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Nominate your favorite iPhone navigation app for TUAW's Best of 2011
During December and January, The Unofficial Apple Weblog is soliciting your nominations and votes for the best products for Mac, iPhone/iPod touch, and iPad. We'll start with nominations in a category, and then tally your votes for the top-nominated products a few days later. The winner in each category receives the highly-coveted title of TUAW Best of 2011. Today's category for nominations in the TUAW Best of 2011 awards is iPhone navigation apps. These are the apps that give you turn-by-turn directions as you make your way around town, and they've been getting better as time goes by. Perhaps you are a fan of the free crowdsourced nab app Waze, which has a 4 out of 5 star rating on the App Store with over 29,000 user reviews. Or maybe you love the TomTom U.S.A. app ($39.99) with its ability to guide you with celebrity voices (Homer Simpson, anyone?). GPS by TeleNav is another popular and free navigation app, and there's always the MotionX GPS Drive app ($0.99, with one year of Voice Guidance for $9.99). Maybe you're a geocacher who doesn't care about getting from point A to point B, but you do want to find all of the caches in your area with the official Geocaching app ($9.99). And then there's always Navigon, with a host of features like in-app purchases of Zagat information. TUAW wants to hear from you -- what's your favorite iPhone navigation app? Leave your nomination in the comments below. Voting will start soon! Nominations close at 11:59 PM ET on December 22, 2011.
Navigon 2.0 for iPhone offers new name, download options (Updated)
Updated to include force-quit fix for missing favorites. If you're already a Navigon GPS app owner you'll find a significant free update at the app store today. If you haven't chosen a GPS navigation solution yet, Navigon has given you good reason to check the product out. Navigon 2.0 is a complete rethink of the app, with new GUI elements, and the ability to selectively download just the states you want maps for. Never get to the West coast? Save space by not putting those maps on your iPhone at all. Users of the North America and USA versions in particular will benefit, so map storage can be measured in megabytes rather than gigabytes. Even owners of the regional versions can save a lot of storage space. The result is a lot of extra room on your iPhone or iPad for music, movies, or apps. Even better for fence sitters, Navigon has reduced the cost of the North America version to US$39.00 until November 30, which is $20.00 off. Navigon USA drops $20.00 to $29.99. Navigon Canada gets a a $20.00 discount too, so it's also $29.99. The regional US apps drop by ten dollars to $19.99. The new user interface is much easier to use, allowing you to switch between different pages with animated menus and new multi-touch gestures. It is now possible to access the start screen during navigation to enter a new address without having to first stop the current route. In addition, NAVIGON separated the app options into two menus, differentiating between settings and actions. The new settings menu allows users to easily customize functions and change preferences, for example when to receive speed warnings, while the new Actions menu lets you use functions that are needed while navigating such as points of interest search and social network postings. NAVIGON 2.0 for iPhone also has a new look that displays the map in the background even when accessing menu pages. Furthermore, it is very easy to rotate and zoom maps in any direction when in 3D mode and tap points of interest on the map to instantly add them to a route. When you update the app you'll get a first time user page that asks what states you want to download. You can download them all, or be selective. I downloaded Arizona and a couple of surrounding states I travel to, and that totaled about 100 MB, a far cry from the almost 2 GB the whole country would need. When I tried to restore some of my previously purchased extras, however, the app wouldn't do it. It may be because I switched phones recently from the iPhone 4 to the 4S, but it's an issue that needs to be sorted and I'll offer this warning for people in the same boat. Also note that recents, favorites, and your home address may be invisible after the upgrade. NAVIGON recommends force-quitting the app (double-tap the home button to bring up multitasking bar, hold down finger on app icon until delete badge appears, tap badge in upper left corner to quit app) and relaunching to get back your preferences. Navigon continues with a policy of in-app purchases for extra features, and adds FreshMaps, which is a subscription service that keeps maps updated for a year. A subscription for North America is on sale for $14.99, which is $5 off during the sale. Frankly, I'd like to see map updates as part of the package, not as an add-on. Navigon also continues to offer extra cost packages for live traffic, Zagat reviews, and Panorama 3D views, which show hills and mountains areas you might drive through. On a brief test I conducted this morning, I found the typical Navigon quality, and I liked the overall reorganization of the menus. They are simpler and faster to use, and grouped in a logical way. The Navigon family of apps will satisfy just about anyone's navigation needs. This latest update is a compelling addition and a must to consider if you are looking for one of the best high-end navigation solutions around. The Navigon apps are universal and run on the iPhone and the iPad. You can see some of the new features in this Navigon video on YouTube and you can check some of the new screens in the gallery below. %Gallery-139734%
Navigon 2.0 arrives for iPhone with new name, lets users download maps by state (video)
Navigation junkies have been pining for Navigon's latest MobileNavigator application ever since our sneak preview at CTIA, but that wait is now over -- at least for iPhone constituents. To mark its arrival, the app was re-branded as Navigon 2.0, and yes, it's a free upgrade for current users. Most notably, the software now enables individuals to selectively load maps into their iPhone on a state-by-state basis -- thereby creating extra headroom for more important uses. Additionally, Navigon fans will also discover a completely re-designed user interface along with an in-app purchase function that delivers quarterly map updates. Now through November 30th, new users may purchase Navigon 2.0 for $20 off the normal price of $49.99 for the United States or Canada, and $59.99 for all of North America. Curious to see it in action? We've included a demo video and the full PR just beyond the break.
