GPS Apps = Not Cheap

[Tunnelrunner]

As was posted earlier on the forum, Navigon has finally come to the App Store - it's only for the maps of Europe (so far) but I expect to see North America and all the other continents released within the next week. It takes 1.65 GB (pretty typical size for downloading maps for an entire continent) of space on your iphone.

Price point for Navigon Europe? $94.99 USD. Not surprising, IMO. You figure North America will probably run around the same price. And this ought to give us a hint as to how much brand-leader TomTom will be asking for. Back when they unveiled their app for the iphone, I thought it could run as low as $50+ and as high as $100 - I'm now leaning towards the higher end of $100. Sygic IDA, which offers a similar type of GPS model as TomTom and Navigon will most likely also be asking for $50-100.

Gokivo offers a pay-as-you-go monthly subscription for $10 (for the USA). This is pretty standard for other monthly mobile GPS subscription services like VZW Navigator. Gokivo is the first to offer this in the App Store (in addition to in-app purchasing) and they won't be the last; this is only the beginning. You can expect many other services (beyond GPS apps: videogames, camera apps, etc.) to do the same. When NIM's competitor Telenav finally arrives in the App Store, they will also offer a $10 monthly subscription for their services. Don't be surprised if services like Gokivo and Telenav begin to also offer a third price point option: $2.99 for one-day use only. We'll see.

My point is: in the new 3.0 era, fully-featured TBT GPS applications are not cheap. And every GPS service named in this post is of excellent, high quality -- but we're going to have to pay for it. We asked for this; to have access to the same features that Blackberry, WM, and Palm users have had for YEARS. Monthly subscription services like Telenav and Gokivo will allow you to use their cool apps and get real-time traffic delays and constantly updated maps, but you're going to have to pay $10 a month - not $1 a month. From the other GPS model of service, TomTom and Navigon will be asking for probably around $100 to download their maps onto your phone - not $20. I wouldn't be surprised if TomTom also offers a yearly upgrade fee to update their maps, or they might offer smaller upgrades (ie: buying maps for other countries/continents) - again, we will see a lot more of in-app purchasing. You get the drift. Speaking for myself, if a GPS app is of excellent quality, I am willing to pay up to $100+ for it (dedicated GPS PNDs can cost several hundreds of dollars) - I just hope other iphone users are mentally prepping themselves for the realistic prices they're going to be seeing - GPS is not cheap.

As a side-note I should mention: if you're really strapped for cash (as many people are in this economy), there is still the first pseudo-TBT GPS app of them all: G-Map East/West (last I checked, they offered or were in the process of offering maps for all the continents on the planet), which is incredibly, still $24.99. The upgrade for 3.0 will feature full voice/text to speech, etc - at a price point of $25 only! But you'd have to buy it NOW before Xroad increases (as I think they'll have to to stay competitive) their price in the near future. They were the first ones to appear in the App Store, hence the low price - with all the other ones popping up now...well...you get the idea...

[dukebound85]

another option is to buy a dedicated TBT device like a garmin

[Jeremy1026]

I've been saying from the begin, the voice guided turn by turn apps will be at least $80. Maps aren't cheap. When you buy a standalone unit, the majority of the cost is in the software. The software costs the same whether it is on their unit or a 3rd parties unit. If you want to upgrade Tom Tom maps you will be paying them $69.95-$89.95 for North America. I'd expect to see the Tom Tom App in that same range if not another $10 more for the user interface development.

[spyker3292]

GPS apps won't be cheap. Companies don't want to give away a program that you previously needed to buy a $200+ dedicated device for. I think TomTom might end up being the most expensive app I buy (If I do).

[bbplayer5]

TomTom will probably be 99 dollars US. Dont forget they also sell an accessory they can charge you for too. If you really want navigation and a phone on one device, its really worth it.

[gloss]

TomTom will probably be 99 dollars US. Dont forget they also sell an accessory they can charge you for too. If you really want navigation and a phone on one device, its really worth it.

I'm kind of excited for them to announce availability.

