While I myself would also prefer a one time fee, AT&T is offering customers the ability to pay nothing for the app while paying monthly. Its a different model then a Tom, Tom where you pay once and youre done. Keep in mind though even with a Tom, Tom youre still paying $70+ a year for map updates so in that sense $9.99 isnt really that far off.
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AT&T Unleashes Turn-by-Turn GPS App
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I'd much prefer a pay per use model where I rent it for 24 hours.
I had this with the Garmin app on my Helio phone, it was $3.99 to rent it for a 24 hour period, or $9.99/mo. Unfortunately it required data signal to work but otherwise it was pretty great.
I'm hoping AT&T goes with a short term rental model. I wouldn't need one of these all the time, just on those few road trips.
I had this with the Garmin app on my Helio phone, it was $3.99 to rent it for a 24 hour period, or $9.99/mo. Unfortunately it required data signal to work but otherwise it was pretty great.
I'm hoping AT&T goes with a short term rental model. I wouldn't need one of these all the time, just on those few road trips.
Traffic updates
I pay if it keeps me informed about traffic, that alone is worth the money living in a big city.
But must admit dam this will get expensive really fast unless you drive a lot or travel to other states that way you know where you are all the time, now does it do side view.
I pay if it keeps me informed about traffic, that alone is worth the money living in a big city.
But must admit dam this will get expensive really fast unless you drive a lot or travel to other states that way you know where you are all the time, now does it do side view.
GAWD, whatever.
The sprint GPS app on the Instinct is free, and no monthly charge. BTW, it was pretty spot on awesome too.
Just wanted to make one more comment on this issue. AT&T and Apple are losing customers everyday for this very reason. If and when AT&T lose their exclusive Apple contract. I can guarantee you will see their subscription prices go down. They are taking advantage of us Apple fanatics (Price Gouging). I admit I was one and got ate up for 2 years. This service is free with me and I just went with the new Pre from Sprint. My plan is $129.99 for 2 lines, which includes unlimited data, unlimited text, nights that start at 7, and 1500 minutes. This also includes Sprint TV, which is pretty useless, but does give you something to watch on the toilet, and TeleNav. Free navagation software. I also got a 15% off discount on top of all this. With Att this would have costed me $89.99 + 30(1st Line) + 30(2nd Line) + 30 (Unlimited Text) + 16(Nights that start at 7) + 9.99(Navigation) so $205.98. We are talking about with no discounts a savings of $75.99 a month. That is why I switched and on top of that I have 3G now in my city and the surround 3 around me, which AT&T had Edge in all these cities. Apple needs to hurry up and open this up to more carriers , so all Apple fans can enjoy the iPhone. AT&T Sucks!!!!!
I think this application is Dead on Arrival, based on the current price and missing features. Out of 215 reviews on iTunes the rating is 3 stars, just average. I understand all the arguments about this being the standard cost for mobile devices, nevertheless, we are captive customers to AT&T already. Given what we pay for services, I think a better price point is 3.95 a month or a one-time fee of $69. New competition from TomTom, Navigon and others to follow, will determine the best pricing point. Of course, just my opinion based on the discussion so far.
Sprint gives it to you for free because they are losing subscribers every quarter. AT&T and Verizon will continue to charge money for this service because they continue to gain customers.
You just have to look at the Navigon nav app in Europe --- approx $95 US introductory price --- without live traffic information.
Regular price after the launch will be more expensive. And they haven't told you the cost of the map updates and the cost of the live traffic subscription fee.
This may be the case but I can guarantee 2 things. At&t lost 2 lines and Sprint gained 2. So far I have been very happy with the service. Like I said earlier the main reason for At&t customer gains is because of the iPhones. Once Apple smarts up and opens the iPhone up to more carriers At&t will have to rethink their pricing strategies. They are gouging their iPhone customers whether you will admit it or not. Compare plans from any other carrier. I will one day own an iPhone again if it is not with At&t.
ATT neve really offers good price at all. They probably subside iPhone pretty heavily also.
So this is, of course, a cash cow for them from rich people again. There is really no surprise.
Im glad Im off ATT a year ago, now with Pre on sprint, I m saving $480 over two years. Yeah its tiny for rich people, but its a good netbook or maybe a large screen kindle for me.
So this is, of course, a cash cow for them from rich people again. There is really no surprise.
Im glad Im off ATT a year ago, now with Pre on sprint, I m saving $480 over two years. Yeah its tiny for rich people, but its a good netbook or maybe a large screen kindle for me.
