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Skobbler updates Android app with turn-by-turn navigation and offline maps, offers free light option
Skobbler has had some success in the mobile mapping market, thanks in part to iOS's historical first-party weakness in the area. But, with Apple offering its own solution and Google breaking Maps free from the OS-update chains, it's facing a more difficult landscape in which to make its mark. So it only makes sense to beef up its offerings on other platforms, and Google-fans are reaping the benefits. An update to Skobbler's Android app is finally adding the turn-by-turn directions and offline maps, which have been offered on the iOS edition for sometime. The full version has a starting price of just $1 (with one free map download), and the company is even offering a free light version for those who aren't sure they want to part ways with a Washington (or a Sacagawea) just yet. Interestingly, the update is actually an entirely new app called GPS Navigation & Maps +offline, though existing users of ForeverMap 2 will be able to upgrade for free. Navigation & Maps also makes the move to OpenStreetMap to provide data, which has both its problems and its perks. Going open source means that Skobbler can undercut competitors like TomTom and Navigon, but there are lingering questions about the accuracy of the database. You'll find both the full version and the 14-day trial light edition at the source links if you're looking for an alternative to Google Maps.%Gallery-188647%
Skobbler brings maps to Nook Tablet, Color with ForeverMap 2
We've seen attempts to bring mapping functionality to Barnes & Noble's Nook Color in the past, but Skobbler's going full out with the arrival of ForeverMap 2 for that device and its more clearly defined tablet successor. The app utilizes WiFi positioning, offers route guidance and features both global and local maps. The standard version is free and a pro version can be picked up for $5, offering up added functionality like unlimited offline map downloads. Skobbler also used today's launch to announce that it's working on broader implementation by making it available to Nook app developers.
Want free nav for your iPhone? Try Skobbler, but keep your expectations low
Prices for iPhone Navigation have been steadily dropping, but a small developer out of Germany has done them one better. Free. Really free. No in-app purchases, no subscriptions, and so far, no ads. The app is called Skobbler US. It works on the iPhone 3G and the 3GS. The map data comes from OpenStreetMap, a sort of Wikipedia for maps. Skobbler features turn-by-turn GPS navigation with voice assist, iPod control, a night mode that is automatic or manual, pedestrian navigation and a 'take me home' button. %Gallery-94811%