[Lara F]

As a side-note I should mention: if you're really strapped for cash (as many people are in this economy), there is still the first pseudo-TBT GPS app of them all: G-Map East/West (last I checked, they offered or were in the process of offering maps for all the continents on the planet), which is incredibly, still $24.99. The upgrade for 3.0 will feature full voice/text to speech, etc - at a price point of $25 only! But you'd have to buy it NOW before Xroad increases (as I think they'll have to to stay competitive) their price in the near future. They were the first ones to appear in the App Store, hence the low price - with all the other ones popping up now...well...you get the idea...

Don't forget xGPS if you're willing to jailbreak.

[Stampyhead]

Pricepoint for Navigon Europe? $94.99 USD.

And this is just an introductory rate until June 30. I'm sure over time the prices on these packages will go down, especially as more and more competition comes to the iTunes store. But until then I guess we can expect them to be expensive...

[samab]

And this is just an introductory rate until June 30. I'm sure over time the prices on these packages will go down, especially as more and more competition comes to the iTunes store. But until then I guess we can expect them to be expensive...

The map business is a duopoly --- Nokia and TomTom owns the only 2 map makers in the world. It is they that control the pricing.

[Jeremy1026]

The map business is a duopoly --- Nokia and TomTom owns the only 2 map makers in the world. It is they that control the pricing.

How long do you think it takes to make a set of maps? Like, man hours, how many would you guess?

[Capt Crunch]

TomTom will probably be 99 dollars US. Dont forget they also sell an accessory they can charge you for too. If you really want navigation and a phone on one device, its really worth it.

Agreed, for me it is the killer app.

[samab]

How long do you think it takes to make a set of maps? Like, man hours, how many would you guess?

Nokia bought one of the map makers, Navteq, for $8.1 billion.

How many man hours can $8.1 billion buy?

[Julien]

GPS apps won't be cheap. Companies don't want to give away a program that you previously needed to buy a $200+ dedicated device for. I think TomTom might end up being the most expensive app I buy (If I do).

Over $200:confused: You can buy a dedicated TomTom for less than $50. (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16858194072&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL061809&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL061809-_-GPSNavigation-_-L0A-_-58194072)

[lindsayanng]

Over $200:confused: You can buy a dedicated TomTom for less than $50. (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16858194072&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL061809&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL061809-_-GPSNavigation-_-L0A-_-58194072)

I think the point is simply to well, simplify. Its not to get yourself a cheaper turn by turn navigation unit, but instead to just simplify the amount of gadgets you need..

Right now I have a phone, a GPS, a digital camera, a video camera, an ipod, and a satellite radio.. now, i dont carry the video camera on me at all times, but there are random moments where I wish i did.. But i feel that the direction everything is moving is to have one all encompassing gadget.. THAT is the focus.. not to offer a lesser model for cheap.

Right now, i still need my camera, because this camera isnt great.. and I still need a video camera.. But i could get rid of my satellite radio, ipod.. and eventaully a GPS if i chose too.. But i just bought a new one. If my existing one gets stolen, and these apps are truely as good as the stand alone, then I will just get the app.. to consolidate.

LIke i said, its not about getting a lesser model for cheaper. The value of those things isn;t in the physical item, its in the maps.. and if we want them on our phone, we will pay pretty much the same price.. But for me, I still really like my garmin.. so unless the come out with something for the iphone that has the same UI and functions, Iw il stick with it..

[marksman]

another option is to buy a dedicated TBT device like a garmin

The less devices I have to manage the better. If I can get a good TBT navigation system on a device I already carry with me all the time, that is much better then messing with another device.

I expected the TOM TOM would come in around $80 or so. Remember the tom tom also has the accerssory kit, so it might be like $99.00 for the app and the mounting kit.

the only thing is i think I would need the mounting device for the Tom Tom as the volume on the 3G iPhone is not really loud enough, for me, to have successful TBT navigation.

