Navigon GPS Navigator hits North America

Cleve Nettles
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July 22, 2009
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As Engadget notes, Navigon has released North American (1.12 GB iTunes link) to go with its European version of its Turn-By-Turn GPS navigation software.  The software is one of the first of its kind (with G-Maps  and Sygic Mobile maps - thanks commenters) to have a one-time charge ($70) rather than a monthly fee levied by AT&T's software, and others. 

Readers should note that TomTom's hardware/software solution should be available on the iPhone (and iPod touch?) by the end of summer.  Interestingly, you can also get a full, stand-alone TomTom One for $48 which makes these software only versions seem more than a little pricey (hint: wait a few months for price wars to begin).  We have to admit, however, that this one looks great.  Video below.

 

Comments (14)

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | July 22, 2009 - 1:21pm

About the EU version that has been out for a month now ;)

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | July 22, 2009 - 2:10pm

This is misleading. I've been using G-Map for weeks and it has turn by turn voice.

editonmac (not verified) | July 22, 2009 - 2:15pm

Well, the first turn by turn navigation app in the app store without a subscription was actually G-Map by X-Roads. I cannot believe how many people overlooks such a fantastic app, with voice guidence.

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | July 22, 2009 - 2:43pm

Mobile Maps 2009 is another fantastic app which doesn't require a subscription

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | July 22, 2009 - 3:43pm

Yes, G-map was first, and now has an app for Canada as well, so it has the same coverage as Navigon (at a lower price if you bought G-map at introductory pricing).

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | July 22, 2009 - 3:50pm

how much is that app?! seriously!!! are you kidding me? $70 and a battery killer too

not on my phone

Matt (not verified) | July 22, 2009 - 4:47pm

So let's spend $150-$200 on a standalone GPS device?

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | July 22, 2009 - 5:10pm

..or $48, as mentioned in the article.

Battery shouldn't be a problem with these programs.. you're in the car - your phone will be connected to power already.

Matt (not verified) | July 22, 2009 - 5:58pm

Yeah, for last year's technology. This is immensely superior.

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | July 22, 2009 - 6:08pm

The only problem I have with any iPhone nav product is that there is no way for the application to continue running in the event of a phone call. Obviously this is an Apple issue, however, I cant wait to be able to navigate using the iphone while at the same time being able to place and receive calls via the cars bluetooth integration kit without the system pausing the software. Can you imagine trying to navigate downtown L.A. with this while getting calls at the same time....

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | July 22, 2009 - 9:01pm

but we really having to do something about that traffic!

Evilhomer (not verified) | July 22, 2009 - 7:16pm

Does this have actual text to speech capabilities or just "voice prompt" like, "take the next left, take the next right", etc? I am unclear on this.

Thanks.

Tom (not verified) | July 23, 2009 - 1:24am

In the European version it actually speaks road numbers, but not road names. E.g. on the autobahn it tells you "Now turn right to the A3" and on large roads, which are numbered Exx for trans-European roads and Bxx for federal roads it also speaks out the road numbers. But no road names yet.

Dave (not verified) | July 23, 2009 - 11:55am

I think they are going to have a hard time getting 70 bucks for it. I'm sure within 6 months you'll see the GPS apps going for 20-30...