CoPilot Live North America Review with Tips

[Rayfire]

Ok folks, after doing a lot of research and because TomTom is late (and expensive based on NZ store) I finally gave in to a satnav app, my first purchase was CoPilot's NA version.

Setup:

Using an iPhone 3G with 3.0.1. Have a Bracketron Grip-iT airvent mount with direct sky view and a Griffin car charger.

The app is 1.12GB, it just took me 25mins to download the app. Be warned though while I was downloading this app, my iPhone was connected to iTunes. When my first try of download finished, something odd occurred, iTunes froze. I had to close it down then redo the whole download process (yes I lost that 1.12GB worth of download). I tried it again for the second time with my iPhone connected and heck it still froze my PC (lol) so what I did was disconnect my iPhone and download it again and finally it successfully finished, so be warned: do not connect your iPhone while downloading this app it will just screw up iTunes for some reason.

Installation from iTunes to the iPhone took nearly about 30-40 minutes, of course you have to consider this app was over 1GB plus you might want to do a restart of your iPhone once it's over.

First time that I ran the app, as suggested on their description on iTunes that WiFi connection is preferred to activate it, it asked me for a CoPilot user ID which I believe is your email and password, it was hard to type since it wasn't on a QWERTY keyboard yet (why o why) plus the fact the were small. I think the User ID and password is for their CoPilot Live feature (a premium extra service). Once that was done it asked for the language I preferred and voice preference.

Exploring Settings

I read the manual but somehow I want to let you guys know how I tweaked mine for a better routing experience.

If you've actually noticed, the first time you run the app you'll be greeted. That initial screen, has actually a very very nice feature in which I don't understand why it can only be found on the initial run screen. I'm talking about their Live Local Search, that Magnifying Lens with a sort of red wifi icon. That actually connects to your data connection (Wifi, 3G or E) and searches for whatever you want. IT IS HANDY! I just don't get why it's only found on the first initial run screen.

Route Profile: Settings can be found by tapping the lower left hand side, it's on the second panel. Basically based on my research, CoPilot's default route profile sucks (which is on Economic) so I suggest you create one yourself. This can be done by selecting Route Profile and adding a new one. Mind you I placed Freeways as Strongly Favor and Divided Highways as Strongly Favor too. Toll Roads, Ferries are avoided then the scenic route that's up to you.

Info Bar: After tweaking with your Route Profiles, let's go to your Info Bar (still on settings) This is the blue bar that will be found on the bottom of your screen once you're navigating. You can select either Single, Dual or Loop Display. Basically you have the option to choose what kind of info to be displayed. I prefer Single Display - Current road, but like I said there's lots of options so feel free to pick yours!

Map Styles: I like this because it let's you choose the color you want to be displayed during Day mode or Night mode. It offers you more than five color choices, each varies on the color you like. I went for Continental on Day mode and Autumn (default) on Night mode. They have an American colored map (which I didn't really like), Autumn, British, Continental, Ember, Forest, International, Ocean. As the name suggests you get the picture.

POI Display: Lets you choose if you want the POIS to be displayed when you're Stopped, Always, or Never. It will also let you to choose what POIS should be displayed on the app with their huge category list. I haven't really played on the POI on the map (and yes Hotels and Restaurants are swapped, their mistake) but of course it's not as wide but it satisfied what I needed. I suggest using the Live Local Search found on the first screen when you initially run the app

Guidance and Turn Warnings: This quite puzzled me, unfortunately when the iPhone is on silent mode, you won't hear the Voice Turn by Turn directions so I suggest checking your silent switch first. Guidance and Turn warnings can be initially toggled to the distance to when it will announce it as well.

I think after tweaking those you're set to navigating.

Planning or Destination

I strongly suggest doing this before even driving, you need to change that Routing Type from Economic to Shortest (not Quickest based on experience but you can play with it see what fits you) To do this go tap Destination, just select one from your Contacts and before tapping Go, tap Show Route. This is where you can preview the route for the turn list or route demo, but most importantly go to Options, tap Routing Type, and change that to Shortest. That way you don't have some crazy routes as some people are suggesting. In previewing a route too, you have the option to select an Arrival Time and even Showing the Fuel Cost (you need to plug the average mileage your car uses and the cost per gallon).

Setting a destination from Contacts is somewhat buggy. It won't recognize a "North West" but it will recognize "Northwest". Some people said that the maps are outdated, in which I believe the reason why I can't even find some of my contact's addresses on this app. So be warned when using Contacts.

