NavFree launches free US iPhone navigation app with offline map data
There's no shortage of iPhone navigation apps out there, but we can't say we've seen too many that come with 1.6GB of offline map data -- especially for free. That's the hook for NavFree USA, which just went live in the App Store -- sure, it also has some interesting social features like crowdsourced map updates and navigating to friends, and you can buy add-ons like traffic and speed camera info, but we think most people will use the free turn-by-turn and call it a day. That is, until Apple builds navigation directly into the OS. PR after the break.
Update: Commenter marklarson just pointed out the hilariously misguided compass icon in the upper left there, and now we are downloading this app just to look at it whenever we need to be cheered up.
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NavFree USA: Free Turn-by-Turn GPS Navigation For iPhone & iPad
* Free, high quality, easy to use, voiced navigation with OpenStreetMap data
* Maps stored on the phone – navigate without relying on mobile network coverage
* New Social Location features allow users to instantly navigate to each other
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Navigate the highways of North America with your iPhone at no cost, with today's launch of NavFree USA. From Navmii, a publisher of GPS location-based applications, NavFree is the top community-based navigation product for iPhone and iPad.
More than 700,000 users across the UK & Ireland have already downloaded the free GPS/Satellite Navigation app available from iTunes. Now the USA can experience NavFree, which does everything you would expect from expensive in car GPS/satellite Navigation.
Users can search for an address, point-of-interest, or even do a Google location search and are instantly routed to their desired location with full voiced directions. NavFree USA will re-route automatically if you take a wrong turn, provide information on the journey distance and estimated time of arrival.
For holidaymakers, NavFree USA is the most economical way to navigate. Since all maps are stored on the phone, NavFree USA will not generate crippling mobile data roaming charges, and will still route you to your destination even if mobile network coverage fails.
Peter Atalla, CEO of Navmii said: "NavFree has been a huge success in the UK and the most exciting part is the user community, who feedback information on their local area to improve the map data for everyone. With Navfree USA we have taken these social features even further, making it easier for people to navigate to places and their friends, for free, forever. And with the maps being stored on your iPhone or iPad you won't need to rely on mobile network coverage to navigate."
Community driven regular monthly map updates are completely free of charge. New social features allow users to instantly share their position via SMS, Email, Twitter and Facebook.
Users will also be able to add enhanced features such as speed cameras, local petrol prices and traffic information to NavFree USA by purchasing these services within the app.
Coming soon:
* NavFree for Europe
* Navfree for Android
Find NavFree USA and NavFree UK & Ireland on the iTunes App Store: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/navfree-usa/id405922167?mt=8
About Navmii
Navmii is a leading publisher of satellite navigation location-based applications for mobile phones. Navmii designs, develops and supplies advanced GPS navigation and location based systems. Navmii iPhone apps are available in Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Republic of Ireland, Spain, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Portugal, United Kingdom and USA.
