nav

Latest

  • Waze navigation app now reads destinations from iOS and Android calendars

    by 
    Jamie Rigg
    Jamie Rigg
    02.20.2014

    Google-owned Waze updated its navigation app for iOS and Android just before the new year, improving the user experience with all manner of tweaks. Evidently, it neglected to add one specific feature, hence another update dropping today that'll allow Waze to talk to the calendar apps on both those platforms. It means that if you're organized enough to associate locations with calendar appointments, you can ask Waze to take you there with but a single prod from inside the calendar app. The navigation list within Waze will also auto-populate with destination info poached from appointments. Waze is eager to highlight the feature is easily disabled from within your device's settings -- you know, if you'd rather that Miley Cyrus concert date be kept as discreet as possible.

  • Waze speeds up its sat nav app with quicker search and simpler interface

    by 
    Steve Dent
    Steve Dent
    12.12.2013

    Even though Waze is now under Google's umbrella, it's continued to operate as if nothing has changed, other than the fact that it now has a billion dollars. To that end, it's just rolled out a new release for Android and iOS with some welcome new features, most significantly an auto-complete function for addresses and categories that plays well with its new Google search powers. Other goodies include a redesigned main menu, easier waypoint editing and new icons on the map view to see traffic reports or nearby pals. Hopefully, other than borrowing its tech, Google will continue to leave the new acquisition alone -- after all, how many apps let you be guided around by a celebrity?

  • Garmin's smartphone-compatible HUD makes an appearance at IFA 2013, we go eyes-on

    by 
    Sarah Silbert
    Sarah Silbert
    09.06.2013

    The connected car concept has gained plenty of traction, but not everyone can afford an Audi or BMW to get that functionality built in. Deutsche Telekom's hoping to bring a taste of that luxury to the masses by pairing its Navigon Telekom Edition app with Garmin's heads-up display. This version of the app, available exclusively for German customers, brings heads-up directions, speed limit and other important stats to the HUD, provided it's connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth. Garmin's dash-mounted hardware is already available stateside for $150, but it's up for grabs here at IFA for €149. We go eyes-on in the gallery below. Zach Honig contributed to this report. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!

  • Magellan SmartGPS review: further proof your phone is the only navigator you need

    by 
    Darren Murph
    Darren Murph
    06.14.2013

    When speaking with executives from the Google Maps team earlier this year at I/O, I was reminded that Maps wasn't even a product in 2004. In less than a decade, one of Google's bright ideas has completely and unabashedly transformed the entire routing industry. (Avid readers will no doubt recall this graph, depicting real moves in the stock market moments after Google Maps Navigation was first introduced.) That development, coupled with the explosion in smartphone adoption across emerged markets, has left players like Magellan in quite the predicament. It wasn't that long ago that dedicated PNDs (personal navigation devices) were the gift to get for the holiday season. And indeed, many units from Garmin in particular delighted me plenty over the years. But the reality today is that PND makers have found themselves redundant. A few have resorted to innovating on the software side and nailing down partnerships with automakers and fleet-management firms in order to keep revenue rolling in, while Magellan has opted to create a new piece of hardware. That hardware, of course, is the SmartGPS. Rather than being a standalone PND suitable for mounting on one's dash or window, the device works best when used in concert with an accompanying iPhone or Android app (sorry, Windows Phone and BlackBerry users). In essence, the company is hoping that by creating a product that extends the functionality of your smartphone, you'll be inclined to hand over $250. After a week of road tripping through the US southwest, however, I'm inclined to believe differently.%Gallery-190765%

