CoPilot GPS navigation coming to Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8
While most Windows Phone 8 users have at least one option for driving directions, that doesn't preclude them opting for a little extra. ALK Technologies at least believes we're willing to splurge, as it's bringing versions of its CoPilot GPS apps to both Windows Phone 8 as well as Windows 8. Both platforms will share the extras we've seen in the Android and iOS releases, such as on-the-fly route editing, speed limit warnings and local search that involves Wikipedia, Yelp and Google -- shh, don't tell Microsoft. ALK is also promising a similar, two-tiered pricing approach that will offer both a free planning-only app as well as a paid Premium version that delivers turn-by-turn navigation and a year of live traffic information. The catch is an extreme wait for the Windows builds: the two will only appear just as we're setting out on our summer vacations.
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CoPilot® Brings Full-Featured GPS Navigation to Windows Phone 8
-- Award-winning CoPilot GPS navigation apps return to the Microsoft platform.
BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Mobile World Congress – ALK Technologies, a leading provider of navigation and GeoLogistics™ software, is pleased to announce that its award-winning CoPilot® GPS navigation apps for smartphones and tablets will be available for Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8.
CoPilot brings dependable voice-guided GPS navigation to Windows Phone 8 handsets and Windows 8 devices. Designed as an alternative to traditional in-vehicle systems, the app provides a full range of advanced turn-by-turn guidance features, comprehensive trip planning and automotive-grade street maps stored on-board the device for offline use. Integral real-time 'Live' services include ActiveTraffic™, Yelp, Wikipedia and Google Search to keep drivers fully informed on the road.
"We've always been fans of Microsoft's mobile solutions," said David Quin, head of consumer applications at ALK Technologies. "CoPilot was originally developed for Microsoft's Pocket PC and pioneered mobile navigation on Windows Mobile, so we are delighted to announce a new app for Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8. The Windows family of mobile devices is rapidly gaining momentum as an alternative to Android and iOS, and provides an ideal platform for us to deliver a full-featured and driver friendly CoPilot navigation experience."
"Windows Phone is backed by a vibrant app ecosystem with a variety of quality titles, like CoPilot, which help people enjoy a smartphone that is uniquely theirs," said Todd Brix, general manager, Windows Phone Apps, Microsoft Corp. "CoPilot is a great example of the rich applications that people can enjoy on their Windows Phones."
CoPilot for Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8 brings a complete suite of advanced navigation features that can help make every journey easier, including:
* Clear, non-distracting 3D map views with lane arrows and signpost display
* ActiveTraffic™ calculates the fastest routes and accurate arrival times, based on live traffic flow information
* CoPilot ClearTurn™ makes navigating complex junctions easy
* On-screen speed limit indicator and excess speed warnings
* Advanced trip planning with a choice of three routes and drag-and-drop route editing
* Comprehensive local search with integrated Yelp, Wikipedia and Google
* Global map regions available to purchase and store on the device as required
Availability: CoPilot is expected to launch on the Windows Phone Store and Windows Store in summer 2013 with the following versions: 'CoPilot Premium' a paid app which includes turn-by-turn navigation and 12 months ActiveTraffic; 'CoPilot GPS' a free offline trip-planning and maps app with in-app purchase for turn-by turn navigation; and CoPilot Truck for truck-specific GPS navigation. Pricing will be in-line with existing CoPilot apps for iOS and Android.
