My Navigon Review - North America

[bbplayer5]

EDITED - 7/23 - POI rating changes

iPhone 3Gs

Tested this today for about an hour with different routes and I came up with the following:

- 9/10 Guidance *Surprisingly accurate picking the fastest routes. Way more accurate than G-Map and Sygic. Doesnt constantly tell me to make U-Turns when I can simply continue straight to my destination like G-Map and Sygic constantly do for me.

- 10/10 Adjusting route for a wrong turn * Roughly 3 seconds which is VERY fast. It was actually faster than my Garmin car unit.

- 10/10 for ease of use. Its incredibly easy and found every address I entered unlike Sygic which has bugs with townships etc.

- 6/10 Visual - would be 10/10 if it listed your next turn on the screen and the street names were readable. You literally cant see the street names and you dont have the option to zoom in closer on your navigation icon or change their color to BLACK... which they should be. Therefore, its nearly impossible to see adjacent street names. Apparently next update fixes this with more views, but probably not font color. The animations are really smooth - none of that jumping around like the other Navs.

- 10/10 GPS accuracy * It was spot on where ever I was. It was at least within 10 feet of my location each time I checked. Not sure how the TomTom can improve on this accuracy but will maybe help with skyscrapers around you??

- 7/10 POI list. EDIT (7/23) POI list seems to be lacking some major points of interest. For example - Beaver stadium where Penn State plays... is non existent. Largest college football stadium (until Michigan finishes their reconstruction) and its not listed? Newer stadiums like the Link in Philly are listed, but not PSU?! Being that I am a PSU fan I want to give you a 0!!!!

Overall 8.7/10... Highly recommended with my first day of trials. Subject to change but overall very impressed with it. Fix the minor GUI issues and this is a good basic Nav system. Also, POI list needs way more content. Sygic has them beat by a long ways.

[Rayfire]

bbplayer it seems like you're the one becoming our resident TBT app reviewer :D

Appreciate it, I'm on hold (waiting) to decide if I'm gonna get this unless TomTom reveals theirs before August 15.
(Good marketing, setting up the sale on a specified date lol)

[bbplayer5]

bbplayer it seems like you're the one becoming our resident TBT app reviewer :D

Appreciate it, I'm on hold (waiting) to decide if I'm gonna get this unless TomTom reveals theirs before August 15.
(Good marketing, setting up the sale on a specified date lol)

I do a lot of traveling so I like to try them all out :) This one is by far the best one yet. Looking forward to TomTom as well, but I highly doubt you will need the holder for it. The GPS is accurate enough as is and was proven by this app.

[schulzmc]

After playing around for a while with Navigon today I can concur with this review. I have had both G-maps and Sygic on my phone in the past two weeks and done some side by side testing on two long (200 mile +) road trips. Navigon has not gotten that kind of workout (yet - next week!) but so far I like the interface and accuracy better than the other two. Routes around town have been much more what I expected (the other two apps produced some "interesting" results, including both missing a major highway option in my area).

Biggest of all - the ability to grab an address right from the contacts app on the phone is a HUGE help. Neither of the other two have done that.

[bbplayer5]

After playing around for a while with Navigon today I can concur with this review. I have had both G-maps and Sygic on my phone in the past two weeks and done some side by side testing on two long (200 mile +) road trips. Navigon has not gotten that kind of workout (yet - next week!) but so far I like the interface and accuracy better than the other two. Routes around town have been much more what I expected (the other two apps produced some "interesting" results, including both missing a major highway option in my area).

Biggest of all - the ability to grab an address right from the contacts app on the phone is a HUGE help. Neither of the other two have done that.


Completely agree. A few GUI fixes for me and this is perfect. TomTom has a run for their money here.

[ksmith80209]

I totally agree with the "illegible road names" comment. I'm not quite sure why G-Maps & AT&T Navigator were able to figure this out, but Navigon wasn't. If they are able to fix this plus label more of the streets (only about 30% are labeled for me here in Denver), it will be a truly great app.

[crisg]

what generation Iphone do you have?