  • Magellan linking GPS hardware to smartphones with SmartGPS

    by 
    Mel Martin
    Mel Martin
    05.02.2013

    Magellan has announced the nationwide availability of its new SmartGPS device. The hardware GPS for cars mates with an iPhone or Android app to provide the in-car solution with several advantages, including content from Yelp and Foursquare that's based on the user location and planned route. Live content includes fuel prices, traffic, local weather and traffic camera alerts. Rather than draining your cellphone data plan, the SmartGPS (which looks remarkably like a tiny iPad) is designed to cache the "heavy" content -- the reviews, photos and other data from Foursquare and Yelp -- via WiFi. The unit detects the wireless networks you've set up and will automatically connect when you're within range of your home or office WiFi. Downloaded content is kept up to date for your immediate area and the destinations/routes you program into the unit; you can also sync content via USB and a browser helper app on your Mac or PC. The hardware is initially available at Best Buy for US$249. The iOS app that provides the network links is free -- although it's not yet available in the US store, it should show up under Magellan's heading in the next week or so. You can find information for a destination on the Magellan app, then send it via Bluetooth to the GPS hardware in the car. The idea behind the SmartGPS is to blend the best parts of the smartphone experience with dedicated hardware. This approach will succeed or fail depending on whether people find the navigation solutions on their smartphones inadequate without dedicated hardware. Multitasking for music, phone calls or other activities while using your phone as a primary GPS unit can be annoying or dangerous, so there's something still to be said for an independent, but connected dashboard navigation unit. The Magellan SmartGPS has a 5-inch touchscreen, free lifetime map updates, traffic alerts, WiFI and Bluetooth radios and an AV input for connection to media devices and wireless back-up cameras. You can insert a microSD card for other media or data use. Consumers can upgrade to Premium SmartGPS apps for iOS, featuring turn-by-turn directions with voice navigation, for $49 with US maps / $59 with US and Canada maps. The iOS companion app will be available this month. iOS premium navigation upgrades are scheduled to be available in summer 2013. We've got a review unit of the Magellan device in-house now, and you'll see our full review soon.

  • Nokia inks deals to be maps force behind BMW 7-series, bring guidance to new Garmin apps

    by 
    Edgar Alvarez
    Edgar Alvarez
    09.27.2012

    While all the talk of late is about Cupertino's newfangled Maps application, Nokia's currently keeping busy by doing some behind-the-scenes legwork, including signing new deals with car and navigation system manufacturers. Most recently, the Finnish company announced it's partnering with BMW to power the "next-generation" navigation system in the upcoming 7-series, which will bring features like Enhanced 3D City Models and an Eco Pro Route that chooses the most fuel-efficient way to get you to your destination. In addition to the BMW alliance, though, Nokia has also teamed up with Garmin to bring Transit and Pedestrian maps in the form of an Urban Guidance feature that will be available on iOS and Android devices. For those interested in learning more, the pressers below will fill you in on all the nitty-gritty.

  • Motorola trying to patent smart ads in navigation apps

    by 
    Terrence O'Brien
    Terrence O'Brien
    08.30.2012

    There are few places left in this world safe from advertising. Your apps have em, your train is plastered with them (inside and out), even your premium video subscription service pelts you with sales pitches. So, why should getting from one place to another be any different? Motorola (and, we suppose by extension, Google) doesn't see any reason it shouldn't feed you ads while you're navigating about, using your phone's turn-by-turn directions app. Of course, all these ads would be tailored specifically to your tastes and locale. Obviously, there might be something to the idea of popping up small and unobtrusive alerts for nearby businesses -- maybe even ones you didn't known existed. But, when you're trying to navigate a busy roundabout or a confusing set of on-ramps (we're looking at you, New Jersey), perhaps it's best not to crowd your vision with popups for Mabel's MuumuuMart.