I can think of a better price point than that: How about 1.95 a month or a one-time flat fee of $49. Wait, I just thought of a better price: $39... no, $29. No wait, $19.95. (This is fun!)
Sure, everyone would like a better price, but AT&T will charge what they think will maximize their profits. Just the same as every other company in the world.
It's the same monthly price AT&T charges for this app on all of their phones... not just the iPhone.
Good Point, I guess ATT is just pure greedy. Or it just has the ability to do so.
Contrary to popular belief, AT&T's "success" has NOTHING to do with the iphone. AT&T's net adds have been largely attributable to Tracfone's success.
Verizon is going to keep charging their premium prices.
If Sprint is successful in stopping their subscriber losses, the first thing they will do is raise their prices.
I agree. $10/month for turn by turn GPS is standard. Sarcasm doesn't come through well through forums.
If you think it's a bad app or don't want to use it, don't! Nothing is forcing you to buy it. It's the beauty of capitalism, the government doesn't force companies or citizens to do anything. Capitalism weeds out the winners and the losers naturally. Just look at the car companies.
exactly which is why a government run car company is bad. they can just subsidise people to buy there car making it even more disadvantageous to buy something else and essentially being forced into something you might otherwise not choose. unless you have lots of money
Is this why MMS got delayed to who knows when? because they were too busy coming up with this?
I"m just pissed cause I"m paying for unlimited messages, and I can only use text.
ATT is the villain. The ugly corporation that just can't handle or understand the iPhone or the App store. The weak link in the iPhone chain. Needless to say, I won't be signing up for a monthly subscription but I do very much look forward to the day when one can buy an iPhone unrelated to ATT.
Eh, if you had a phone through AT&T and were already subscribed to Navigator (which is the only way to get navigation with non-smartphones) it makes sense to continue using it. I guess. I wouldn't subscribe, but then again I think it could be a better deal than having to pay 150 bucks for a SatNav unit and then 80 bucks a year for maps. Or more than that if you have SatNav unit built into your car (I have seen new maps for as much as 400 dollars).
For people having problems with low volume, you need to exit the app then open the ipod app and adjust the volume slider (you don't need to be playing music). When you return to Navigator, the volume will be louder.
For me, this is the biggest glitch in the software... no separate volume control in Navigator. This means that you can't adjust your iPod music to play at a lower volume than the turn-by-turn voice, or vice-versa. (If you use the iphone's physical volume button while using Navigator, it just adjusts ringtone volume.)
Otherwise, I'm pretty happy with this software. Worked just fine around town. The directions on screen were easy to see at a glance, and the voice, while not the clearest ever, was easy enough to understand. Had no problems locating local points of interest.
Still, not sure how long I'll keep the service. I'm one of those people who doesn't currently own a GPS... because 99% of my driving is in an area I'm familiar with. If I'm not exactly sure where my destination is, a quick look at google maps before I leave is usually enough to get me there.
For me, this is the biggest glitch in the software... no separate volume control in Navigator. This means that you can't adjust your iPod music to play at a lower volume than the turn-by-turn voice, or vice-versa. (If you use the iphone's physical volume button while using Navigator, it just adjusts ringtone volume.)
Otherwise, I'm pretty happy with this software. Worked just fine around town. The directions on screen were easy to see at a glance, and the voice, while not the clearest ever, was easy enough to understand. Had no problems locating local points of interest.
Still, not sure how long I'll keep the service. I'm one of those people who doesn't currently own a GPS... because 99% of my driving is in an area I'm familiar with. If I'm not exactly sure where my destination is, a quick look at google maps before I leave is usually enough to get me there.
Good debate, but pricing is everything...
Thanks for the intelligent debate. I agree with some issues you have raised, and disagree with others, but here is my core argument;
- Most iPhone users are either middle class or high class, with a few exceptions obviously. Many of these iPhone users, due to the fact that the iPhone did not have a navigation app (or it was too expensive) decided to get stand alone GPS units. You admit to getting one for your wife too. I guarantee that, if At&T and Apple had a reasonably priced navigation app which, together with the mount, would cost about the same as a stand-alone unit, (assuming your wife has an iPhone) you might have chosen to get the iPhone app instead of getting the GPS, or mulled over it as an option. Since the option was not there, or was too expensive for you to consider, you opted for the GPS unit.
- For those iPhone users already owning stand alone GPS units, (like you and me) then the introduction of a navigation app by AT&T or TomTom or Garmin shall become a question of economics and convenience. Should I get the app and pay for it, while I have a perfectly good stand alone unit that I can use? Is it more convenient to carry one unit and pay for the app, or forego the app and carry two units?