[philgilder]

I totally agree with the "illegible road names" comment. I'm not quite sure why G-Maps & AT&T Navigator were able to figure this out, but Navigon wasn't. If they are able to fix this plus label more of the streets (only about 30% are labeled for me here in Denver), it will be a truly great app.
the update coming in a few days will show more street names (displaying them is optional) but whether legibility improves remains to be seen

[bbplayer5]

what generation Iphone do you have?

3Gs

[Rayfire]

I do a lot of traveling so I like to try them all out :) This one is by far the best one yet. Looking forward to TomTom as well, but I highly doubt you will need the holder for it. The GPS is accurate enough as is and was proven by this app.

I'm kinda in the 30-70 on the holder, what I saw on the video it looks like iPhones with cases won't in it. Yet I can't prove it so far since they haven't released it yet, besides I've already got an air vent holder for my iPhone and the GPS on the iPhone itself. If you can't put an iPhone with a case on their TomTom car mount, then that's a huge minus(-) on their end.

[Scooterman1]

If you can't put an iPhone with a case on their TomTom car mount, then that's a huge minus(-) on their end.

Maybe you should order a G-Map Windshield mount to hold it. However, I've been told by an Apple Genius that he bought a cheap Air Vent Mount at BestBuy to keep the phone cool while using the Map Apps.

[malch]

quick question: I have an iPhone 3G, but no data plan.
Would this app work for me (other than when I'm in a Wi-Fi zone?).
thanks, malch

[gloss]

quick question: I have an iPhone 3G, but no data plan.
Would this app work for me (other than when I'm in a Wi-Fi zone?).
thanks, malch

Yes, the maps are stored locally and the satellites are stored in the sky.

[bbplayer5]

quick question: I have an iPhone 3G, but no data plan.
Would this app work for me (other than when I'm in a Wi-Fi zone?).
thanks, malch


Sure will! All maps are on your phone... no data connection needed.

[Rayfire]

Maybe you should order a G-Map Windshield mount to hold it. However, I've been told by an Apple Genius that he bought a cheap Air Vent Mount at BestBuy to keep the phone cool while using the Map Apps.
I need something closer to it's easy to reach especially when driving, which is why I got an air vent mount, however it's not that solid.

-snip-
...the satellites are stored in the sky.
Hahaha nice one :p

[awad]

am I able to share this with all my authorized accounts? or does something need to be registered. because if im able to download this and put it on my other family members iphones, then it's a fantastic deal at only 70 dollars.

[bbplayer5]

am I able to share this with all my authorized accounts? or does something need to be registered. because if im able to download this and put it on my other family members iphones, then it's a fantastic deal at only 70 dollars.

pretty sure it goes based on your itunes login information. As long as those devices use the same itunes stuff, you can do it on up to 5 devices.

[Tunnelrunner]

Thanks for the review. I am currently installing this onto my iphone as I type this. :)

Up until this time, my stance has been that the best overall GPS app in North America for the iphone has been AT&T Navigator by Telenav. I still stand by that. But I knew that was subject to change....once the day came where Navigon and TomTom finally launched in the USA. It's going to be fun comparing all 3 apps to see the different strengths and weaknesses.

I look forward to trying this out...

[jacobgaul]

i was able to install this on 7 phones so far. ipods/iphones dont count as authorized computers.. all 7 people are family or friends.. i charged each person $15.00 which covers the cost of the app. im not looking to make money.

[bbplayer5]

i was able to install this on 7 phones so far. ipods/iphones dont count as authorized computers.. all 7 people are family or friends.. i charged each person $15.00 which covers the cost of the app. im not looking to make money.

How did you install it on a friends iphone/ipod without formatting it first?

[staticmx]

Hmmm. Not trying to make money? You have installed the app on 7 iphones, 6 not counting yours. 6X15=$90. App cost $69. Profit $22. Seems very dishonest

[Cescfabregas4]

I totally Agree with the OP's review. I have a 3g and navigon has been accurate and on point for me. I could not be happier. I have this and Sygic currently installed on my phone. I have not decided which one to delete.
Navigons lane guidiance is very very useful when navigating a strange highway.