Navigon demos upcoming MobileNavigator for iOS and Android, latest Windows Phone app (video)
So, get this. We were cruising through the halls of Pepcom's Mobile Focus with a horrible fever and on the brink of delirium. Unsure how much longer we could keep composure, we came upon Navigon's booth. In addition to displaying its brand new Windows Phone application, the company was also showing off its upcoming releases of MobileNavigator for Android and iOS. Fortunately, Navigon's Public Relations Manager, Johan-Till Broer, was kind enough to give us a demo of each app. Among the new features, users will be able to select individual states for local map storage, which goes a long way toward freeing up space. Additionally, there's also a driving mode called Cockpit, which allows leadfoots to check their speed and acceleration over the last 30 minutes. The app updates will be free to all existing users, although if you want to load up new maps, that'll be a one-time fee. We're told to expect these latest gems in a couple of months. As for the Windows Phone version, it sells for $50, although is currently available for $30 -- at special introductory pricing. A demo video and full PR is just after the break. Be sure to check it out. %Gallery-136410%
On the road, and off with the Garmin USA nav app
Garmin has finally joined the ranks of GPS nav app providers that include maps on your device rather than requiring you to download them. I have tried a previous incarnation of the Garmin app on a trip to Northern Arizona, but I only saw a blue dot and no roads since I was in a place with no cellphone reception. No data, no map. As a result, I was pleased to make another trip up north for some landscape photography and try this latest version with full maps on board. It's a big difference. The maps seemed up to date and even had quite a few dirt roads. Even better, during a boat trip at Lake Powell the app was able to show me where I was and provide the boat speed. Although I couldn't really use the app for navigation because it could only give me a straight line route to my destination, it did show the buttes and mesas around me accurately, and if I zoomed out enough I could pretty much get where I wanted to go. As a traveling companion, the Garmin was just fine, and it mostly matched the capabilities of the Garmin stand-alone nuvi line. A built-in points of interest database worked pretty well when I was away from cell service, but when I had access to cellular data I could rely on the built-in Google services. I liked the ability to place a call directly from the points of interest screen, and the detailed and realistic graphics when exiting a freeway were helpful. When driving through Phoenix the larger buildings were rendered in 3D, and while I was more interested in looking at the road, the feature could be nice if you are stuck in traffic. Navigation continued during phone calls, and the voices provided were intelligible, although I always wish the iPhone speaker had a few more decibels. I only had one serious glitch. After getting back in the car and launching the app, it could never acquire a satellite signal. After ten minutes I gave up and tried again, but it still wouldn't lock on. I completely re-booted the iPhone, and the app quickly grabbed its location. It could have been a bug in the app, or something in iOS; I only saw it once. Traffic information is US$19.99 a year, while my preferred Navigon app offers a lifetime traffic subscription for the same price. On the other hand, the Navigon USA app is $49.99 while Garmin USA is $39.99. The Navigon series of GPS apps have been my long-time favorites. This new Garmin app is finally competitive, especially since the maps are on-board. Of course Garmin has recently purchased Navigon, and it will be interesting to see how the product lines merge and mix. I have no hesitation recommending the Garmin USA app if your travels take you out of the city and to places where data networks are sparse or non-existent. These apps also don't drain your data plan, unless you opt to use the built in Google services, optional gas price directory or traffic features. %Gallery-132828%
Navigation roundup: Navigon to offer significant update and Garmin offers onboard maps
Navigon has announced the second generation of mobile navigation apps which include a major screen redesign and a host of new features. The new versions of the apps will be free for current owners, but some features will involve in-app purchases. The new GUI supports multi-touch gestures and easy switching between pages. Points of interest can be added to a route with a tap. Extra cost features will include quarterly map updates. Users who, for example, own the USA version can select the states they want immediately and download additional regions at a later time. This ability prolongs memory, since users store only the maps they need on their device. In addition, NAVIGON FreshMaps offers quarterly map updates. The new map updating service uses trusted, field-verified