  • Nokia Drive offline navigation review: taking the Lumia 900 for an off-the-grid spin

    by 
    Darren Murph
    Darren Murph
    08.01.2012

    I've sung praises about it for years, but it seems like only now the industry is getting on the same train of thought. It could be my unnatural adoration of travel, or just an entirely healthy fear of getting lost, but offline navigation has long since been a top priority for me when choosing a mobile device. Or, more importantly, a mobile operating system. For the longest while, iOS forced my hand to Android due to Google Maps Navigation being available only on the latter, and while even that wasn't offline, it still far surpassed any other routing app in terms of system integration, map updates and general silkiness. Even dating back to our 2010 mobile GPS shootout, Nokia has been a player. At that time, it was the outfit's Ovi Maps leading the pack, offering the only legitimate offline solution amongst a legion of ho-hum alternatives that required bits of data to keep you on track. But frankly, there wasn't a Symbian device in Nokia's stable that could show up my Nexus One in terms of overall utility, so begrudgingly, I pushed it aside. Eventually, Google came around and added caching to routes, which effectively downloaded all routing guidance along your path as soon as you plugged in a destination. The killer, however, was that it wouldn't take too kindly to veering far from that path should you ever drop signal. Close, but no cigar. Fast forward to today, and we've got Google Maps already working in offline mode for Android 2.2+ devices. Furthermore, the company's Brian McClendon confessed to us at its June 2012 'Maps' event that it's "committed" to bringing all of the app's features to iOS (and potentially other platforms). But in my haste to find something in the here and now, I recently turned to the Lumia 900 for guidance. Literally. Back in late March, the Lumia-exclusive Nokia Drive application gained full offline access, and I sought to use the handset exclusively to navigate a 1,900-mile trek through some of America's most remote locales. How'd it go? Join us after the break to find out. %Gallery-159721%

  • Nokia grows Destination Maps coverage to 4,605 venues in 38 countries, coming to Nokia Maps soon

    by 
    Zach Honig
    Zach Honig
    07.16.2012

    After covering more than 23 million miles of the world's roadways, Nokia has focused on expanding its interior mapping footprint. Since its launch during CTIA 2011, the company's Destination Maps service has grown to cover a total of 4,605 different venues in 38 countries, including airports, department stores, shopping malls and transit hubs. As you can see in the infographic above, the majority of those locations are in North America, with a total of 2,595 mapped on the continent, followed by 1,778 in EMEA, 225 in the Asia Pacific region and just seven in Latin America -- that's 235 million square feet in all. Nokia also promises much more to come in the future, with hints identifying amusement parks and stadiums as possible beneficiaries. The company also reiterated its recent partnership with Bing, adding that Nokia Maps will have access to Destination Maps in the not-so-distant future as well. You'll find a few more details at the source link below, and while we don't have precise predictions to share, you can rest easy knowing that Nokia's indoor effort is far from complete.

  • Google Maps adds floor plans and walking directions for 20 US museums

    by 
    Zach Honig
    Zach Honig
    07.10.2012

    Getting lost can be half the fun of any leisurely museum excursion, but if you'd prefer to navigate your indoor outing with a level of precision typically reserved for trips across town, you'll want to bring Google Maps along on your next journey to the Smithsonian. Mountain View just added 20 US museums to its battery of 10,000 indoor schematics, including the de Young Museum in San Francisco, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Cincinnati Museum Center, the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, 17 Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo in DC. You can find the plans for any venue by searching or hitting the current location button once you're on site, and Google plans to continue growing its collection, with SFMOMA, The Phillips Collection, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the National WWII Museum in New Orleans set to join soon. Meanwhile, institutions interested in joining forces with Google can use the company's Floor Plans tool to get the process started. Full details are at the source link below.

  • Garmin unveils Fenix, its first GPS watch for deep-pocketed outdoorsy types (hands-on)