[pooryou]

i was able to install this on 7 phones so far. ipods/iphones dont count as authorized computers.. all 7 people are family or friends.. i charged each person $15.00 which covers the cost of the app. im not looking to make money.

It's bad enough that you do this, but to brag about it on a public forum will potentially spoil things for the honest people by forcing Apple to add more restrictions. Something to consider, if you care...

[bbplayer5]

Looks like Sygic has a bigger POI list. Navigon doesnt even have Beaver Stadium where Penn State plays... on its list. Sygic I found literally dive bars etc.

[hokiepokie07]

I do a lot of traveling so I like to try them all out :) This one is by far the best one yet. Looking forward to TomTom as well, but I highly doubt you will need the holder for it. The GPS is accurate enough as is and was proven by this app.

what type of holder would you recommend?

[bbplayer5]

I just have a simple one that latches the iPhone and suctions to the dash. Anything that holds it firmly really.

[iMerlin]

PROCLIPS! hands down! They are on the expensive side but you will be very pleased with it.

One question though, I asked this in another thread but figured I could pop in here too.
When taking a call, does Navigon quit (Im sure it does)? Upon hanging up, does Navigon automatically kick back in? If so, does it have to recalculate?

[vertigo235]

PROCLIPS! hands down! They are on the expensive side but you will be very pleased with it.

One question though, I asked this in another thread but figured I could pop in here too.
When taking a call, does Navigon quit (Im sure it does)? Upon hanging up, does Navigon automatically kick back in? If so, does it have to recalculate?

I think someone said in the other thread that it starts back up and picks up again without any intervention from the user. It would have to recalculate because it wasn't tracking you while you were on the phone.

[iMerlin]

I think someone said in the other thread that it starts back up and picks up again without any intervention from the user. It would have to recalculate because it wasn't tracking you while you were on the phone.

Yeah, I noticed that also. I guess thats to be expected though. Unless you are jailbroken that is! :D Backgrounder FTW!!

[jacobgaul]

It's bad enough that you do this, but to brag about it on a public forum will potentially spoil things for the honest people by forcing Apple to add more restrictions. Something to consider, if you care...


i support the **** out of the appstore, ive spent well over $2000 since getting the orginal iphone 3g. im not bragging about doing anything.

[CADer]

isn't 70 bones a bit steep?

My friend bought a dedicated Navigon unit for 60 bucks! but there web site does not show anything but the iphone version - did they shut down production of dedicated units?

And does anyone know how much they will charge for map upgrades - you all know they will charge since the 3.0 has that ability?

[jacobgaul]

dedicated units in north america are done.. do you live under a rock?

hmm lets break it down for the 934995949594359349 time.

att navigator $9.99 + tax x 12

vs

navigon $74.xx including tax


no 74.xx isnt alot

[Rayfire]

OP, I read your review at the App store and I have to say, you really like MacRumors a lot to post a long review compared to one sentence at iTunes :D

[NotOwning]

Does the music mute while using the Navigon TBT? Or do you have to just sort of hope you hear the directions?

[avaloncourt]

isn't 70 bones a bit steep?

My friend bought a dedicated Navigon unit for 60 bucks! but there web site does not show anything but the iphone version - did they shut down production of dedicated units?

That would be because Navigon has pulled out of the North American hardware GPS market. They've discontinued all models. Comparing a clearance item to a new product isn't exactly fair, wouldn't you say? I bet your friend could have got a really great deal on Dash Express GPS as well. Lately they've been going for as little as $50. (They started out at $400).

[bbplayer5]

OP, I read your review at the App store and I have to say, you really like MacRumors a lot to post a long review compared to one sentence at iTunes :D

Pretty much. I dont care much for reviews on the app store. It just gets lost in the clutter.

[bbplayer5]

Edited my review based on the lack of POI i found last night.

[Pika]

Too expensive... i'll wait for TomTom

[NightStorm]

Too expensive... i'll wait for TomTom

Do you really expect TomTom to be any cheaper? :confused:

[gloss]

Too expensive... i'll wait for TomTom

I'll wager TomTom will be at least as expensive, if not more.