and quality-controlled maps and points of interest updates from NAVTEQ to ensure accuracy. Users can keep their maps reliable by receiving quarterly updates for a one-time fee that covers the lifetime of the product. Also expect to see the Zagat guide to restaurants as an in-app purchase. Navigon doesn't have a firm date for the new version. It's expected in "early fall." Meanwhile Garmin, who recently bought Navigon, has finally added an iOS navigation app that has the maps on board, rather than requiring downloads. If you have a capped data plan, taking a long trip and having to download new maps could be expensive. This new version, called Garmin StreetPilot Onboard, is on sale for US$29.99 for the Labor Day weekend. It includes 3D buildings, maps of the lower 49 states, turn-by-turn, voice-prompted directions, Google search, speed limit warnings and address book integration. Extra charge items include real time traffic and fuel pricing. It's nice to see Garmin finally add onboard maps, and this app is reasonably priced, especially while it is on sale. I'll be testing it over the next few days.
Garmin reverses course and offers on-board maps for iPhone
I didn't like the first Garmin StreetPilot app for iOS because maps had to be downloaded on the fly. Not good if you are out of cellular range, and even worse if you you are downloading lots of maps on a metered data plan. Garmin has finally come around and is offering maps that are contained on your iPhone. There are two US versions, one with the 49 states (Alaska is excluded) and and some Caribbean islands for US $39.99 and a North America version for $49.99. There is also a UK and Ireland version for £44.99. Of course these new apps are a larger download. The US version is 1.37 GB while the original StreetPilot app weighed in at 10 MB. This latest version makes for a far more competitive offering on the iPhone. I'm hoping to get a copy for review. Last Week Garmin announced it had acquired Navigon and I'm hoping the two companies will provide even more innovative and aggressively priced solutions for iPhone owners.
Garmin confirms its acquisition of Navigon is complete
Mergers and acquisitions can sometimes take some unexpected turns, but that's not the case with Garmin's purchase of former rival Navigon. The company said last month that the acquisition would be complete by "late July" and now, on July 26th, it's announced that the deal is in fact done. There's still no financial details being disclosed, but execs from both companies are expectedly tossing around words like "excited" and "pleased," and they're promising plenty of integration and new opportunities going forward. Obviously, they're betting they'll be better as partners than rivals in the face of mounting challenges. Press release is after the break.
iPhone navigation packages, in S-M-L editions
Thinking about getting Dad some directional guidance for Father's Day? Our package selections cover small, medium and large budgets to get where you're going. Of all the industries disrupted by the emergence of these odd touchscreen computers disguised as mobile phones, the standalone GPS market may be the most topsy-turvy. Among Chris' 33 things he doesn't need any more now that he has an iPhone, a separate $100+ unitasker GPS unit is probably the biggest target; the same goes double for Android phone owners, who get a capable and free turn-by-turn navigation tool as part of the Google Maps application. Just having the phone isn't quite enough, though, if you want to help those notorious no-asking-for-directions family members (that'd be Dad) self-guide with the iPhone 4. Combining the right app with the right car bracket can turn a simple purchase into a genuine Father's Day gift -- so here are our package recommendations in small, medium and large price ranges. All apps are available on the App Store, and most of the hardware can be found at Best Buy, Radio Shack or Staples. Small Everyone likes free, and that's what our first app choice brings to the table. MapQuest 4 Mobile (developed by AOL, our corporate parent) provides capable turn-by-turn navigation with voice synthesis, powered by the same map data as the mapquest.com site. The app includes live traffic data, point of interest search and more -- and did I mention the free part? Drawbacks include a quieter voice than some of the other offerings; you also have to manually choose between power-saving mode (where the app will allow the phone to sleep) and high-performance mode. Still, if you're looking for voice directions on a budget, it's a great place to start. (Note that both MapQuest Mobile and our #2 pick require data connectivity to download maps on the go.) For a budget vehicle mount, Arkon delivers no-frills units in windshield or lighter-socket ($20) and beanbag friction mounts ($30). Personally I don't care for lighter socket mounts, as they make it much more difficult to glance at the map while driving when the phone is mounted so far out of the driver's heads-up sightlines. I've