    by 
    Zach Honig
    Zach Honig
    07.10.2012

    There may be a few more years remaining before a forced retirement, but there's no question that dedicated automotive GPS units are on the way out. Integrated products, apps and the aviation sector will keep companies like Garmin afloat, but now's as good a time as any to focus on other markets -- and where better to slap that global positioning goodness than on our wrists. Watches seems to be a growing focus for the guidance giant, following last month's GPS-less Garmin Swim introduction. That device has a relatively narrow target (namely, swimmers willing to invest $150 in the sport), but the company is back with a more versatile wearable, complete with an altimeter, barometer, compass, an optional external ANT temperature sensor and Bluetooth connectivity. There's also a GPS receiver, which can be used not only to calibrate the time and sensors, but also to track a route, direct you towards waypoints and guide you back to your starting point with TracBack. The Fenix, as the full-featured watch is being called, is expected to retail for $400 when it hits stores at the end of August. Four bills hardly qualifies it for the luxury wristwatch category, but as digital wearables go, that's certainly approaching the top end. We had an opportunity to try out the device in an office setting (not exactly an ideal environment for a rugged GPS watch, but that's the best we could do in the middle of NYC), and the Fenix had quite a bit of heft to it -- it'll surely look out of place on smaller wrists, and probably won't score you any points among fashion-conscious friends. Inner geeks should be appeased, however -- the enclosure definitely seems an adequate size for housing all of those instruments. It also functions quite nicely as a watch -- in default mode, it displays the time and date in large characters on the backlit LCD, with a nifty ring around the digits to indicate seconds. The Garmin Fenix is on track for a late-August ship date, but you can scroll through the gallery below or dive into the PR after the break to get your fix in the meantime.%Gallery-159616%

  • Google modifies Maps, YouTube for Nexus 7 tablet (video)

    by 
    Zach Honig
    Zach Honig
    06.27.2012

    We've seen Google take Maps indoors, with interior schematics and even photos, but the Nexus 7 tablet brings a new twist to that familiar nav experience with 360-degree venue photos. Engineering Director Chris Yerga demonstrated the new feature within a local San Francisco bar called District, moving the device to show us how the compass and gyroscope work to provide 360-degree views based on your current direction and angle -- it's a pretty slick effect. There's also offline map viewing that expands the Google Labs map caching to include entire cities, which should definitely come in handy for navigating beyond your comfort zone (and mobile coverage area). Naturally, there's also an updated YouTube app, letting you take full advantage of that 7-inch display with video preview grids and HD playback, with a familiar Play store-like interface. Stay tuned for a closer look at these apps and more in our Nexus 7 hands-on. Check out our full coverage of Google I/O 2012's opening keynote at our event hub! %Gallery-159265%

  • Cadillac CUE makes its way to XTS, navigates with ease in NYC (hands-on)

    by 
    Zach Honig
    Zach Honig
    06.19.2012

    Navigating those mean Manhattan streets is an intimidating chore for any driver, with or without a battery of high-tech in-car aides. But after an introduction to Cadillac CUE, it's easy to see the benefit of such a comprehensive system. CUE isn't your typical in-dash GPS nav -- sure it can get you on your way just as well as any other navigation system, but a bounty of sensors and displays allow you to keep your eyes on the road and avoid collisions, while also providing the smartphone integration and media playback support you'd expect from a high-end 2012 automobile. The base system, included standard with 2012 and 2013 XTS and SRX models and available as an option with the ATS, is centered around an 8-inch, 800 x 400 capacitive touch LCD with anti-scratch, anti-glare and oleophobic coatings to keep the display in tip-top shape and completely viewable from both the driver and passenger seats. The display flips open to reveal a lit storage compartment with a USB port for connecting and charging your smartphone, while capacitive-touch buttons below the panel provide haptic feedback and a variety of control options (you can tap or slide your finger across to adjust volume, for example). Add-ons include a 12.3-inch, 1280 x 480 "instrument cluster" that provides speed and fuel information in a familiar readout, along with directions, phone call info and music selection. Also available is a slick heads-up display, which features a more subdued color pallet (compared to the vibrant LCDs) and outputs key info, including speed limits and collision warnings, while also minimizing ghosting thanks to a wedge-shaped windshield, which thins as you move from top to bottom. Two more USB ports in the center console let you sync up and charge two additional devices, while an AUX input enables older devices to pipe out tunes. Now, much of this may seem familiar -- we took a peek at CUE at last year's CTIA -- but this is the first time that we've actually had a chance to take the tech for a spin in a drivable 2013 Cadillac XTS, and New York City seems like the perfect venue for pushing the system to its limits. Inputting a destination is as simple as typing an address into Google Maps (though CUE uses a proprietary maps app based on NAVTEQ's database). As we drove from our office near Union Square to the Financial District, the car let us know when we were cutting things a bit too close, as seat vibrations alerted us to obstacles on either side. All the while, adjusting music and climate was simple as can be, and HUD-based directions gave us little excuse to look away from the busy road. After arriving at our destination, we slid on over to the passenger seat to film the action while an expert drove. If a new Caddy is in your future, you should be able to pick up a CUE-equipped car within the next few weeks. For now, you can jump past the break for a front-seat look as we cruise on through the 212.