[DiamondMac]

I will not be buying any of them anyway

Too much for my liking

I think the Maps part of the iPhone is just fine

[itsjustmeee]

Tunnelrunner, where did you hear that G-Map will have an upgrade with voice commands, etc?? I have G-Map and I'm pretty happy with it, but I would probably jump ship and get the Tomtom app if they don't upgrade. It would be very wise of them to push that out before any other GPS program gets in the app store........

[chimpboy74]

If you are in uk Argos are doing 2 X £15 iTunes vouchers for £20. Buy a job lot of them and you save a few squid on the more expensive apps!


Thanks to ajnicho for the heads up on the navigon thread

[severe]

Tunnelrunner, where did you hear that G-Map will have an upgrade with voice commands, etc?? I have G-Map and I'm pretty happy with it, but I would probably jump ship and get the Tomtom app if they don't upgrade. It would be very wise of them to push that out before any other GPS program gets in the app store........

Looks great and has all the features the current version is missing, IMO.

G-Map U.S. iPhone Voice Guidance Preview (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urwfnMZmrs4)

Seems like they've had this together for some time. Makes you wonder what the delay could be.

[RobT]

You can get a TomTom unit for under $75.00.

My guess is the software for iPhone will be $39.99 or $49.99.

[dukebound85]

The less devices I have to manage the better. If I can get a good TBT navigation system on a device I already carry with me all the time, that is much better then messing with another device.

I expected the TOM TOM would come in around $80 or so. Remember the tom tom also has the accerssory kit, so it might be like $99.00 for the app and the mounting kit.

the only thing is i think I would need the mounting device for the Tom Tom as the volume on the 3G iPhone is not really loud enough, for me, to have successful TBT navigation.

i dont know about you but my garmin resides in my car. i dont carry it around

seems like more of a hassle to continusouly take my phone out, mount it and unmount it if i need to check stuff, etc than keep my phone in my pocket or seat and have the garmin doing all the navigating

[Jeremy1026]

i dont know about you but my garmin resides in my car. i dont carry it around

seems like more of a hassle to continusouly take my phone out, mount it and unmount it if i need to check stuff, etc than keep my phone in my pocket or seat and have the garmin doing all the navigating

I personally use my iPhone for my in car audio (through AUX port.) So since I'm already mounting it up every time I drive, I'm all for getting rid of a device.

[itsjustmeee]

It's a hassle if you already have a GPS mounted in your car, but if you travel a lot and do the car rental thing, or are in someone else's car that doesn't have it, it's totally worth it.

And my guess is that the delay with the newest G-Maps update has to do with the release of the 3.0 software. I believe they wouldn't have been able to sneak past the approval process with the voice turn by turn.

[severe]

And my guess is that the delay with the newest G-Maps update has to do with the release of the 3.0 software. I believe they wouldn't have been able to sneak past the approval process with the voice turn by turn.

This is true. They claimed it wouldn't be released until 3.0. I'm just wondering where it's at now that we've updated.

[itsjustmeee]

They are probably doing their last minute tweaks after the official launch of 3.0 . I'm sure they realize the time issue here with tomtom breathing down their necks. That youtube video is pretty old and I'm sure there will be some improvements when we see the newest version. From looking at the video, IMO the graphics (the main window part) looks better on the version that's out now than that preview. They've had a few months to really make it cool. Let's hope we see it in a few days.

[williamgallas10]

What if google comes with their own TBT with voice. We alrady have google maps for free.

[williamgallas10]

Well you will have options. This one will cost $25. Not bad if they can upgrade their database.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urwfnMZmrs4

[pooryou]

Motion X GPS Lite is free and the paid one is only $3 right now.

[Tunnelrunner]

Sean, the PR rep from X-Road/G-Map sent me this reply on Monday June 15 (gotta love 3.0 copy and paste!!!):

"We will be launching the updated version within a week hopefully earlier than Navigon.* Thanks."

Well...they didn't beat Navigon Europe or Gokivo to the App Store but we should still expect the app to be here next week (?) - around the same time Navigon US Version arrives.

[samab]

What if google comes with their own TBT with voice. We alrady have google maps for free.

