Navigon
Latest
Navigon rolls out iPhone Car Kit for $50
The turn-by-turn navigation specialists at Navigon are pairing up their MobileNavigator iPhone app with an official Car Kit today, debuting at MacWorld out in San Francisco. As you might expect, said kit includes the usual array of car-mount necessities -- a USB car charger, an Apple-approved 5-foot iPhone cable, and the suction-style mount itself, which the company describes as "a stylish example of German tech design" featuring a "barely there look" that won't detract from your car's sumptuous, indulgent interior. The Kit is available now for $49.99 -- $44.99 through February 3rd. Follow the break for the full press release.
Navigon offers free Nevada nav app for CES attendees
If you're headed to the big CES show (and we know a lot of our readers attend), Navigon can at least keep you from getting lost in Las Vegas. For just a few days, you can download a special Audi-branded version of Navigon's GPS app that covers the whole state of Nevada. The special version includes Google local search, weather and location sharing. A pedestrian mode gives you walking directions, which is a big deal during CES. The app supports several languages, so visitors from outside the US will be well served. I consider Navigon's app one of the top choices for iPhone based GPS navigation, and the company is hoping that people will try the app and want the same level of service when they get home. You can pick the app up for a limited time on the App Store. The Audi Las Vegas Navigator requires an iPhone 4, 3GS or 3G. It's a 338 MB download.
Navigon updates MobileNavigator North America with new features and iPad friendliness
Here's a nice holiday present from Navigon. MobileNavigator for North America has just caught up with features recently added to the regional versions. In version 1.70 you now get an animated Active Lane Assistant and travel and restaurant guides through Zagat, which is a US$5.99 in-app purchase. Also added is the ability to report changes in roads to Navigon for verification and distribution in a map update. The new version of the app is universal, so it runs on the iPad as well as the iPhone. You can now share stored favorites between all of your iOS devices, allowing you to plan a trip on your iPad, for example, and transfer that info to your iPhone via email. MobileNavigator North America currently sells for $44.99. No date yet on an update to the USA only version, but it should arrive soon. The update is free for all owners of the Navigon North America app.
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.
Navigon's MobileNavigator 1.7 update adds universal iPad integration, Retina Display support, and more
We've maintained for quite some time that Navigon's MobileNavigator app was leaps and bounds better than most of the similarly priced alternatives, and if you just so happen to already own it, you can look forward to a rather sizable update this morning. The newest build -- which should be percolating through the iTunes tunnels as we speak -- takes things to v1.7, and it essentially includes a half-dozen new features: universal iPad integration, Zagat Survey, Active Lane Assistant, Map Reporter, enhanced Retina Display support and new user notifications. Furthermore, the outfit's announcing a series of free single-feature apps for the iPhone in 2011, with help2park launching today; as you might imagine, this one assists in finding a parking space nearby, and it's being offered gratis. The outfit has alerted us that all MobileNavigator US MyRegion apps should see the update right about now, while the USA and North America versions will "follow soon." Oh, and if you're curious about those new add-ons, the Zagat will cost you $7.99 (it's on sale at the moment for $5.99), Traffic Live will run $19.99 and the Panorama View 3D tacks on another $9.99. The full skinny is just after the break, per usual.
Great GPS navigation deals for holiday travelers
As the holidays approach we're seeing some very tempting prices on navigation apps for the iPhone. Here are some deals worth considering if you've been waiting for price drops. My favorite app, from Navigon is on sale Black Friday only. The USA version drops to $29.99 from the regular $49.99. The MyRegion versions, giving you a choice of the US East or West Coast, or the central states drops $10.00 to $19.99. I've consistently recommended the Navigon app because of it's many features, excellent voice directions, and easy GUI. I'd also point our readers to the CoPilot Live app which is on sale this week only. The North American version, which contains maps of both the US and Canada is now $9.99. A high resolution version for the iPad is now on sale for $19.99. Those prices are 50% off the regular cost. If you'd like to see what CoPilot Live can do, watch this video demo. We've already reported that the Magellan Roadmate app is also on sale for $34.99 until December 1, so no more excuses and stop getting lost on those road trips.