been using the IPM512 friction mount for a while, and it works; the phone holder swivels to work either in portrait or landscape, and it includes adjustable 'feet' to slide out of the way of the dock port and the headphone jack. It does sometimes tend to accidentally press the phone's sleep switch, but for the most part it works well. To power the low-cost setup, any USB adapter will do; best to combine it with an iPhone sync cable plus a USB A-A extender to give you the slack you'll need. The Bracketron dual adapter ($25) is available at most Staples stores and will happily charge both the iPhone and a second device. Medium The next navigation app up the ladder doesn't cost much, but it's garnered some high-powered fans. MotionX-GPS Drive ($0.99, also available for iPad at $2.99) may not have impressed Mel for last year's gift guide, but others swear by it. The advantage here is that you can get the app at the low price, then if you like it re-up for 30 days ($2.99) or a year ($19.99) of live voice navigation as you like -- visual/map navigation is free of charge after the initial purchase. Like MapQuest, MotionX-GPS requires data service to download maps, but you have the option of caching your route to avoid any hiccups or data issues on the way. The current version includes links to Facebook's check-in feature, full business/POI search and contacts integration. MotionX now even integrates with newer Pioneer in-dash hardware, as reported earlier this month. The middle-range mounting solution is Griffin's WindowSeat mobile hands-free kit, which combines both power and a mount with a microphone-equipped aux 1/8" cable for audio and speakerphone use. The PowerJolt universal adapter included in the package provides 1 amp charging, and the simple bracket/suction cup holder keeps the phone tucked into position. The package retails for $49.99. If you dislike the bracket shuffle, consider Clingo. This new mounting tech from Allsop uses a super-sticky pad (which apparently leaves no residue behind) to hold your devices neatly in place. The window-mount unit retails for $29.99. Large The next tier of navigation apps are all dramatically more expensive, which can cause a bit of app sticker shock. They do bring along a key advantage, though -- maps are included in the app itself, rather than downloaded on demand. This means that app downloads and updates in iTunes can take quite a while, but it also means you'll never be stranded without data service while navigating (and if you're traveling overseas/in a roaming area, the data costs would be pretty expensive). The 'big three' in full-featured, maps-included navigation are Magellan (just updated with a new look and features), TomTom and Navigon; all the apps have their adherents, but for my money Navigon MobileNavigator is the best of the bunch. I've used the USA East Region version (on sale for $24.99; full USA map version is $34.99 on sale) for frequent drives in and around New York City, and it's been very consistent and reliable. Navigon offers versions for most countries and regions, so if you're headed out of town it's worth a look. One of my favorite features in the Navigon app is the three-routes option at the start of navigation; the app shows you the route it thinks is best, but also two alternatives that may be better under specific circumstances. You can choose which way you want to go, rather than heading off in what the app thinks is the wrong direction and having to wait for it to clue in. A premium app deserves a premium phone cradle; there are good options in the $100 Griffin RoadTrip HandsFree or the $70 Belkin TuneBase Direct, but as mentioned I'm not big on the power socket mounting approach. Instead, I'd suggest taking a look at the Dension Car Dock for iPhone -- an integrated unit that includes both aux and FM outputs, power, and a custom app for device control and navigation links. In-app purchase adds 'Car Finder' mode, which saves the exact GPS spot where you parked to help you find your way back. The Dension unit lists at 80 euros, but hopefully will be coming to US distribution soon; I'd expect it to hit at about $100 when it gets here. and is available in the US now. Of course, if you choose the TomTom app you should also get the custom-fit TomTom car kit, and for $100 it's got to offer something more: enhanced GPS performance, a built-in powered speaker and better hands-free calling. It uses the same easy-mount back found on TomTom's dedicated units. TomTom's case also works fine with the other GPS apps; commenter Paul notes that there is a free TomTom Car Kit app to disable warning messages, read GPS status and more. If you already have a mounting solution but need a sleek, cable-minimizing power and audio solution, check out XtremeMac's InCharge Auto Aux for $50. Using the dock/charge connector for audio, it includes an aux-out jack in the charger housing, keeping the cable clutter at bay. Whichever size fits your needs -- small, medium, or large -- enjoy your summer drives!