Google can never offer free TBT on google maps because Google has to get the maps from the world's only 2 map makers.

The map makers charge 2 different prices --- a cheap licensing fee for maps for non-navigation purposes and a very expensive licensing fee for the same maps for navigation purposes.

[kas23]

This is true. They claimed it wouldn't be released until 3.0. I'm just wondering where it's at now that we've updated.

I'll just buy G-Map. It's $25. I would pay $100 for GPS on the iPhone, even it was manufactured by Jesus Christ himself. It's likely going to be laggy at some times and/or it's going to kick you out at times (when you get a call). Besides, as someone else has pointed out, you can get a very basic unit (no frills) under $100.

Another point, for the OP, why would G-Maps have to increase their prices to be competitive? I think they are very, very compeititive at this price.

[Tunnelrunner]

I'll just buy G-Map. It's $25. I would pay $100 for GPS on the iPhone, even it was manufactured by Jesus Christ himself. It's likely going to be laggy at some times and/or it's going to kick you out at times (when you get a call). Besides, as someone else has pointed out, you can get a very basic unit (no frills) under $100.

Another point, for the OP, why would G-Maps have to increase their prices to be competitive? I think they are very, very compeititive at this price.

Yeah, you're right -- lower price = more competitive. I knew I had worded that wrong after proof-reading it yesterday but was too lazy to edit it.

I just figured they would want to make A LITTLE more profit seeing as how their competition (TomTom and Navigon) are asking for significantly more $ than they are. Although the low competitive pricing may actually lead to more G-Map sales and thus more profit that way. By underselling everyone else, G-Map might actually end up OUTSELLING everyone else but only *if* their 3.0-ready app is of comparable quality to TomTom/Navigon. From what little we've seen so far (the Tap Critic video), I would say it will be. We shall see...

[williamgallas10]

G-map have to fix their app if they want to compete. Just because it's cheap doesn't mean that people will buy it. The current version of g-map is very lacking. It won't name some streets. The gps takes too long to locate you on the map. It's POI database is very skinny, it won't show a post office around me when I search for it. If they fix these problems they may just be the app to beat. I will predict one thing, they will raise their price.

[JayLenochiniMac]

Just get a car with a navigation system. No monthly charge and it's much easier.

[Jeremy1026]

Just get a car with a navigation system. No monthly charge and it's much easier.

No monthly charge, but at least $20,000. I'd rather pay a monthly fee.

[Markleshark]

Just get a car with a navigation system. No monthly charge and it's much easier.

Not sure thats really the cost effective option. :rolleyes:

[JayLenochiniMac]

No monthly charge, but at least $20,000. I'd rather pay a monthly fee.

You have to buy a car anyway, so it's just the cost of the add on option for the navigation system itself.

Not sure thats really the cost effective option. :rolleyes:

Why? Keep a car for 10 years with no monthly charge or pay $1,200 for a 10 year subscription at $10/month.

[gloss]

You have to buy a car anyway, so it's just the cost of the add on option for the navigation system itself.



Why? Keep a car for 10 years with no monthly charge or pay $1,200 for a 10 year subscription at $10/month.

Or buy a unit for $100, once.

Built-in nav systems are a waste of time. They cost about four times as much to update, and for what? Bigger screen?

[Jeremy1026]

You have to buy a car anyway, so it's just the cost of the add on option for the navigation system itself.

Your solution is only suitable if your car is on its last legs, or you are already looking to get a new car. Of the 40 million iPhone users, I'd bet maybe 1 million are currently car shopping. And of those 1 million, maybe 100,000 are thinking about getting a TBT app for their device.

[iphonetester]

Yeah, but standalone GPS devices are considerably more expensive. I still think these are more convinient

[jmmo20]

What I'd like to see is country packs for Navigon.
As it is now, it's almost 2gb of an app with most of europe.

You normally only need 1-2 countries (normally 1, but 2 if you live near the border!) and you plan a trip you could download the map of that country.

It will save money, space and time to install.

