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CoPilot live posts

Filed under: Software, iPhone

CoPilot Live for iPhone updates features and maps

by Mel Martin (RSS feed) on Nov 6th, 2009

We're seeing a lot of updates to navigation applications, and the latest is for the CoPilot Live app [iTunes link] for the iPhone. As promised, the company has updated the map data to fix mistakes or omissions that were reported by users. The latest update also adds iPod controls within the app, which many users were requesting.

The update fixes a reported address search issue, improves GPS reception and makes some improvements to the user interface.

The previous version of the U.S. $34.99 app added text to speech and a better method of text entry.

As we've mentioned before, the competition in nav apps is going to get very interesting if Apple allows the Google nav app into the app store. It will be free, and has a host of features that are not currently available in the paid apps that are shipping for the iPhone now.

With the FCC watching the relationship between Google and Apple, I'm thinking Apple will have to let the app in, but Apple has surprised me before, and not always in a positive way.

Tags: CoPilot live, CopilotLive, gps, iPhone, nav, navigation, software update

Filed under: iPhone, App Store, App Review

CoPilot Live navigates to more features

by Mel Martin (RSS feed) on Sep 30th, 2009

CoPilot Live [iTunes link] for North American roads is becoming the little engine that could. At only US$34.99 it is quickly adding new features, and in this latest update has added the coveted text to speech capability. For drivers, that means the nav app will say "turn left on Elm street" instead of "turn left just ahead".

Other new features include adding an iPhone-standard keyboard for entering destinations, instead of the one designed for the app (which was clunky). The maps have been updated, and the developer says there is better integration of the address book from the iPhone.

I took CoPilot for a drive. It acquired the GPS signal quickly and I was on my way. It looks like the POI database has been improved, and the text to speech worked as anticipated. It is a great addition, and even the TomTom still doesn't have that feature. Navigon and AT&T both have text to speech in their offerings.

I still find that the maps are way below the quality of every other navigator I have tested. Driving home it couldn't find my street so it just put me on some nearby street. That could be misleading to a driver at best, and dangerous at worse.

The developers say the maps will continue to improve, but maps are what navigation is all about and they need to be up to date. I've talked to some users of this software, and they say their region is very accurate, so it depends where you are.

At a fraction of the cost of the 'big boys' and with text to speech, CoPilot Live is becoming a very competitive driving companion.

User ratings continue to improve, and I think it is very worthwhile at the low cost (if the map coverage in your area is adequate). If you have your own experiences to share, we'd love to hear from you.



Tags: app store, CoPilot Live, CopilotLive, GPS, iPhone, navigation

Filed under: iPhone, App Store, App Review

TUAW Follow Up: CoPilot Live missing features

by Mel Martin (RSS feed) on Sep 21st, 2009

Our Saturday review of CoPilot Live [iTunes Link] raised some interesting questions among users of the US$34.99 app.

TUAW reader Jeremy sent us an email this morning wondering why the Live Local Search feature of the app is now a paid feature, when it was free on the first version that was released. This clever feature used an internet connection to find nearby points of interest, even though the maps and bulk of the POI database are on the app itself. It was a great way to keep the app up to date, using a blend of static maps and info with an internet supplement.

With the latest update to the app (version 8.0.0.096) that feature is now part of a US$19.99 annual update that also adds real time traffic updates and gas price searches.

At first blush, it seems like features should not be taken away in an update. I contacted ALK, the app developer, and received a response from spokesperson Mary Kelly:

"Local Search was included in the first release of the App as a taster of this premium feature. We did not advertise it as being an included feature in our original App or at any time promote it as being included. In fact it was listed on the App description as a premium service 'coming soon'. We may offer similar trials for a limited period for other services in the future. The Live Services which we promote as 'included as standard' remain so, namely: LiveLink location sharing and Live Weather."

The company apologizes for any confusion. CoPilot Live still remains a pretty good deal for a low-end navigation service. I found quite a few map errors and omissions, but the company has set up a mechanism for people to report any problems with the accuracy of the maps.

I can understand users being upset at losing the feature, and ALK should have made it more clear that Live Local Search was just a temporary sampler of a future paid service.

Tags: app store, CoPilot Live, CopilotLive, GPS, navigation, paid features

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, iPhone, App Store, App Review

CoPilot Live smooths the rough edges in nav app with new update

by Mel Martin (RSS feed) on Sep 19th, 2009

I took a look at CoPilot Live [iTunes link] almost exactly a month ago, and it was a pretty good, inexpensive nav program, but it had quite a few rough edges.

Those rough edges aren't so rough now, and the app is certainly competitive at a price of US$34.99.

Improvements from the last version include:
  • The ability to dial a POI (point of interest)
  • Improved GPS performance
  • A full QWERTY keyboard (the last version was alphabetical)
The app also offers real time traffic information, gas prices, and something called live local search. Those features are an extra purchase of $19.99 and I did not have those services for my test.

As in my previous drive around, GPS acquisition was rapid. The maps look fine. The 'voice' was clear, and directions were concise.

Although the company claims maps were updated for this release, there seemed to be a lot missing in my neck of the woods, and reports from users of the new version are not positive in that regard. As I tried to navigate to my house, CoPilot Live could find the street but not any house numbers, even though my street has had houses on it for at least a decade. Continue reading for more about the CoPilot Live update.

Continue reading “CoPilot Live smooths the rough edges in nav app with new update”

Tags: app store, CoPilot Live, GPS, iPhone, navigation

Filed under: iPhone, App Store, App Review

CoPilot Live throws a hat in the navigation ring

by Mel Martin (RSS feed) on Aug 18th, 2009

Well, another day, another iPhone GPS app is released to the eager hordes. One of the latest entries is CoPilot Live [iTunes link]. Note: CoPilot Live is also available in a version for the U.K. at the App Store.

The North American version is a US$34.99 full featured nav for your car, bicycle, or just walking around. All the maps are built in, so it does not require any data, which is a plus.

There are things I like about this app, other than the low price. The screens look good, and are highly configurable. They give you the option of getting live weather at your current location, or your destination. I'd like to see that on every GPS app. Satellite acquisition was quick, with no glitches. Although some users have reported crashes, I found the app stable and reliable.

The voice instructions are very clear, and you have a choice of several languages with either a male or female speaker. In the U.S. the choices are 'John' or 'Lisa.'

You can zoom in or out of the 3D or 2D maps, and it appeared that as you approach a destination the map zooms in automatically. The app quickly switches to portrait or landscape mode, and you get a full screen, large type indication of the next turn. It pops up for a few moments, then returns to map view.

The app allows you to plan a trip in advance and preview the route. Happily, you can choose a destination from your address book.

Of course, things aren't all rosy with CoPilot Live. Here are the issues I saw in a couple hours of driving around town.

Continue reading “CoPilot Live throws a hat in the navigation ring”

Tags: app-review, CoPilot Live, GPS, iPhone, maps, navigation

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