Real time Driving

Pros and Cons while driving, I'll start with Cons based on what I've experienced.

Cons:

• Changing from portrait to landscape causes the interface to get "stretched", it does polish after two seconds though
• Selection from Live Local Search should be in the menu, not by closing the app and running it again
• Somehow the app lost my location, in a freeway on a clear view of sky, happened three times
• No TTS folks, it will just announce "Just Ahead, Turn right/left" or "Take Exit" no numbers nor exit names included
• Yes you'd loose your location after a call

Pros:

• Preview route, very very helpful
• Gave me the best route that I expected, of course after the tweaks I've done on settings
• Voice is loud enough, I just used the iPhone speakers while driving and could still hear it
• The tunnel guidance WORKS like a charm! I'm very impressed.
• Screen never dimmed out
• Screen refresh rate is decent
• Very very interface with colors that will match day/night or what you might prefer
• They never gave me some weird routes as others claimed, of course I've reached my destination quicker and efficient

Things I want them to polish

1. Maps, according to a majority it's outdated but here in WA it's fine
2. Contacts integration, I can't imagine why the default Maps can read it while yours couldn't
3. Please let us use Live Local Search on the Live Services option, not on the first initial runtime screen
4. Greyed out: Lane Assist, Speed Limit, and Safety Alerts (they said Safety cameras coming)
5. Live Traffic (for a premium extra) and the option to avoid congested traffic
6. Text to Speech, we want the street names/exits to be announced for driver safety
7. Polish the GPS reception, QWERTY, and remembering location after an incoming call (update coming)

Overall, I rate this app a 3/5 but I'm pretty sure once it's polished this would be the best satnav app that we've been looking for, well worth the price. It offers a LOT of features, they just need to polish it. If you guys have any questions/concerns let me know Thanks for your time reading this.

[Vandam500]

Thanks for the awesome review and tips!!! I currently have Navigon and even
though it's been perfect Im still very open to other GPS apps

[Rayfire]

Originally Posted by Vandam500

Thanks for the awesome review and tips!!! I currently have Navigon and even
though it's been perfect Im still very open to other GPS apps

Thanks! I almost had bought Navigon but the features this app (especially the interface colors) was really promising. Like a lot of people said, they somehow "rushed" it but through updates I'm hoping they'd be able to release all its contents.

[speed12]

Originally Posted by Rayfire

Things I want them to polish

1. Maps, according to a majority it's outdated but here in WA it's fine
2. Contacts integration, I can't imagine why the default Maps can read it while yours couldn't
3. Please let us use Live Local Search on the Live Services option, not on the first initial runtime screen
4. Greyed out: Lane Assist, Speed Limit, and Safety Alerts (they said Safety cameras coming)
5. Live Traffic (for a premium extra) and the option to avoid congested traffic
6. Text to Speech, we want the street names/exits to be announced for driver safety
7. Polish the GPS reception, QWERTY, and remembering location after an incoming call (update coming)

Hey, glad to hear you like it too, I've been using the UK one for about 2 weeks now and its giving really good results!

Just in case your interested, and from the sounds of it you may know already but were just stating those points, some of the "to polish" points have been mentioned as updates coming soon.

I think Speed Cameras will be in the next one and that is a free database (well it is for other platform CoPilot users...)

QWERTY is apparently in the next update (which is HUGELY needed!)

TTS is listed in the premium upgrades (look in settings under license) so that will presumably be coming in future for an upgrade fee....may be free of course!

Ditto with traffic. I think they charge £35 for 24 months traffic which is pretty good I reckon (£1.50 a month ish).

Lane assist and speed limits I'm pretty sure are in the UK one. I have definitely seen one speed limit sign on a route anyway (may have been more I didnt notice)......just having checked, maybe I'm wrong on that! And I've not been anywhere that would require lane assist so not 100% on that (will be next weekend though).

Contacts integration is definitely there on the UK one. It is a little picky on address format but it gets it 9 times out of 10 for my contacts!

And please yes let us use local search from elsewhere! I didnt even realise it was there on the opening page until a few days ago and although POI's have most bases covered its great to find the little odd places around you!

Anyways, hope some of that helps!

[Rayfire]

Originally Posted by speed12

Hey, glad to hear you like it too, I've been using the UK one for about 2 weeks now and its giving really good results!

Just in case your interested, and from the sounds of it you may know already but were just stating those points, some of the "to polish" points have been mentioned as updates coming soon.