[bbplayer5]

I'll wager TomTom will be at least as expensive, if not more.

I concur. My guess is more.

[Tunnelrunner]

Too expensive... i'll wait for TomTom

As others have said, a brand leader like TomTom will probably cost more, not less. But hey, Google Maps is free...;)

[james4513]

i was able to install this on 7 phones so far. ipods/iphones dont count as authorized computers.. all 7 people are family or friends.. i charged each person $15.00 which covers the cost of the app. im not looking to make money.

Thanks - how do you do this? I have 3 drivers in the family with iPhones.

[frozencarbonite]

So what happens when you go into an area with no coverage or EDGE only? Is it still able to work properly?

[catskinsox]

Hi,

I just wanted to add my two cents on this app. I went ahead and bought it (tired of waiting on TomTom). So far, I like it a lot. I don't have any experience with stand alone units, so I can't make that comparison.

My setup is an iPhone 3GS hooked up to my stereo via headphone jack to RCA inputs on the back of the unit. Also have a car charger, of course. The unit is (currently) mounted on the air vent at the top of the dash, just off to the right of the steering wheel.

I bought the app just before heading home from Columbia, SC to Anderson, SC (2 hour trip by interstate). I decided to test the unit out more thoroughly by avoiding the interstate and 'scenic route' in the route profile. I get bored with interstate travel, which is one of the reasons I wanted this app (or one like it).

No interstate driving added about 30-45 mins to the drive, and not once did I lose a signal or have it show an inaccurate reading on the display. It was excellent the whole time. The only (slight) problem was on one country road, the route took me to veer off to the left, but i was never verbally prompted to. I would have expected it to, since veering off to the left was actually moving off the road I was on and onto another even though the road itself was the same road number (I'm not sure if I'm making sense, but there ya go. :)).

Other than that possible glitch, everything was perfect. And even without the music muting, I could still hear the sound very clearly as it was being sent to the stereo over the headphone jack anyway. And you can independently set the voice volume from the main ipod volume, so it allowed me to tweak it as necessary.

I would also hope they would allow the option of having the ipod pause rather than just mute, as it would help more when listening to an audiobook. While listening to music, it's perfectly fine to mute for a few seconds, but with a book or maybe a podcast, you might miss something important. Good thing 3.0 added the 30 second skip back (or whatever it's called).

I also tested it just this morning on the interstate to Greenville, and again, all went well. I love the signs for the exits on the interstate. That would have been a huge help if I wasn't familiar with the area (and the bizarre exit I have to take from 85 to 385). Very nice.

So I give it a big thumbs up so far (hopefully, it stays that way). I do plan on getting a windshield mount, as I know it would probably improve my signal more (even though again, I didn't have any problems yesterday or today), and I know the compass on the GS gets all wonky where it is currently placed. I think it's the metal in the car or something. If I hold the phone up to above the dash, the compass works great. I don't know if Navigon currently or in the future will use the compass to show the orientation of your car from a still position (didn't really test that), but I'd like to know the compass is functional anyway.

Also, is there a manual for this thing yet? I checked Navigon's site, but all the user guides I saw was for stand alone units. I may have missed it, of course. I just wanted to know exactly what the difference is between fast and optimum in the route profile and exactly what the routing AI does for 'scenic' route vs. the other modes.

I think that's about it. If anyone wants to know anything else, just reply back to me.

Carl

P.S. One other quick thing... I do have my phone jailbroken, which enables me to use backgrounder to jump out of the app and do other things without quitting the app altogether. Works great on the GS. My old 3G was somewhat flaky with backgrounder, probably due to the lack of memory. I finally jailbroke (if that's the word) after reading a post here about how well the GS works with the extra memory and better processor, etc.

[catskinsox]

So what happens when you go into an area with no coverage or EDGE only? Is it still able to work properly?

While I didn't lose my edge coverage, I would say yes. As long as you have a GPS signal, you should be fine. That's the whole advantage of having the maps loaded on the phone.

Carl

[bbplayer5]

While I didn't lose my edge coverage, I would say yes. As long as you have a GPS signal, you should be fine. That's the whole advantage of having the maps loaded on the phone.