  • No Comment: iOS 6 Maps icon not to be taken as literal routing advice

    by 
    Michael Rose
    Michael Rose
    06.18.2012

    Maybe someone in Apple's new mapping department is a fan of the automotive antics featured on The Dukes of Hazzard. As tweeted this weekend by James Mountain and featured on the financial site Minyanville, the new icon for the Maps app in iOS 6 features a slight change to emphasize the turn-by-turn directions upgrade: a blue routing path making a left turn with the familiar Interstate 280 shield in the upper right corner. The routing chevron replaces the red pin, but still holds pride of place right outside the gates of Apple's Cupertino headquarters. There's only one teensy problem with this attractive icon: the blue path, if taken as a literal GPS routing, would be decidedly illegal and almost certainly fatal. The northbound lanes of De Anza Boulevard don't allow you to go west that way -- you'd have to cross over the highway and take a ramp instead. If Siri told you "turn left now" and you listened to her in Allstate mayhem fashion, you'd be cutting across oncoming traffic and taking a 20-foot plunge off the side of the elevated roadway onto I-280, headed west (well, mostly headed down, but a little bit west). Below is the view from the highway looking up towards De Anza, courtesy of some other company's mapping solution. As for the beta icon for the iOS 6 beta Maps, all we can muster is a Monday No Comment. View Larger Map