I think Speed Cameras will be in the next one and that is a free database (well it is for other platform CoPilot users...)

QWERTY is apparently in the next update (which is HUGELY needed!)

TTS is listed in the premium upgrades (look in settings under license) so that will presumably be coming in future for an upgrade fee....may be free of course!

Ditto with traffic. I think they charge £35 for 24 months traffic which is pretty good I reckon (£1.50 a month ish).

Lane assist and speed limits I'm pretty sure are in the UK one. I have definitely seen one speed limit sign on a route anyway (may have been more I didnt notice)......just having checked, maybe I'm wrong on that! And I've not been anywhere that would require lane assist so not 100% on that (will be next weekend though).

Contacts integration is definitely there on the UK one. It is a little picky on address format but it gets it 9 times out of 10 for my contacts!

And please yes let us use local search from elsewhere! I didnt even realise it was there on the opening page until a few days ago and although POI's have most bases covered its great to find the little odd places around you!

Anyways, hope some of that helps!

Yes somehow the addresses on my Contacts are not all understood by CoPilot yet I just took them out from the default Maps app on the iPhone, they need to fix that.

Lane Assist and Speed Limits are greyed out here in the North America version, I don't know why...

And yes I like this app so far, after seeing TomTom's interface, I prefer CoPilot's over theirs. Apparently their upper hand is only Text to Speech, like you said hopefully will be coming in the near future (just saw out in Licensing, thanks) Can't complain especially with the price they offered, features are really a plus plus to me.

[LostLogik]

Originally Posted by Rayfire

Lane Assist and Speed Limits are greyed out here in the North America version, I don't know why...

Just had a look at my UK version and Lane Assist with ClearView is a configurable option. Yet to try in anger though.

A couple of things that bug me:
It doesn't have an "offline" mode - the thing is always searching for location and Planning doesn't really give you a good interface for route planning. Also the app always has me several blocks away from my home, when I'm planning and it thinks I'm home, with a big red blob on the map, from which it takes routes from if planning. Crazy.

And the Desired arrival time? can't seem to do anything constructive with that. I'd have thought that in planning, by entering a desired arrival time it would tell me when to leave but haven't seen that happen yet.

[Rayfire]

Originally Posted by LostLogik

Just had a look at my UK version and Lane Assist with ClearView is a configurable option. Yet to try in anger though.

A couple of things that bug me:
It doesn't have an "offline" mode - the thing is always searching for location and Planning doesn't really give you a good interface for route planning. Also the app always has me several blocks away from my home, when I'm planning and it thinks I'm home, with a big red blob on the map, from which it takes routes from if planning. Crazy.

And the Desired arrival time? can't seem to do anything constructive with that. I'd have thought that in planning, by entering a desired arrival time it would tell me when to leave but haven't seen that happen yet.

Somehow those two options are unavailable for us.

Offline mode, I'm not sure. Once the app starts it does constantly look for your position - is that the one you want to turn off? Why?

Sounds to me you have a GPS accuracy problem, mine is straight on at really my house not someone else's house. Check at your Maps app if that blue circle has some pulse and accurate, right afterwards start your CoPilot App and see if that has some effects on it. Someone on another thread GPS does have a 30-50yd accuracy, not really as accurate like a 5-10yd range.

Haven't tried that Desired Arrival Time too, I don't consider the app to take me to my destination using that, I take a look at traffic (TV news or internet) to consider how long my travel time would be to get to my destination on a specific time. I think I should give that a whirl if needed

[Wakakanada]

I appreciate the tips, especially changing from Quickest to Shortest!

I couldn't locate the "Route Profile" as you initially described, but then when I read further I found it through the Destination button. The general menu and Settings to Routing buttons didn't get me the choice...I hope I don't have to reset it every trip!

[ddrueckhammer]

Thanks for the review. I found Copilot to be pretty bad out of the box. No Querty keyboard FTL! and it was pretty buggy but I do see the potential there. Right now, IMO TomTom and Navigon have the best solutions but they are also expensive. These guys can capture the market though if they continue to upgrade their app over the next year and keep the price the same.

[Rayfire]

Originally Posted by Wakakanada

I appreciate the tips, especially changing from Quickest to Shortest!

I couldn't locate the "Route Profile" as you initially described, but then when I read further I found it through the Destination button. The general menu and Settings to Routing buttons didn't get me the choice...I hope I don't have to reset it every trip!

Thanks for your time reading it. So far if I'm not mistaken, when you open the menu and continue tapping right, you should see an option for Show More Settings. Once that is selected I think route profiles will appear. I forot to mention that, my bad.