Carl

You can turn Edge and 3G completely off and the device will work exactly the same.

[frozencarbonite]

Hi,

I just wanted to add my two cents on this app. I went ahead and bought it (tired of waiting on TomTom). So far, I like it a lot. I don't have any experience with stand alone units, so I can't make that comparison.

My setup is an iPhone 3GS hooked up to my stereo via headphone jack to RCA inputs on the back of the unit. Also have a car charger, of course. The unit is (currently) mounted on the air vent at the top of the dash, just off to the right of the steering wheel.

I bought the app just before heading home from Columbia, SC to Anderson, SC (2 hour trip by interstate). I decided to test the unit out more thoroughly by avoiding the interstate and 'scenic route' in the route profile. I get bored with interstate travel, which is one of the reasons I wanted this app (or one like it).

No interstate driving added about 30-45 mins to the drive, and not once did I lose a signal or have it show an inaccurate reading on the display. It was excellent the whole time. The only (slight) problem was on one country road, the route took me to veer off to the left, but i was never verbally prompted to. I would have expected it to, since veering off to the left was actually moving off the road I was on and onto another even though the road itself was the same road number (I'm not sure if I'm making sense, but there ya go. :)).

Other than that possible glitch, everything was perfect. And even without the music muting, I could still hear the sound very clearly as it was being sent to the stereo over the headphone jack anyway. And you can independently set the voice volume from the main ipod volume, so it allowed me to tweak it as necessary.

I would also hope they would allow the option of having the ipod pause rather than just mute, as it would help more when listening to an audiobook. While listening to music, it's perfectly fine to mute for a few seconds, but with a book or maybe a podcast, you might miss something important. Good thing 3.0 added the 30 second skip back (or whatever it's called).

I also tested it just this morning on the interstate to Greenville, and again, all went well. I love the signs for the exits on the interstate. That would have been a huge help if I wasn't familiar with the area (and the bizarre exit I have to take from 85 to 385). Very nice.

So I give it a big thumbs up so far (hopefully, it stays that way). I do plan on getting a windshield mount, as I know it would probably improve my signal more (even though again, I didn't have any problems yesterday or today), and I know the compass on the GS gets all wonky where it is currently placed. I think it's the metal in the car or something. If I hold the phone up to above the dash, the compass works great. I don't know if Navigon currently or in the future will use the compass to show the orientation of your car from a still position (didn't really test that), but I'd like to know the compass is functional anyway.

Also, is there a manual for this thing yet? I checked Navigon's site, but all the user guides I saw was for stand alone units. I may have missed it, of course. I just wanted to know exactly what the difference is between fast and optimum in the route profile and exactly what the routing AI does for 'scenic' route vs. the other modes.

I think that's about it. If anyone wants to know anything else, just reply back to me.

Carl

P.S. One other quick thing... I do have my phone jailbroken, which enables me to use backgrounder to jump out of the app and do other things without quitting the app altogether. Works great on the GS. My old 3G was somewhat flaky with backgrounder, probably due to the lack of memory. I finally jailbroke (if that's the word) after reading a post here about how well the GS works with the extra memory and better processor, etc.

You're in Anderson? I'm in Greenville.

I tried to use the Google maps to navigate from Garden City to Greenville and had a lot of trouble in areas with EDGE only service. Some places didn't even have service. So it's nice to know this app doesn't require an internet connection.

[nremondelli]

Can someone who has the app try using it in their cup holder and see if it is as accurate. Even the car seat. Just somewhere not mounted. That would be a big help!

[bbplayer5]

Can someone who has the app try using it in their cup holder and see if it is as accurate. Even the car seat. Just somewhere not mounted. That would be a big help!

Im going to use this to find a Dicks Sporting Goods on my lunch break.. ill try it then while on my lap.

[lw9090]

I use one of these. hxxp://us.kensington.com/html/14493.html

My car is a Chevy HHR used the GPS for 2 days now and havent lost a GPS signal.

It also has a remote that attaches to your stearing wheel to change the itunes song or pause so you can change tracks and still keep the GPS going.

Check on ebay and they have them for $34 shipped.