  • Driving around with Maps for iOS 6

    by 
    Mel Martin
    Mel Martin
    06.17.2012

    Much of the excitement in iOS6 centers on the new Maps app. It replaces the Google Maps-powered version that's been part of iOS since the beginning The revamped Maps adds Flyover (3D aerial perspectives) for some cities; it also offers spoken turn-by-turn navigation, a feature that the old Maps never offered for iOS but that Google baked into Android phones. Maps in iOS 6 also integrates Siri for search on supported devices. Unfortunately, only newer devices get the snazzy features; turn-by-turn requires an iPhone 4S or an iPad (2 or new), for example, and obviously Siri is only available on the 4S & soon the new iPad. I made quite a few trips using the beta iOS 6 Maps app, and have lots of impressions. Keep in mind, the app really is beta. Some of the data is flaky; for example I was looking for a location in southern Utah by zip code and was directed to the east coast of the US. Never fear, these little glitches will get fixed by the time iOS 6 is released to the public in the fall. OK, let's get driving. The first really big advantage of this app is the direct integration with Siri. Say "take me to the nearest Home Depot" and you'll see a map with a pin on it. Touch the pin, press the start button and off you go. The map works in landscape or portrait mode, and that familiar Siri voice will guide you through each turn. When you arrive it will tell you if your destination is on the right or to the left. You can also say "Take me home" and if your home address is notated in your contacts, you'll be ready to navigate. The maps themselves look pretty similar to the Google variety, and you get a choice of a flat map, 3D or satellite. If you are in a big city, you'll see Flyover's beautiful 3D renderings of buildings. I did a brief check and saw that feature work in Chicago and Seattle. Flyover is very pretty, but not much use when driving. Viewing all that detail or playing with the map is not something you should do when your attention should be on the road. If your destination includes reviews from Yelp, you'll see the reviews when you ask for the destination, as well as photos if there are any. If you are in 3D mode, you can rotate around a location by rotating 2 fingers on the screen, and zoom in or out in the usual way by pinching or dragging. Of course you can bookmark any location, add it to contacts, or share the location with someone else. If you are properly equipped, you can print the information to a local printer. Overall, the app is similar to the older Maps app, but the iOS 5 app doesn't provide Siri voice integration or turn-by-turn directions. Like the older Maps app, map data is downloaded over the air, so a data connection is required. Without one, you'll see a dot representing your location, but the map will be blank. You can contrast that with apps like the Navigon family, where the map data is permanently resident on your device, and a cellular connection is not required. Still, for most people, the Apple app will be more than enough. The integration with Siri, Yelp, and the ease of use is a real plus. Just telling Siri where you want to go is really great, and a very compelling reason to use this app over other navigation solutions that involve some fiddling to set up. There is traffic data built in, and the app will offer alternate directions if conditions warrant it. Traffic was working in my city, and was color coded and superimposed over my route. Note that at this point, there are no public transit directions or pedestrian directions. For some urban users, this is a big missing item. Apple has said it will rely on 3rd party apps for this, but they are unlikely to be integrated into the Apple Maps app. [Cocoanetics has an interesting perspective on why this is the right move for Apple to make. –Ed.] Clearly, Apple was motivated to meet Google and Android head on, and they are well on the way. Google has had years of collecting data and getting the map experience to be very friendly. Apple has started from scratch, with a few key purchases of mapping companies, and come very close. There are no street level views with the Apple app. Google has that feature pretty wrapped up for itself, but for getting easily from point A to point B, Apple is offering an excellent solution that I think will become the first choice for many users. It's unfortunate that turn-by-turn navigation isn't supported on the iPhone 4, but Apple wants to sell you the latest phone and this is a not-so-gentle nudge to get you back to an Apple store. Even with some obvious bugs, and a few crashes, I was impressed with the new Maps. It will be a challenge for Google. Will it offer turn-by-turn voice navigation for the iPhone, or just concede? For older devices, will this be an opportunity for vendors like Navigon, Motion X and TomTom to sell up -- or for free turn-by-turn apps like AOL's Mapquest or Waze to get more traction? Competition is good, and Apple has thrown down the gauntlet. I think the other nav app companies with iOS products are going to feel uncomfortable with Apple in this business, but it's likely they will aggressively compete and we will all benefit. Check the gallery for screenshots of Maps in action. %Gallery-158418% Editor's Note: Mel is not personally subject to the iOS 6 NDA.

  • Garmin outs motorcycle-centric zumo 350LM

    by 
    Alexis Santos
    Alexis Santos
    06.05.2012

    Garmin's torn the wraps off its zumo 350LM for those of you who prefer to zip around on two wheels. Though its 4.3-inch glove-friendly touchscreen is encased in a waterproof exterior to withstand a beating from the elements and "fuel sprays," it'll happily sit inside your car with an included mount and built-in speaker. Those sticking to motorcycles, however, can pipe turn-by-turn voice-guided navigation through the sunlight-readable device to compatible Bluetooth headsets or helmets. Stat-happy bikers can record their chopper's maintenance work with the service history log feature and use Garmin's Basecamp utility to plan out trips beforehand. The zumo's expected to ring up at $699.99 -- as pricey as its older siblings -- and roll out in the third quarter of 2012.%Gallery-157014%