Garmin to purchase Navigon, plans to complete acquisition by late July
News of Garmin's plans to acquire Navigon leaked out earlier this month, but we now have official word that the GPS giant will bring the smaller German company under its wing beginning in late July. Pending regulatory approval, the deal would have Navigon, one of the largest GPS brands in Europe, functioning as a subsidiary of Garmin, which has a much stronger presence in North America. The companies were unable to reveal any financial information, though previous estimates priced the deal in the "mid-double-digit million" Euro range. Navigon says it's not ready to share any details concerning the acquisition, but we're unlikely to see major effects in the US, where the company has smartphone apps but hasn't sold dedicated GPS devices in several years.
Garmin acquiring rival Navigon, we hold our breath to see what it means
One of the most popular sellers of navigation and smartphone GPS software is buying one of its strongest competitors. Garmin has announced today it has signed an agreement with Navigon AG to acquire the privately held company. "This acquisition is a great complement to Garmin's existing automotive and mobile business. Navigon has invested significantly in the European automotive OEM business, and we feel that we can rapidly expand our automotive OEM footprint and capabilities through this transaction," said Cliff Pemble, Garmin's president and COO. "With Navigon, we are also acquiring one of the top-selling navigation applications for the iPhone and Android platforms – something that we expect will help drive revenue for the combined company going forward. Combining Navigon's and Garmin's strength also improves our competitiveness and standing particularly in Europe."
Garmin in talks to buy Navigon?
It's hard out there for a company making endangered gadgets. According to Reuters, flailing satnav maker Navigon could be acquired by none other than Garmin, which has struggled itself to maintain strong handheld navigator sales in the face of stiff competition from smartphones. The deal could be worth somewhere in the "mid-double-digit million" Euro range -- a none-too-helpful estimate, but enough for us to understand that the personal navigator market is in such a state that Garmin could scoop up its rival for a pretty modest sum. Garmin, for its part, has been doing well, considering -- it's the top navigator brand in the US (a market Navigon has long since exited), and its profit nearly tripled in the most recent quarter. That's largely thanks to those bestselling navigators, but also because the company's been wise enough to reinvent itself as a purveyor of running watches and expand its boating and aviation businesses. In any case, if the Navigon brand is going bye bye, it looks like we could find out as soon as this month.
TomTom GPS app offers good maps, terrible interface
A while back, I posted about some of my ongoing issues with iPhone navigation powerhouse Navigon, which has been my primary nav app. After that post went live, Navigon immediately contacted me to see how they could improve their product, asking for specific details of the intersections where navigation failed and I was directed in circles. I was also contacted by TomTom, who asked me to give their product a try. A few weeks later, I've got to say that I'm pretty much ready to go back to Navigon. TomTom is a good product with a weak interface that gets the job done -- but when it comes down to the details of how well it integrates into my driving, Navigon is the winner for me. I say this even though Navigon's software sometimes sends me driving in circles. Navigon also has its share of GUI limitations and other quirks.
Add GPS to your Viewsonic G-Tablet and test your soldering skills
If you picked up one of those G-Tablets, but are now suffering from buyer's remorse after realizing how much you miss GPS, there's a solution -- provided you have a strong DIY streak. It turns out Viewsonic set space aside on the Froyo-powered slate's motherboard to place a GPS receiver. Of course, if you even have to ask what flux is or what SMD stands for this is not the hack for you. And while apps that rely on 3G, such as Google Maps, won't work properly, offline navigators like Navigon and CoPilot should be just fine. If you're comfortable tearing open your device and poking at it with a hot iron, hit up the source link for a complete list of parts and some very detailed instructions... or, you could just buy a tablet that already has GPS. [Thanks, Andrew F.]
Navigon's Galaxy S car kit starts shipping in the US for $45
You know that familiar pattern: release something for the iPhone first, Android phones sold on T-Mobile next. After rolling out a car kit for the iPhone, Navigon has created a similar mount for the Samsung Galaxy S 4G and Samsung Vibrant, both indigenous to T-Mo. The kit, already available in the UK, includes the mount, an attachable suction piece, and 12/24V car charger. T-Mobile customers with wheels can snag one now for $44.95. The rest of you Android users are just chopped liver.