[catskinsox]

You're in Anderson? I'm in Greenville.

I tried to use the Google maps to navigate from Garden City to Greenville and had a lot of trouble in areas with EDGE only service. Some places didn't even have service. So it's nice to know this app doesn't require an internet connection.

Yep, live in Anderson. Work in Anderson, Greenville, and Columbia. And yes, it's very nice to not have to worry about your 3G/Edge signal.

[bbplayer5]

Tried the app with my phone laying on my lap.. Was perfect.

[skillz1318]

Tried the app with my phone laying on my lap.. Was perfect.

Awesome!!!! This is what I was waiting to hear before purchasing.

Thanks!!!

[sm8770]

hello,

does anyone know if the Navigon uses soley the iphone gps, or does it also make use of the internal compass?

i ask because the compass is absolutely unreliable in my car, as i cant find any location in and around the front two seats which are unaffected by interference.

if the compass is used by Navigon, i would not be able to use it.

thanks in advance for any help.

[Rayfire]

hello,

does anyone know if the Navigon uses soley the iphone gps, or does it also make use of the internal compass?

i ask because the compass is absolutely unreliable in my car, as i cant find any location in and around the front two seats which are unaffected by interference.

if the compass is used by Navigon, i would not be able to use it.

thanks in advance for any help.

No it doesn't use the compass, based on their description and couldn't find it on their FAQs anyway. Besides 3G users like me benefit from the app ;)

[sm8770]

makes sense.

appeciate it.......looks like i will be trying this software.

take care.

[SpaceKitty]

I concur. My guess is more.

I bet TomTom will be $99 just for the app alone.

[gloss]

I bet TomTom will be $99 just for the app alone.

At least.

[Galley]

You're in Anderson? I'm in Greenville.

I tried to use the Google maps to navigate from Garden City to Greenville and had a lot of trouble in areas with EDGE only service. Some places didn't even have service. So it's nice to know this app doesn't require an internet connection.

Hello from another Greenvillian. BTW, the I-85/I-385 interchange is going to be replaced in 2013. God only knows what will replace it. Perhaps we will end up with our own "spaghetti junction". :)

I never really go anywhere, so I really don't have any use for a dedicated GPS app. I've always like Navigon's interfaces.

[coolbreeze]

At least.

Add ~$29 more for the dock (at least, again).

I may just get Navigon. TomTom is dragging it's feet and losing potential customers in the process.

[nremondelli]

Here is a link to the iLounge review:

http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/navigon-mobilenavigator-north-america/

Gave it a C. 70$ is a lot to pay for a C.

Anyone who has bought the application...what are your thoughts on the review?

[ksmith80209]

Here is a link to the iLounge review:

http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/navigon-mobilenavigator-north-america/

Gave it a C. 70$ is a lot to pay for a C.

Anyone who has bought the application...what are your thoughts on the review?

Honestly, I thought it was a pretty weak review. They panned the graphics calling them antiquated. Really? Which other GPS app shows the street signs and lane guidance? They implied that the voices are limited to "turn left" and "turn right" when in fact they do the whole "turn right in 1 mile then bear right" thing. They blasted the routing which I found to be pretty darned good.

In all, I found it to be a pretty poorly done review. I've got this app, G-Maps, and used ATT Nav for a month and find this to be the best of the three.

Now if G-Maps actually releases the app they showed in their video, all bets are off.

[coolbreeze]

Yeah, that iLounge review is quite harsh. I mean, hey man, Navigon is a pioneer here....give some credit. They reviewed it as if they were expecting a multiple revision polished piece of software.

My guess is they are gaga over TomTom and will give a *glowing* review once it comes out. Hmph.

[m3coolpix]

I don't agree with the iLounge review either (it reads very early on as if he is waiting to review point by point against the TomTom, like there's some inside knowledge or something).

I used Navigon for about 50 miles of driving around Dallas area today, both suburbs and interstates, and it was quite accurate. I did a couple of reroutes based on some known construction, and it quickly recalculated. The arrival times were also pretty spot on, save for the red lights (which it would recalculate as we sat at one).