[kas23]

Your solution is only suitable if your car is on its last legs, or you are already looking to get a new car. Of the 40 million iPhone users, I'd bet maybe 1 million are currently car shopping. And of those 1 million, maybe 100,000 are thinking about getting a TBT app for their device.

Not only that, but he makes these onboard units sound cheap or free with the purchase of a new car. Far from it. These are usually available in option packages that are $600-800 in price (or more). But, they are very nice.

[jessica.]

The price points were said to be around $100. This is no surprise to me nor is the space it requires. Be careful what you ask for folks ... Be careful what you ask for.

Kas23 if you believe this makes on-board units sound cheap, I question which auto maker you're referrering to and your actual experience in buying because you couldn't be more wrong.

[Fizzoid]

You can get a TomTom unit for under $75.00.

My guess is the software for iPhone will be $39.99 or $49.99. I think you're going to be dissapointed if you're expecting it to be that price, I can't see it being much different in price to the Navigon

[jmmo20]

I just tested this app and quite honestly I don't like it.
The arrow doesn't update often (you may drive for 5-6 seconds before the arrow even moves), and It takes too long to recalculate the route.

I think I will wait for Tomtom before I buy a GPS tbt app.

[SpaceKitty]

I think you're going to be dissapointed if you're expecting it to be that price, I can't see it being much different in price to the Navigon

Yeah when I bought Garmin Navigator for my Blackberry, it was $99 and the maps didn't even download to the phone.

These apps are not cheap at all.

[avaloncourt]

I think you're going to be dissapointed if you're expecting it to be that price, I can't see it being much different in price to the Navigon

I agree. You can get closeout/discontinued TomTom models for that price but not a new, current model. Right now the cheapest TomTom on NewEgg is $98. The cheapest on Tiger Direct is $78.

People have to remember that they're going to be buying this software from the manufacturer. This isn't a dealer marking down the prices to compete with someone else. Manufacturers charge full retail price to sell their own products. The price of the TomTom will be very similar to Navigon. Think of this like Apple's MobileMe service. I can buy it from Apple for $99 or I can do my homework and get it for less than $50 elsewhere. In this case there won't be anywhere else to go.

[Jeremy1026]

Not only that, but he makes these onboard units sound cheap or free with the purchase of a new car. Far from it. These are usually available in option packages that are $600-800 in price (or more). But, they are very nice.

Heh, on the car I just ordered it was a $2000 option. I could rock Navigon for 16.6 years at their monthly fee of $10 for that price. And, I'm just thinking here, but I think 16 years is longer then the life of that average car.

[geekmommy4]

I agree with those who say that TomTom will be in the $89 - $100 range. I would find it hard to justify that price when I might decide to get a different cell phone next year. I will probably use iPhones for a long time, but something else might possibly tempt me next year (like the Pre on AT&T?).

I wouldn't really like having that much more money invested in a device that I consider somewhat disposable (well, not exactly disposable...more like sell and switch to something else!) It's not like the money for the GPS software is transferrable to someone else when you sell because the purchases on the iPHone are tied to your iTunes account.

[tivoboy]

What if google comes with their own TBT with voice. We alrady have google maps for free.

i don't think google is going in this direction on ANY platform, but if they did it would probably be on the android first. But there are NO signs of that at all, and they don't have the TBT engine anywhere at all yet.

[tivoboy]

I agree with those who say that TomTom will be in the $89 - $100 range. I would find it hard to justify that price when I might decide to get a different cell phone next year. I will probably use iPhones for a long time, but something else might possibly tempt me next year (like the Pre on AT&T?).

I wouldn't really like having that much more money invested in a device that I consider somewhat disposable (well, not exactly disposable...more like sell and switch to something else!) It's not like the money for the GPS software is transferrable to someone else when you sell because the purchases on the iPHone are tied to your iTunes account.

I think the TomTom gps will cost more than 100$, for just the software, and will be 179-190$ for the kit, which will include the hardware too.

But, I think the tomtom could surprise us with some additional telematics functionality that none of the others offer.