Originally Posted by ddrueckhammer

Thanks for the review. I found Copilot to be pretty bad out of the box. No Querty keyboard FTL! and it was pretty buggy but I do see the potential there. Right now, IMO TomTom and Navigon have the best solutions but they are also expensive. These guys can capture the market though if they continue to upgrade their app over the next year and keep the price the same.

Hey you're welcome! Thanks for your time too. So far it does feel like they rushed the app to get approved. I'm really REALLY hoping the updates would make this app a killer. I love their interface and the promising features but unless they can fix all the bugs and problems, it won't be a killer app.

[Wakakanada]

Originally Posted by Rayfire

Thanks for your time reading it. So far if I'm not mistaken, when you open the menu and continue tapping right, you should see an option for Show More Settings. Once that is selected I think route profiles will appear. I forot to mention that, my bad.

Ahhhh, got it. Thanks

[Mr. Zorg]

I picked this up too and echo the problems with the contacts list. I wouldn't find about 3/4 or the entries in my contacts (that have addresses), but if I manually typed in the destination it worked fine.

There's at least one road here that's a few years old and CoPilot can't find it. Oddly enough, it has POIs there though! Also, when leaving my neighborhood it likes to route me through a road that is a fire lane and has a fence dividing two neighborhoods -- I can't go that way. All of the major online maps have no problem with either of these. So much for the "CoPilot Live v8 includes the most accurate maps and Points of Interest available from the World's leading map suppliers" they tout on their website.

But, for $35 it's certainly "good enough" I think. I hope they polish it some more, though.

[staz]

Downloaded this when it came out because I wanted a basic SatNav for the few times I would need it. If most folks stopped and thought about the amount of time spend driving, knowing where you're going versus the amount of time not knowing where you're going, the need for an app like this would be put into perspective. Do I care that CoPilot doesn't lead me on the quickest route to my office? Of course not. I know how to get there already. But if I'm in an unfamiliar area and want to get from my hotel to the interstate to the airport in a reasonably efficient manner, CoPilot and it's low price point is all I really need.

In reading a lot of posts in this forum related to SatNav apps, I get a strong impression that folks that have just shelled out $70-$100 for one of the other SatNav apps are most interested in seeking affirmation that they spent their money wisely when they tout the benefits (however miniscule) of the one they chose.

For me the bottom line is CoPilot tells me where I am and where I need to go reasonably well and at a cost significantly less than any other app.

[Tunnelrunner]

Awesome review, thank you!

[Wakakanada]

Originally Posted by staz

Downloaded this when it came out because I wanted a basic SatNav for the few times I would need it. If most folks stopped and thought about the amount of time spend driving, knowing where you're going versus the amount of time not knowing where you're going, the need for an app like this would be put into perspective. Do I care that CoPilot doesn't lead me on the quickest route to my office? Of course not. I know how to get there already. But if I'm in an unfamiliar area and want to get from my hotel to the interstate to the airport in a reasonably efficient manner, CoPilot and it's low price point is all I really need.

In reading a lot of posts in this forum related to SatNav apps, I get a strong impression that folks that have just shelled out $70-$100 for one of the other SatNav apps are most interested in seeking affirmation that they spent their money wisely when they tout the benefits (however miniscule) of the one they chose.

For me the bottom line is CoPilot tells me where I am and where I need to go reasonably well and at a cost significantly less than any other app.

I agree. I bought Co-pilot because I wanted to be able to avoid those once a month car squabbles with my wife trying to find a new place on a weekend drive. The iPhone basic Maps apps just didn't do the trick. I expect this one will.

I have noted in this and other threads that Co-pilot sometimes simply does not work properly. The known instance being it will not allow me to get home from work unless I turn around, head in the opposite direction, and then turn onto one particular street. "Take exit [from freeway] turn left, turn left, in 2 Kilometers, turn left, in 500 meters turn left" ... you should see the map route! ]

No tweaking of options has managed to avoid this...it's an oddity. But, it should be noted that I can take one of two bridges home, and I elect to take the one that Co-pilot doesn't recommend. It simply cannot figure out a portion of my route in any sensible way when I do this. It finally accepts my way when I am about 2 kilometers away from home [of a 14 Km trip]. This is regrettable, but the problem would likely be avoided if I simply travelled the recommended route in the first place.

So, I am hopeful that when I truly need the app [not just testing in on a route I know] and therefore follow it's initial directions, it will get me where I ask it to go.