Also never lost the GPS signal. I held the iPhone most of the time, but several times I passed it around the cab of my F250 to my 5 and 6 year old's who were riding with me. They wanted to know who was 'giving Daddy directions' :-)

Of course it can be better. Much of it has already been said, so I won't repeat. Can't wait to see how they make it better as more TBT software enters the app store.

Happy with my purchase, even more so after showing it to the wifey, and now she wants me to check to see when she's able to upgrade to a 3GS.....which will cut the price in half for us :cool:

[gloss]

I only tested it briefly, but it locked within 15 seconds, gave solid, efficient directions, and tracked me perfectly the entire way. I can't really ask for much more than that.

I don't know what iLounge is smoking.

[lunarmac]

Haven't bought the app yet but just want to comment on iLounge's review.

What I do with Jeremy's review is usually ignore his text and concentrate on the pictures. He tries to get too smart with his reviews and really tries to find flaws. He reminds me of the kid in college who questions everything the prof is saying just to be contrary. And everyone in the room is just whispering to themselves - SHUT UP!

What he does get right is shooting pics of the actual devices and not just rehashing marketing pics from the manufacture like the hacks at Mac Central. When will reviewers learn that pics are just as important as their opinion. That's why I think unboxing vids are so popular.

Anyway back to Navigon.

Yeah, I'll probably pick it up.


I only tested it briefly, but it locked within 15 seconds, gave solid, efficient directions, and tracked me perfectly the entire way. I can't really ask for much more than that.

I don't know what iLounge is smoking.

[jcde7ago]

All I have to say is, I tested my Navigon today alongside my friend's Garmin, and my goodness...both were pretty on point. At times, one was ahead/behind the other and vice versa, but for the most part, both were on par with turn notifications, lane guidance, distance, and the arrival times were spot on for both. Had clear GPS signal which locked pretty fast, and I never lost it. I even deviated from my routes a few times and the app re-calculated a new one within a couple seconds.

I really couldn't have been more impressed with a v1.0 TBT app, especially with how accurate it was. Navigon knows how to handle their stuff. I just wish the menu/options were more intuitive when it came to customizing acoustic alerts....but other than that, this was a worthwhile investment, and its on-par performance with a hardware GPS unit is definitely a good sign. This can only get that much better with future updates/upgrades.

TomTom lost out on a lot of people's money by taking their sweet time. I doubt i'll need another TBT app unless it exceeds Navigon far and away by miles.

[nfl46]

I really like it! Its pretty darn good for a 1.0, that's for sure! I will continue to test it though, but it was dead on accurate tonight when I was driving around.

[pooryou]

Here is a link to the iLounge review:

http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/navigon-mobilenavigator-north-america/

Gave it a C. 70$ is a lot to pay for a C.

Anyone who has bought the application...what are your thoughts on the review?

I couldn't get past the first paragraph. Poorly written IMHO, regardless of the conclusions. Lambasting Apple for not 'flipping a switch' to turn on TBT in the Maps app...give me a break.

[jclardy]

I used Navigon a bit today to go to the UPS Store across town. It was not on the point of interest list, but Guitar Center (The other place I was going) was. The first time I started the app it would not get a GPS signal, I quit then restarted the app and it worked fine. The directions and tracking were good, telling me when I need to turn with ample time (Except for one time, but I only had 5% battery left on my phone so I think that may have caused it.) I wish it would call out street names but I can live without that.

The main feature that I want is a list view for the directions so I can see where I'm going before I start. I'm hoping it comes in that update they are planning. Other than that it has worked pretty well for me, other than draining my battery insanely fast. I guess i'll just have to get a car charger :)

[schulzmc]

The main feature that I want is a list view for the directions so I can see where I'm going before I start.

If you tap on the screen, and then the button on the bottom right, you can see the whole route and zoom in on any part of the directions before you start the trip.

[jclardy]

If you tap on the screen, and then the button on the bottom right, you can see the whole route and zoom in on any part of the directions before you start the trip.

Yeah I know that is there, but I would still prefer a list view kind of like the Maps application, showing street name, direction, and the number of miles you are on that road. I have used a TomTom and Magellan standalone GPS units and they both had this view.

