Navigon updates MyRegion versions with new features and makes it a universal app

Navigon today released version 1.70 of the MyRegion versions of our top rated GPS app. The North America, USA version and Canada version updates will follow shortly.

The new goodies include:

• Navigon is now a universal app, so it works at full resolution on both the iPad and iPhone with no extra charges. Route planning can be done on the iPad, then routes can be sent to the iPhone version.

• The active lane assistant includes animation to show the proper route at intersections. An orange line displays the suggested way to go. The feature can be turned off.

• Map Reporter allows the user to update road names, changed speed limits, new one way streets and to submit them to Navigon where they will be conformed and added to updated map releases.

• Improved Retina Display support.

• The Zagat survey of restaurants is available as an in-app purchase for US$5.99 until January 6.

There are price reductions on all the Navigon apps until January 6. The North America Mobile Navigator, normally $59.99, is now $44.99. The USA only version is discounted $15.00 to $34.99, as is the Canada only version. The MyRegion apps, covering the East, Central or Western U.S. have been discounted $5.00 to $24.99. No date has been offered as to when the Canada, North America and U.S. apps will get this update, but it should be soon. Purchasers of those versions will get the update at no charge when it's available. Current owners of the Navigon apps will also get the updates for free. For now, these updates only apply to the North American versions of the apps.

Navigon is also celebrating the company's 20th anniversary with some free apps in 2011, with the first released to the App Store today. The first, called help2park, finds nearby parking facilities, with a list and directions. The app can be used stand alone, but it also integrates with any of the Navigon MobileNavigator products. We haven't tested these new features, but will soon.