Navigon MobileNavigator for iOS updated with augmented reality, safety camera features
Navigon just recently rolled out a stylish iPhone Car Kit for use with its iOS navigation app, and it's now also announced a fairly significant update to the app itself. In addition to all the usual basic navigation features, MobileNavigator 1.8 now also boasts an augmented reality component dubbed the "Reality Scanner" that overlays points of interest on top of a live camera view, as well as a new "Safety Cameras" feature that warns you of speed and red light cameras (available as an in-app purchase for $4.99). What's more, Navigon has also dropped its prices across the board for the occasion -- the full app with maps for all of North America will now set you back just $45 until April 18th, while versions for just the US or Canada run $35 apiece. Full press release is after the break.
Navigon adds augmented reality and enhanced traffic to iOS apps
You can add augmented reality to the feature list for the Navigon app. The company calls it Reality Scanner, and it shows destinations and nearby points of interest by superimposing that information over a live camera view. This is a feature best used by pedestrians; I'd hate to see someone driving and waving his iPhone around to use this. Navigon is also adding what it calls Safety Camera alerts, which is a way to warn drivers of speed and red light cameras along the route. The information comes from the RoadTraps data base. The app works with US speed and red light cameras and is available as an in-app purchase of US$4.99 for a lifetime subscription. Navigon is also adding Traffic Check, which provides a quick graphic that appears after you plan a route, detailing traffic jams ahead of you. There is no charge for this service, and it does not require the paid Traffic Live feature to work. MobileNavigator North America apps are on sale for $15 off until April 28. That would bring the USA version to $34.99. Traffic Live is on sale for $14.99 for a lifetime subscription. The Navigon app works on the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Check the gallery for some screen shots of the new features. %Gallery-121187%
Traveling in circles: the Navigon way
Our beloved leader Victor has an entire comedy routine worked out about GPS apps. In his "Maps powered by Match.com" schtick, he jokes "I took a detour, ... and 10 years later we were married." In real life, iPhone nav apps can be just as funny as his stand-up. Take yesterday. I was driving my daughter to an appointment across town, when Navigon started directing us in circles. Now, we are not strangers to Navigon oddities. I can't tell you the number of times that the app has had us turn off a perfectly straight road, and maneuver right, then left, then left, then right back to the same road we started on. It's a Navigon thing.
Navigation app sales and Verizon friendliness
There's a flurry of GPS related news today, so let's get right on with it. First, one of our favorite nav apps, Navigon, is having a pretty big sale to celebrate its milestone of 2 million sales worldwide. If you've been lusting after a Navigon app, there's a 4-day, 50% off sale beginning today. Regional versions for the US are $14.99. The US-Canada app is $29.99. The USA-only version is $24.99. Current users can take advantage of the promotion as well, with prices for in-app purchases of Traffic Live, Panorama View 3D and Zagat Survey for MobileNavigator iPhone at 25 percent off. On the TomTom front, that excellent nav solution is on sale for $34.99 for the US version. The US-Canada app is $39.99. The sale has no end date. TomTom also notes that new iPhone users on Verizon will be seeing a "connect to GPS" warning when they start up. TomTom advises users to just hit continue, and all will be well. The glitch doesn't affect your navigation and will be fixed ASAP.
Navigon introduces the Design Car Kit at Macworld 2011
We are live on the ground in San Francisco this week for Macworld 2011, and one of our first meetings was with Navigon, which has reinvented itself in the US over the past few years, going from a company that makes personal navigation devices to strictly a software company thanks to the MobileNavigator iOS app and its variants. The overall smartphone nav app market has grown by 117 percent in the last few years, and largely due to the iPhone app (which reached 1 million downloads last August, a number made much more impressive when you realize the app usually sells for US$50 and up), that's pushed Navigon's own growth hugely as well. In the past year, the company released version 1.7 of the software, which added improvements in the form of a paid in-app Zagat rating tie-in as well as free updates, like Google Local information. The last update also added across-the-board compatibility with the iPad, and Navigon told me that many of its iPad users were not using Apple's tablet in the car itself, but at home to plan out and see in motion the routes they later transferred over to their mobile devices. The company hasn't released any hardware in the US for a few years (though "our main business is still hardware" in Europe, they said), but that will change with the Design Car Kit, an iPhone 4 holding stand that attaches via suction cup to your car's window -- it's designed to hold your iPhone while it runs MobileNavigator (or any other app, really -- there is a charging cable included that's "extra long" for easy access, but there are no electronics in the kit itself). Navigon told me that they thought there was a place for a quality holder on the market, and the device certainly seems well-designed, with the suction cup attaching via a release that won't let go easily when locked down.