[pooryou]

Just tried this for the first time today. My routes were not complex, but the app worked fine. I actually didn't even really need to look at the screen of the iPhone; I have a docking cable that charges and passes audio to my stereo, and the voice was loud and clear thru the speakers, even over music. I wouldn't want the music to drop out, I could hear the voice just fine. (hoping that feature is optional when they add it). I could control the iPod functions just fine thru my car stereo while Navigon was open so no worries there either. Plus you can double click the home button if you need iPod controls.

Pretty impressed so far, but need to use it more. This is great for me because this is the only way I would ever use a GPS if it were not built into the car (and clearly mine isn't)....I would never buy a dedicated device just for GPS. To me it is ridiculous to have a whole device to carry around just to do that one thing (ymmv of course).

Since we have two phones to put this on, it also lessens the sting of the price, which is nice.

[eawmp1]

Just downloaded it and took it for a spin. My Honda has built-in navigation. The iPhone with Navigon performed admirably. Looking forward to not getting lost on my upcoming trip! Well worth the money.

[SpaceKitty]

I tried ot out for a few hours Friday night. It's ok but as we already know, street names are missing or at least I couldn't get any to show. I went back to using G-Map till this is added in.

[severe]

I tried ot out for a few hours Friday night. It's ok but as we already know, street names are missing or at least I couldn't get any to show. I went back to using G-Map till this is added in.

Have you even looked at the options menu?

3D, Street Names, Night Mode, Volume, etc.

[SpaceKitty]

Have you even looked at the options menu?

3D, Street Names, Night Mode, Volume, etc.

Of course I did. Mine does not have an option to enable street names.

[SpaceKitty]

Have you even looked at the options menu?

3D, Street Names, Night Mode, Volume, etc.

Ok, I'm gonna delete my app and then download it again and then install it again. Something seems wrong here.

[SpaceKitty]

Just to show people that I wasn't being stupid by not seeing a setting to show street names, as you can see, there was no setting in the first pic. I deleted the app from iTunes, downloaded it again and then installed it. This time, I got the street names setting. Not sure what went wrong the first time.

[severe]

Just to show people that I wasn't being stupid by not seeing a setting to show street names, as you can see, there was no setting in the first pic. I deleted the app from iTunes, downloaded it again and then installed it. This time, I got the street names setting. Not sure what went wrong the first time.

Ok.. but now where's your volume indicator?

Your UI looks a little different too.

[SpaceKitty]

Ok.. but now where's your volume indicator?

Ok, I'm starting to think this is related to some other settings on my iPhone. :confused:

[SpaceKitty]

Ok.. but now where's your volume indicator?

Your UI looks a little different too.

Ok just as I thought, it was just due to other settings. Once I started playing a song on the iPod and then fired up Navigon, my volume setting showed up. :) And I'm not sure why the other settings were labeled differently when I first downloaded the app. I purchased it as soon as it was available in the store so maybe that had something to do with it? Anyways, I'm loving this app now. I may delete Sygic.

[schulzmc]

I think the volume slider only shows up when the iPod app is playing.

[Excellerator]

Here is my mini GPS roundup review:

I installed the Navigon app yesterday and say I was highly impressed. I have tried Gokivo, AT&T Navigator, G-Map, and now Navigon and I have to say out of all of them, the Navigon is the only one that I would use. First it actually had the most accurate route, second it was the only one that didn't give weird turn offs and gave appropriate time to turn. On AT&T Navigator it told you to turn two blocks early without saying the name which would make you turn off on the wrong road, G-Map tells you to turn right when you are at the turn with no time to turn. That was annoying. I was also surprised that the Navigon had the speed limits down to the wire, as I passed by a Speed Limit sign the GPS updated to show the speed limit even in small towns. Wow. I only wish it had full spoken street names (it will say highways and interstates). All in all, the others had their good points, the Gokivo has full turn by turn with spoken street names and a great trip summary, the G-Map has the current street shown along with the next street at the top which I liked. The AT&T really didn't have anything I liked except maybe the lowest priced gas feature.