[Rayfire]

Appreciate all you guys for your time reading the review. I was revisiting this app on the App store and they somehow added in their upcoming free update:

"Updated USA and Canada maps"

Ok now I just have to be patient.. I'll try to update the review once their first free update gets released. I'm loving their Save and Load feature for their routes! Amazing!

@staz, good point there

[Pika]

Most of the app-store reviews on iTunes about CoPilot are rated 1 - 2 stars and it's listed #64 of the top paid apps for "Navigation". While TomTom is listed #1 and Navigon #2.

It's terrible.

[Rayfire]

Originally Posted by Pika

Most of the app-store reviews on iTunes about CoPilot are rated 1 - 2 stars and it's listed #64 of the top paid apps for "Navigation". While TomTom is listed #1 and Navigon #2.

It's terrible.

I see that it is falling off from the "Navigation" list but honestly I won't say "it's terrible" based on my own experience. It is not polished, true, but their features does offer a bit of hope to become a better app (plus the update coming). It might not be the best but I'd consider it competitive once they've worked on all their shortcomings.

[Pika]

I'm just saying this because i honestly would love to buy it and try-it next to TomTom & Navigon... but unfortunately on the iTunes app store it's rated 2 out of 5 stars so... it's out of my wish list.

[SpaceKitty]

The more I use this GPS app, the more I like it. It is 95% accurate in showing correct streets though and needs some work. I saw three streets shown in my area that simply have never existed, there is a field where a farmer works it every year for hay and so there has never been any streets running through there.

There are other streets that have been developed over the last few years that show up that my Garmin doesn't even show. I've been using this for my job now and this is why it's important to me to be able to read street names, something that Navigon fails at. TomTom is 100% there at showing street names and Copilot is 99.5% there as well. I just don't see what all the excitement is over Navigon. If I can't read the street names because they are so small and because of that awful olive green background that shows up in some areas, then that GPS app has failed.

I wish more people would give it an honest rating because it deserves at least a 4 star rating.

[Rayfire]

Originally Posted by Pika

I'm just saying this because i honestly would love to buy it and try-it next to TomTom & Navigon... but unfortunately on the iTunes app store it's rated 2 out of 5 stars so... it's out of my wish list.

I was on the same boat, but as staz pointed out I just needed something to point me where I'm at and where I'm headed, I don't even drive that far anyways (yet). Like I said, and other people on their reviews, wait till the update gets released then read the new feedbacks, I'm sure most are pissed with this app just because of the non-qwerty keyboard and unreliable map. It has a potential due to the wide variety features they released in which I don't see on Navigon nor TomTom.

SpaceKitty,
What place are you using the app?

[Tunnelrunner]

Originally Posted by Pika

I'm just saying this because i honestly would love to buy it and try-it next to TomTom & Navigon... but unfortunately on the iTunes app store it's rated 2 out of 5 stars so... it's out of my wish list.

As I've said dozens of times before, I wouldn't put too much credibility on user reviews (as a whole) or star ratings that you read in the App Store. Anyone can write anything they want for whatever asinine reason they choose. IMO, the whole user app review is shot and needs to be fixed (hint: hire paid, professional app reviewers, Apple!). Not to say that all the reviews are crap...there are many thoughtful, helpful ones, but they get drowned out by all the sewage.

Stick to professional reviews or intelligent user reviews (like the OPs) and make the decision based on what YOU think.

[gregr209]

I just purchased Co-pilot after reading this review and the iLounge review. So far I am very pleased.

Does anyone know when the update is going to be released? I hate the keyboard also I can't find any Jack in the Box restaurants which is really weird...even with the live search.

For 35 bucks, and if you only use a GPS system like this once in a while, you can't beat the price!

Greg

[duffer]

And you can't beat the price. It certainly needs some polishing, but a great app at a great price. The one feature I am most excited about is the compass displayed onscreen. Navigon and TomTom do not have this feature. I think a compass is a must have for a navigation app.

[Rayfire]

It's good to know that there are people out there liking it, of course it does need a lot of polishing. I don't know why it can't find Jack in the Box, sometimes it can't even find KFC here in my area.

Thanks for the compass tip duffer, never saw that haha! My friends also like how the day/night mode automatically switches with your own preference of color! It's so easy to read the street names, even if you're seating on the rear passenger seats

Hopefully the update comes within 14 days since I'm headed to Las Vegas for a trip, that would be helpful. I bet the reviews will lean towards either 3.5 or 4 once the update is out.