 4.0 Beta 2, btw...
May 02 2010 at 10:10 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyCan someone please make a video of this in action? I want to see it in action before purchasing. I've been looking for a video of panorama 3D since it's out and still haven't fount one.
May 02 2010 at 2:22 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply"found" - whoops.
May 02 2010 at 2:22 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI paid £7 in the uk for the add on and it works well. Any extra info helps you to orientate yourself a little better. One touch I like is that the sun appears in the sky in the right place. Drive towards it and it's in the right place on the screen. Nice touch. Overall I'd say it's worth the extra outlay. Shame that the iPhones GPS reception sometimes goes bonkers and puts you in the middle of a nearby field and yells at you to make some very eratic turns. Great software let down by hardware on this occasion.
May 02 2010 at 10:23 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyEven in town or flatter places it adds an extra depth. Maybe not as noticable as the rolling hills but it adds something
May 02 2010 at 1:17 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyEhhh, I live in Omaha.
May 02 2010 at 10:08 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Replyyes, but can it locate "illegal immigrants"?
seriously, what about this article (besides the title) suggests the software was evaluated over the period of a month? An hour with it would yield the same result, editorially.
And as for working in the regional versions, couldn't you - you know - research this instead of just saying you don't know? like, ask someone who did? since you had a month?
Thanks for writing. I did not test the Panorama View for a month, but as I stated it has been out for a month. I just received it, and spent a morning testing it.
I heard different answers on whether the feature could be added to the regional versions. It was the weekend, so tough to get a definitive answer from the developers.
The Navigon notes in the app store don't say, and the question isn't answered on the Navigon website, at least I couldn't find it. We did hear from one reader in the comments who said it couldn't be added. I found a review that said it did work, but since I didn't know for sure I said I didn't test it. If I'd had a regional version available to me, I would have done so.
Thanks again.
Mel
TUAW
I am waiting for a navigation app that supports iPad resolution screens. Big beautiful maps please!!!
There is already a version of is app for iPad already live in the app store!
Looks pretty cool actually and I am seriously considering purchasing it!
i live in buffalo, ny but my family has a vacation home about a mile or less from where that screenshot was taken! nice!
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