[fleshman03]

I think we all are shooting in the dark, but here's my guess.

TomTom
$49.99 App only
$99.99 Dock + App (via promo code)

As much as I want the TomTom app, I'm simply not willing to pay more then $100.

I do think that $99.99 will cover all of the USA (or home country)

I don't think it'll be too much more then that. You can get a cheap TomTom for $75-150. Given that this is just software, I don't think they will get more then $50-$75 for the App.

Do we know anymore details?

[tivoboy]

I think we all are shooting in the dark, but here's my guess.

TomTom
$49.99 App only
$99.99 Dock + App (via promo code)

I'll take that bet.

Loser posts a big picture eating crow?

:-)

honestly, the 9.99$ gznavi program business model is pretty sound, which is 100$+ a year, and tomtom offers either an up to date program, or as I noted above could offer extra features that the others don't offer, which could easily add upwards of 50$ to a realistic price point.

Would I like to see the HW/SW from tomtom for 99$, yepper and they would sell if every day of the week, 24 hours a day if that were the case, but I won't hold my breath for it.

Could it be 179$, with a 50$ 30 day promo, maaaaybe, I would say more like 199$ with a 50$ 30 day promo.

they MIGHT offer a 100$ deal with a SEVEN day offer window, how many can they move in a week. THAT might be interesting, fastest selling hardware/software device on the platform? could happen,

but then again, monkeys could fly out of my.....



:-)

[JayLenochiniMac]

Heh, on the car I just ordered it was a $2000 option. I could rock Navigon for 16.6 years at their monthly fee of $10 for that price. And, I'm just thinking here, but I think 16 years is longer then the life of that average car.

It's not $2,000 for the navigation, but also for several other features that may include (depending on the car manufacturer) rear back-up camera, voice control, premium audio system, upgraded CD player, better (usually name brand like JBL) speaker package. It's very difficult to price for this reason, but at least it'll help with the resale value if you do sell the car so it's even cheaper. You lose it all if you do the monthly subscription.

[Jeremy1026]

It's not $2,000 for the navigation, but also for several other features that may include (depending on the car manufacturer) rear back-up camera, voice control, premium audio system, upgraded CD player, better (usually name brand like JBL) speaker package. It's very difficult to price for this reason, but at least it'll help with the resale value if you do sell the car so it's even cheaper. You lose it all if you do the monthly subscription.

The car that I ordered on the 10th has a $2000 navigation option. No back up ($500 option), voice control is extra ($250 option), no premium audio ($500 option), no upgraded CD player (not an option), no better speakers (see premium audio). It is just for the navigation.

[bbplayer5]

The software on the iPhone will probably be 100 bucks, accessory probably 29.99.

[kas23]

The car that I ordered on the 10th has a $2000 navigation option. No back up ($500 option), voice control is extra ($250 option), no premium audio ($500 option), no upgraded CD player (not an option), no better speakers (see premium audio). It is just for the navigation.

True. And some car manufacturers WILL offer GPS in a package and you are forced to buy all the other crap. Still, the point stands. It's next to impossible to get onboard GPS for under a grand. It's an option for the financially ignorant or for people who are very well off. It's best to just but a portable unit because you can take it into other vehicles too.

[aardwolf]

True. And some car manufacturers WILL offer GPS in a package and you are forced to buy all the other crap. Still, the point stands. It's next to impossible to get onboard GPS for under a grand. It's an option for the financially ignorant or for people who are very well off. It's best to just but a portable unit because you can take it into other vehicles too.

Add to that the fact that it takes the average car 5 years from design to market. That's why you might notice that all of the in-car GPS systems look like old technology... it's because it is.

That makes about as much sense as buying a nice computer desk with a permanent computer built in. People will want to update their GPS devices much more frequently than cars (one would hope.)

[rez07]

Sygic Drive is also out, but so far only for Australia and SE Asia. Its less expensive, it seems.

[JayLenochiniMac]

The car that I ordered on the 10th has a $2000 navigation option. No back up ($500 option), voice control is extra ($250 option), no premium audio ($500 option), no upgraded CD player (not an option), no better speakers (see premium audio). It is just for the navigation.

