14 DAY TRIAL // Leading provider of mobile phone on-board navigation NAVIGON AG announced on Tuesday the release of a new version of its MobileNavigator for iPhone, with extended comprehensive functionality. According to the company, there are three new enhancements that iPhone users will enjoy with the update, including Panorama View 3D with 3D terrain views, in-app connectivity to Facebook and Twitter, and personalized route delivery through NAVIGON MyRoutes.
“NAVIGON, an industry first to launch an on-board navigation app on the iPhone platform, remains ahead of the competition by consistently delivering first to market, full-feature updates. Apple’s App Store is ideal for delivering our latest innovations to our users," said Gerhard Mayr, vice-president worldwide mobile phones & new markets, NAVIGON. "The upcoming fifth version not only redefines routing capabilities on the iPhone platform but also integrates social media connectivity, and outstanding, reliable 3D environment views.”
The MobileNavigator solution for Apple's iPhone offers users the possibility to broadcast their current position, destination or ETA to social networking sites, including Twitter and Facebook, without interrupting the navigation. The application comes with an easy access to social networking via an in-app icon, the company notes.
As for the new Panorama View 3D delivers 3D map views, the feature is powered by NASA’s height and terrain data, and should fit greatly with iPhone's UI. Users will receive an accurate depiction of surrounding environment, while also being able to view what lies ahead, not to mention that the feature is integrated in-map, and does not require a data connection.
Those who enjoy personalized route recommendations should see the NAVIGON MyRoutes feature as a great addition to the application. Through this new functionality, MobileNavigator can analyze individual driving data and then design customized routes, the company notes. The solution will then display up to three possible choices, with the primary option being delivered as the result of combining user’s driving habits, the day of week and time of travel.
“MobileNavigator transforms the iPhone into an inclusive navigation device that relies on the GPS receiver, independent from a cell or wireless signal, to provide the most feature rich on-board navigation application. MobileNavigator offers a familiar, yet streamlined user interface that offers intuitive visual feedback and readily accessible connected features, which takes the efficiency of mobile navigation to new heights. It is the only on-board iPhone navigation app available that includes Google Local Search, Reality View Pro, branded in-route POI’s, seamless in-app iPod controls, enhanced pedestrian mode, Traffic Live, and soon in-app social media connectivity in one application,” the company states.
Those who would like to try out the solution will find it available for purchase and download via the Apple App Store, with maps of North America from NAVTEQ, priced at $89.99. According to the company, the application is available not only for users of the iPhone 3G and 3GS, but for those owning a first-generation iPhone or an iPod Touch too. Additional details are available on the company's website.