Navigon MobileNavigator finally hits American Androids, includes augmented reality POI view
We got our first taste of Navigon's MobileNavigator for Android way back at CES last January, and since then Googlephone users across Europe have been merrily navigating around using the thing. Finally, Americans get our chance, with Navigon announcing a North American release. This version includes maps of the good 'ol US of A, downloaded to the storage card (1.5GB worth) to enable full offline navigation, though you'll need a connection to get traffic updates. There's an improved Reality View Pro mode, which shows "photo realistic 3D views" of street signs and, the cream of this frothy app, a new Reality Scanner mode. This Layar-like view overlays nav and POI information over a real-time stream of the world from the phone's camera, letting you spot that Stuckey's from afar. The app hits the Android Market today for $39, but that's one of those limited time deals. After two weeks it jumps up to $59, so don't be slow with the clicking. %Gallery-105975%
Navigon's MobileNavigator comes to US Android devices
Germany navigation firm Navigon's turn-by-turn app for Android has been available in some European countries for much of the year, but it's hitting the US for the first time this week. Major features include the so-called "Reality Scanner," Navigon's take on augmented reality, lane-level navigation, a database of speed and red light cameras (seriously, don't go through red lights, okay?), and "MyRoutes," offering you a selection of up to three routes to your destination based on your driving habits. It's available in the Android Market starting today; Navigon's running a two-week special for $39.99, after which it'll go up to $59.99. Follow the break for the full press release.
Navigon has a half off sale on pretty much anything
Has it really been a year since we started reviewing true turn by turn GPS solutions? It's a one year anniversary for Navigon in the App Store, and the company is celebrating the event with a half off sale on almost every nav app and upgrade offered. Here's a breakdown: MobileNavigator North America (includes maps for Canada & US): US $39.99 instead of $79.99 MobileNavigator USA: $24.99 instead of $49.99 MobileNavigator Canada: $29.99 instead of $59.99 MobileNavigator US MyRegion East, Central or West: $14.99 instead of $29.99, additional regions $11.99 instead of $14.99. In-App Purchases Traffic Live lifetime subscription: $12.99 instead of $19.99 Panorama View 3D: $4.99 instead of $9.99
The iPhone 4 and a Mac on a photography trek
Until a recent trip up to Canyon de Chelly in Northeast Arizona, I hadn't fully realized just how important Apple products have become to my photo workflow. As I sat back to think about the number of ways that Apple has made my job behind the camera easier, I began to realize just how dramatically things have changed since I had a Canon film camera, a backpack full of lenses, and lots of Fuji film. First, let's talk about digital imaging. While Apple doesn't currently make a digital camera, in the old days, they made the Quicktake, which was one of the very first digital cameras on the market. Most of my images pass through Apple hardware and either Apple or third party software. I carry my MacBook Pro on my trips, and I download images from a CF card onto the desktop; I can browse through the images in Aperture or iPhoto. %Gallery-98032%
On the road with the latest Navigon MobileNavigator
The iOS 4 update to MobileNavigator North America has been eagerly awaited by fans of the best selling turn-by-turn navigation system, and overall I'd call the update a win. To test the system, I took a drive from Southern Arizona to Chandler, a suburb of Phoenix. First off, having the multitasking capabilities was wonderful. I could take or make calls without stopping the route guidance, and while I was on the phone, I could get notice of turns. Since my phone was connected to my car via Bluetooth, the voice announcements came through the car speaker. I set up speed limit warnings, and the system dutifully warned me if I was going too fast, which is easy to do on those long, straight Arizona highways. %Gallery-97295%
Navigon updates MobileNavigator with iOS4 multitasking, new maps and parking info
The popular Navigon app for the iPhone has had a significant update which is likely to please current owners and may get the company some new sales as well. New features include Live Weather (which gives the current weather wherever you're going), parking information, iOS 4 integration -- including background navigation and Retina Display enhancements), and updates to the NAVTEQ maps included. Additionally, there are some nice changes and improvements to the graphics, so this is a fairly substantial update. Read on for a little more insight.