Obviously an overpriced luxury vehicle and you got ripped off. Many manufacturers bundle it with at least a back-up camera and voice control.

Why did you order it if you're that price conscious?

[Jeremy1026]

Obviously an overpriced luxury vehicle and you got ripped off. Many manufacturers bundle it with at least a back-up camera and voice control.

Why did you order it if you're that price conscious?

An 09' MINI Cooper S Convetible with JCW tuning, and I didn't get ripped off, because I didn't add it into my build.

[livemixer]

Well the one thing that people aren't taking into consideration is that the GPS on the iPhone is partially dependent on the cellular network. So if you're, say, driving up in the Sierra Nevada mountains, and you no longer have cell service, how good is that $99 TomTom app going to be at that point? Whereas a standalone that comes with the dash mount included won't fail in dead zones. That's the deal breaker for me.

[gloss]

Well the one thing that people aren't taking into consideration is that the GPS on the iPhone is partially dependent on the cellular network. So if you're, say, driving up in the Sierra Nevada mountains, and you no longer have cell service, how good is that $99 TomTom app going to be at that point? Whereas a standalone that comes with the dash mount included won't fail in dead zones. That's the deal breaker for me.

It's not dependent on the cellular network for anything other than getting an initial lock on the Satellites and speeding up the connection process. Any GPS app with maps stored locally will work fine anywhere, even without cellular signal, it'll just take longer to locate.

[ksmith80209]

Well the one thing that people aren't taking into consideration is that the GPS on the iPhone is partially dependent on the cellular network. So if you're, say, driving up in the Sierra Nevada mountains, and you no longer have cell service, how good is that $99 TomTom app going to be at that point? Whereas a standalone that comes with the dash mount included won't fail in dead zones. That's the deal breaker for me.

Actually - many are not cell network based. They store the maps on the phone and access the data that way. E.g. xRoads/G-Maps stores the whole western US on my phone and I never need a signal (other than GPS).

[Jeremy1026]

Well the one thing that people aren't taking into consideration is that the GPS on the iPhone is partially dependent on the cellular network. So if you're, say, driving up in the Sierra Nevada mountains, and you no longer have cell service, how good is that $99 TomTom app going to be at that point? Whereas a standalone that comes with the dash mount included won't fail in dead zones. That's the deal breaker for me.

Umm, that $99 TomTom app will work the same way. Since you have to bring your own maps, they are stored on the device, not downloaded from the internet like the Maps app.

[tivoboy]

Not too high in the mountains though, the device is only rated to 3000 meters.
:-0

[jessica.]

Not too high in the mountains though, the device is only rated to 3000 meters.
:-0

Isn't that around 10,000 feet?

[tivoboy]

sure is, but that is the top of the gondola on most west coast ski neighborhoods

[Sehnsucht]

You can get a TomTom unit for under $75.00 that sucks.

Fixed. :D

Standalone Magellan units are better. IMHO.

[jessica.]

sure is, but that is the top of the gondola on most west coast ski neighborhoods

Really. And you need a GPS there ... people have been skiing longer than GPS/Cell/Silicone boobies have been around.

[williamgallas10]

I think the TomTom app is further away than we think. They didnt even have a working model to show at WWDC. When it comes to iphone apps, coming soon could be anything from a week to a year.

[gloss]

I think the TomTom app is further away than we think. They didnt even have a working model to show at WWDC. When it comes to iphone apps, coming soon could be anything from a week to a year.

I feel like they stated it was coming sooner than later.

Ah, here. 'Later this summer'.

[Jeremy1026]

I think the TomTom app is further away than we think. They didnt even have a working model to show at WWDC. When it comes to iphone apps, coming soon could be anything from a week to a year.

How did you want them to demo the app in a building. On a stage 50ft wide. Would they get directions from one end to the other, and pray that they could get a GPS signal through who knows how many floors. When tall building block commercial GPS receivers?