By the way, for one to use the TomTom app, you shall be required to use a windshield mount, meaning that, you shall always have to take away the mount each time you park at a public (or even private) place, as the mount is what makes the thieves know you have a GPS system, thus enticing them to break in and see if you have left it at the cup holder console or the glove compartment!!! Therefore, the inconvenience of taking out the mount applies to all, iPhone users and stand alone users alike!
"Those who are in and out of the car frequently may find it annoying to have to manage two thief-attracting dash-mounted devices. For them, the stand-alone GPS unit may be more trouble than it is worth."
If you are using the stand alone unit as your GPS mounted to your winshield, why would you want to mount the iPhone mount on your windshield? You are not going to be using two devices for directions, are you?
"The iPhone also can be used as a handheld GPS. Granted, other apps like the built-in map app are probably about as good for pedestrian use, but using one app for navigation simplifies things. I'm also looking forward to using it on my bicycle, which is not something I would use a typical TBT car unit for." You shall need to buy a sort of mount (like those bought for stand alone units to be used on bicycles and even motorcylces) for your iPhone, since the iPhone unit is even 'more sensitive' than a stand alone unit. The TBT car unit has options for bicycle, walking, etc, and In fact, you are better off using the more 'rugged' TBT car unit for cycling than you are your 'delicate' iPhone!
I know some people shall opt for the convenience. However, many, faced by the prospect of paying for services that are already provided by a device they already own, might opt not to take up the offer UNLESS IT IS COMPETITIVE ENOUGH.
- For those without stand alone GPS units, the choice is easier; they shall opt for the app. Many shall also walk (or log onto their internet stores) into Best Buy and Sears and WalMart and all other stores selling GPS units, and shall be faced by the same decision faced by you and me, current GPS unit owners; do I buy a stand-alone unit or should I buy or pay for the app (and the resulting subscription prices)?
My argument is (and I may be wrong) that, since the options are many and not as expensive as they were 2-3 years ago, many current and prospective iPhone users who might have been drawn to the convenience of having one device might opt to purchase the stand alone unit, since the prices are just too reasonable.
2 or 3 years ago, many iPhone users would have gladly paid $100 to $200 per annum (either as a single sum or a total of monthly subscriptions) since the prices of stand alone units were higher then, but not too many are willing to do that now, since the competition has made them aware of options available.
For AT&T and companies providing these navigation apps to make them appealing to many iPhone users, their prices shall have to be so competitive, such that, an ordinary user shall forego buying a stand alone unit. If they don't make it competitive, then they shall only have a few core customers. I predict that, if they make it too expensive, then just a few people shall buy the app/subscriptions, and they shall be forced to drop the prices till their iPhone navigation products can compete with other products out there!
You have mentioned something about the 'internet echo chamber'! Yes, majority of iPhone users don't complain, or suffer silently, but those who do are the ones that force AT&T and Apple into action. (I agree with you, most iPhone/Ipod touch users don't even follow the latest developments - only 6 million out of a possible 40 million had downloaded the 3.0 update by last week, about 15%) For example, just look at the complaints by iPhone 3g users wanting special prices upon the release of the iPhone 3GS. Granted, only a small population was bickering about the 2 year contract 'thing' that was preventing them from upgrading, but the 'few' who did made such a large noise, they forced Apple and AT&T executives to meet in the middle of the night to brainstorm on how to appease their customers, and came out with the confusing tiers of upgrading and eligibility. Not everybody complained. It was just a select few; they however got things changed for everybody, including those who did not complain!
Again, on the internet echo chamber, these echos are the ones that have 'forced' Apple to introduce features that many users might not even have had (or heard) a clue about! Look at 'copy, cut and paste', a feature that many iPhone users might never even use. However, a small population of users decried its absence, especially since many 'inferior' phones had this feature. Look at MMS. How many people shall use that feature once it is there? Maybe, when people discover that it is there, they shall begin using it, thanks to the few but loud who complained about its absence. Tethering? You need another computer to tether! As for me and many iPhone users, we already have some form of internet connection at home, school or work. The only reason you need to tether is to use your iPhone to 'stream internet' to your laptop (or other computer) to get an internet connection where there is none. This shall only be done by a very small segment of the population, and in very few instances, as if you have regular internet connection, either from an ethernet or wireless (WIFI) connection, you really don't need to tether. Does that stop people from shouting hoarse about the lack of tethering? No! In fact, the 'internet echo chamber' was so loud about the $55 fee for tethering, AT&T had to give an official statement disclaiming the rumor! So much for the internet echo chamber!