Next update to Navigon app will multitask on iOS 4
Navigation is one of the iPhone app categories that will really benefit from multitasking, and Navigon will shortly release a free update to provide that highly desired functionality. You can leave the app when a call comes in, and when you end the call you'll still be navigating. Better yet, any voice alerts will be heard while you are on a call. The US and Canada version will be updated first, with the regional versions of the apps to follow shortly. Navigon has continued to be very aggressive in delivering features, and this latest update will be an important leap forward. No release date has been announced yet for the 1.6 update, but it's in review with Apple now. If you'd like to see the new features in action, Navigon has posted a video of the new version in operation. I can't wait for this update, and I expect I'm not alone. TomTom has also announced it will be supporting multitasking shortly after the new OS is released. [via MacRumors]
Navigon shows off new release for iPhone with multitasking compatibility
Of the app categories to benefit most from iOS 4's new multitasking features, turn-by-turn navigation is certainly pretty high on the list -- after all, no one wants their route to be interrupted by a phone call mere moments before a critical intersection or exit ramp. Navigon has just posted a video showing off the multitasking compatibility in the upcoming 1.6 release of its iPhone app, and it's pretty neat -- you can switch out of the app and come back to the exact same place where you left off, of course, but it'll also continue to play voice guidance during phone calls (hopefully, you can turn that off if you find it annoying). Follow the break for the video.
Navigon cuts price of MyRegion version for a limited time
If you were about to buy one of the MyRegions Navigon GPS apps for the iPhone, don't press that 'buy' button just yet. In honor of WWDC, Navigon will make the normally U.S. $29.99 version just $14.99 from June 1 through June 11. That's a big savings on one of the premier nav apps. The MyRegions versions cover the Western, Central and Eastern U.S., so if you are going to buy, make sure you get the correct version. All versions include functions such as Reality View Pro, Google Local Search, Lane Assistant Pro, Enhanced Pedestrian Mode, NAVIGON MyRoutes and much more. Of course you get text to speech, and either a flat or perspective view of your route. All these features are described in detail at the links above for each version. In addition, you can add other regions of the country with an in-app purchase. During the sale, additonal regions are $9.99 instead of the usual $14.99. Buyers can also add Traffic Live services (which will update traffic notices in real-time) for a one-time subscription cost of $19.99. If you buy, note that the entire U.S. will download to your iPhone, which is 1.4GB, so make sure you've got the room. If you go to add a region or two, you'll just unlock the data already installed on your phone.
Driving around with Navigon Panorama View 3D for iPhone
It's been a month now since Navigon offered what they call Panorama View 3D for MobileNavigator for the iPhone. Essentially, Navigon has taken NASA terrain and elevation data and added it to the map display. If you are driving in the mountains, you see the mountains on screen. How does it work? Quite well actually. Here in Southern Arizona there is a lot of eye candy to see as we are surrounded by mountain ranges. I like Panorama View 3D better than flat maps and even the 3D view which most nav apps provide. Of course, when you're driving, you shouldn't be staring at the pretty maps, but keeping your eyes on the road instead. At least the passengers can get entertained by Panorama View 3D. Panorama View 3D is a U.S. $9.99 update to the Navigon app you already have. It currently works on the USA and Canada versions of Navigon MobileNavigator. It also reportedly works on the less expensive regional versions, but I was not able to test this. You purchase the Panorama View 3D module from the 'Extras' menu in the app. I did notice that the map display seemed noticeably slower to respond, likely because of the greatly increased number of data points that have to be calculated and redrawn. I think it's a good trade-off though, for a spiffier map and an almost real-world view of your surroundings. Ultimately, buying this add-on depends on where you live and where you travel. If you're mostly hanging around places like Omaha it doesn't have much use. If, however, your traveling takes you to hill and dale, the Navigon Panorama view is a hot ticket.
iPhone GPS navigation head-to-head review
Nobody likes getting lost, and nobody likes paying too much for a reheated lunch at a franchise restaurant when there's a mouthwatering family joint hiding just around the corner. Wouldn't you know it, there's an app that solves those problems -- quite a few of the things, as it turns out. Following up on our earlier look at non-iPhone GPS apps, we took a look at the top iPhone navigation choices in the App Store and narrowed it down to the five below, then threw in a no charge option for kicks, covering a range of prices from free to upwards of $120 per year. As it turns out there's a very tangible difference between the discount and the "premium" options here, but is that extra really worth it? Read on to find out.