  • Garmin multi-sensor controller concept replaces touchscreen interface with in-console dial rig

    by 
    Zach Honig
    Zach Honig
    05.22.2012

    Garmin may be in the early stages of navigating its way from the narrow roads of portable GPS to the in-car infotainment highway, but the company appears to be on the right path, directing focus away from dedicated compact devices and towards permanent in-dash installations. The latest advancement places a greater emphasis on improving control systems, marking a potential departure from the touchscreen in favor of a console-mounted multi-controller that enables adjustments while minimizing distractions. The system combines a proximity-sensing rotary controller that displays the appropriate interface as your hand approaches, along with a touchpad and a variety of selection buttons with functionality that varies depending on the current menu. In addition to the obvious GPS module, the system would enable HVAC control, car monitoring and even smartphone app integration. The multi-sensor controller is still in the concept phase -- the project doesn't even have a proper name yet -- but it does appear to be a practical solution for future vehicle interfaces. You'll find a few more details in the blog post after the break.

  • Garmin partners with Suzuki for company's first in-dash infotainment system

    by 
    Zach Honig
    Zach Honig
    04.02.2012

    Sure, the portable GPS may still have a home among multi-car families, or drivers that have yet to make the jump to a smartphone, but we wouldn't be surprised to see the dedicated device's share decline over the next few years. At the same time, in-car infotainment systems are clearly gaining in popularity, so it only makes sense for one of the world's largest handheld GPS makers to make the jump to in-dash. Garmin's partnering with Suzuki for its first factory-installed infotainment system, which includes a 6.1-inch "high-res" touchscreen, a CD player and AM/FM radio, internal flash memory, along with USB, AUX jack and Bluetooth connectivity. The voice control-enabled system also includes backup camera support, Pandora integration and an SD card slot for loading updates. One benefit of vehicle integration is access to the car's speed sensors, allowing the GPS to follow along accurately when it doesn't have a signal, such as in enclosed areas or tunnels. You can also use Garmin Smartphone Link to access traffic, weather and fuel price info. The in-dash system will ship with most American 2013 model year Suzuki vehicles, along with select cars sold in Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Russia. I'll also be on display at Suzuki's New York Auto Show booth next week, if you happen to be planning a trip to the Big Apple.

  • HTC Locations update for Windows Phone brings offline navigation

    by 
    Sharif Sakr
    Sharif Sakr
    03.29.2012

    Nokia's Windows Phones have given us offline navigation for a while courtesy of the Drive app, and HTC's old Locations app has had some downloadable maps too -- but only for a few select Android users. That's just changed, however, with Titan owners reporting a major update to the Mango version of Locations that brings the same offline functionality as Android. We took a peek and everything seemed hunky-dory, including turn-by-turn voice navigation for both walking and driving, although wander lust quickly had us downloading maps we'll never need.[Thanks, Siddharth]

  • Telenav opens up Scout for Apps, the HTML5 GPS navigation service, to all interested devs

    by 
    Michael Gorman
    Michael Gorman
    03.28.2012

    At the end of last year, Telenav revealed its browser-based HTML5 turn-by-turn navigation system and made it available to a select few devs to put it to good use. For an encore, it unveiled its personalized GPS service, Scout, at CES. Now, the company has created Scout for Apps and made the service available to all developers who want it, assuming they're coding iOS or HTML5 applications (Android support is in the works, and is slated to arrive later this year). That means that apps and websites can now incorporate turn-by-turn navigation directly, as opposed to launching a separate application to get you where you want to go. Keep in mind that Telenav isn't pitching this as a full GPS replacement -- more a value added proposition to developers -- and after spending some time using Scout, we can see why.We tested the browser-based Scout service on our Android handset to run a few errands, and we found it a useful tool, but it certainly pales in comparison to its application counterparts. There's noticeable lag when attempting to swipe around maps, no pinch to zoom (onscreen buttons are the only option), and it lacks features like traffic reports or a way to remember favorite locations. That said, it does do a good job of getting you where you want to go, and the rudimentary nav functionality is certainly more appealing than the static maps found in apps currently. Plus, it's quite nice to not have to launch a separate application to get directions. If you want to test Scout for Apps on your mobile, hit the source link below, but check out the PR and video after the break to learn a little more before you do.