Navigon updates Mobile Navigator North America
These Navigon guys really do constant upgrades and enhancements of this popular app. Today, the US$79.99 North American version of the Navigon iPhone app has added connections to Facebook and Twitter, along with Navigon MyRoutes. According to the company, MyRoutes recommendations are based on the personal driving behavior of the user, the day of the week, and the time of day. MyRoutes always shows the best possible route for the driver on the basis of his or her driving behavior and by means of an optical "MyRoute" indicator. In addition to this recommended route, up to two alternatives are displayed. Also added is the option to buy Panorama View 3D, which gives you a more topographic view of the terrain based on NASA data. That option is an in-app $9.99 purchase. The 3D views require an additional 580 MB download. The Panorama, Facebook, and Twitter features will be coming to the recently released lower cost regional versions of the app. In fact, a spokesman for the company told me that the less expensive versions of the app will include all of the features of the North America version. The MyRoutes feature has already been included in the regional versions. I've just downloaded the 1.46 GB update, and will be testing the new features over the next few days. I will report soon on my findings.
Navigon chops MobileNavigator into three regions, pick any one for $30
Even as the rise of free navigation apps gives most paid competitors pause (if not killing them outright), Navigon has managed to stay well ahead of the pack with a robust, oft-updated smartphone solution, despite charging over $80 for the privilege. But now, even that last bit can change. For $30, Navigon's MyRegion gives you its premium MobileNavigator software at around one-third the price, with the simple caveat that you only get maps for one-third of the US (East, West or Central) to go with it. Should you drive out of your designated zone, Navigon will generously allow you to buy another chunk a la carte for $15; and all of Navigon's other add-ons, including the new MyRoutes feature (customized route recommendations and alternate routes) are similarly available. It's not quite as delectable as gratis, but we have to admit a certain admiration for Navigon turning software investment into impulse buy. Oh, and speaking of impulsive: Navigon's offering MyRegion for the low, low price of $25 through April 12th.
Navigon launches regional nav apps at lower prices
If you've been lusting after the Navigon apps for your iPhone, the company has just released lower-priced regional versions that divide the country into three sections and let you add other parts of the U.S. with an in-app purchase. You can now buy Western states, Central U.S. or Eastern states as standalone regions. The single region version is US$24.99 until April 12, when the price goes up to $29.99. If you buy one region, you can add another region for $12.99 each. These new versions contain all the features of the Navigon U.S. and Canada version. All versions include the new MyRoutes feature. Navigon MyRoutes learns from the user's driving style to provide customized and better route recommendations. The feature also offers up to two alternative routes clearly displayed on a map including ETA, distance and driving time. This lets users choose the route that best serves their individual situation. The MyRoutes feature will be added to the North American version with update 1.5.0 Traffic Live, which is another add-on, provides crowd-sourced real-time traffic information to calculate better routes that avoid congestion and get drivers to their destination faster. The feature is available as an in-app one-time purchase at a promotional price of $19.99 until April 12th. As I pointed out in my review of CoPilot Live yesterday, these add-ons are getting a bit confusing, and it would be nice if all the nav developers simply offered a complete version to keep things simple. Others will argue that by offering bits and pieces you can customize your app and get only what you want. It does keep the price down. Navigon has certainly done that with the Navigon MyRegion edition. If you stay in pretty much one part of the country you get a very advanced application at a very competitive price. You can find a complete Navigon feature list here. The apps run on iPhone version 3.0 or greater. They can be used on first generation iPhones or the iPod touch with additional hardware accessories, and run on their own with the iPhone 3G or 3GS.