All this 'chatter' we are 'making' here is what, to some extent, makes these big companies add these features that we blog about. If it were left to the general populace, these companies would never bat an eyelid! MMS? Cut Copy and Paste? Who needs it? Tethering? Do they even know what it is? My old man tells me of one Ralph Nader, who 'chattered' until seat belts were made mandatory for motor cars. The majority did not mind, neither did they care about seat belts. Ralph Nader and a few knuckleheads caused the government and reluctant automakers to 'increase production costs' for this feature. Thank God for Nader (Did not vote for him!!!)
Thanks for the intelligent debate. I agree with some issues you have raised, and disagree with others, but here is my core argument;
- Most iPhone users are either middle class or high class, with a few exceptions obviously. Many of these iPhone users, due to the fact that the iPhone did not have a navigation app (or it was too expensive) decided to get stand alone GPS units. You admit to getting one for your wife too. I guarantee that, if At&T and Apple had a reasonably priced navigation app which, together with the mount, would cost about the same as a stand-alone unit, (assuming your wife has an iPhone) you might have chosen to get the iPhone app instead of getting the GPS, or mulled over it as an option. Since the option was not there, or was too expensive for you to consider, you opted for the GPS unit.
- For those iPhone users already owning stand alone GPS units, (like you and me) then the introduction of a navigation app by AT&T or TomTom or Garmin shall become a question of economics and convenience. Should I get the app and pay for it, while I have a perfectly good stand alone unit that I can use? Is it more convenient to carry one unit and pay for the app, or forego the app and carry two units?
By the way, for one to use the TomTom app, you shall be required to use a windshield mount, meaning that, you shall always have to take away the mount each time you park at a public (or even private) place, as the mount is what makes the thieves know you have a GPS system, thus enticing them to break in and see if you have left it at the cup holder console or the glove compartment!!! Therefore, the inconvenience of taking out the mount applies to all, iPhone users and stand alone users alike!
"Those who are in and out of the car frequently may find it annoying to have to manage two thief-attracting dash-mounted devices. For them, the stand-alone GPS unit may be more trouble than it is worth."
If you are using the stand alone unit as your GPS mounted to your winshield, why would you want to mount the iPhone mount on your windshield? You are not going to be using two devices for directions, are you?
"The iPhone also can be used as a handheld GPS. Granted, other apps like the built-in map app are probably about as good for pedestrian use, but using one app for navigation simplifies things. I'm also looking forward to using it on my bicycle, which is not something I would use a typical TBT car unit for." You shall need to buy a sort of mount (like those bought for stand alone units to be used on bicycles and even motorcylces) for your iPhone, since the iPhone unit is even 'more sensitive' than a stand alone unit. The TBT car unit has options for bicycle, walking, etc, and In fact, you are better off using the more 'rugged' TBT car unit for cycling than you are your 'delicate' iPhone!
I know some people shall opt for the convenience. However, many, faced by the prospect of paying for services that are already provided by a device they already own, might opt not to take up the offer UNLESS IT IS COMPETITIVE ENOUGH.
- For those without stand alone GPS units, the choice is easier; they shall opt for the app. Many shall also walk (or log onto their internet stores) into Best Buy and Sears and WalMart and all other stores selling GPS units, and shall be faced by the same decision faced by you and me, current GPS unit owners; do I buy a stand-alone unit or should I buy or pay for the app (and the resulting subscription prices)?
My argument is (and I may be wrong) that, since the options are many and not as expensive as they were 2-3 years ago, many current and prospective iPhone users who might have been drawn to the convenience of having one device might opt to purchase the stand alone unit, since the prices are just too reasonable.
2 or 3 years ago, many iPhone users would have gladly paid $100 to $200 per annum (either as a single sum or a total of monthly subscriptions) since the prices of stand alone units were higher then, but not too many are willing to do that now, since the competition has made them aware of options available.
For AT&T and companies providing these navigation apps to make them appealing to many iPhone users, their prices shall have to be so competitive, such that, an ordinary user shall forego buying a stand alone unit. If they don't make it competitive, then they shall only have a few core customers. I predict that, if they make it too expensive, then just a few people shall buy the app/subscriptions, and they shall be forced to drop the prices till their iPhone navigation products can compete with other products out there!
You have mentioned something about the 'internet echo chamber'! Yes, majority of iPhone users don't complain, or suffer silently, but those who do are the ones that force AT&T and Apple into action. (I agree with you, most iPhone/Ipod touch users don't even follow the latest developments - only 6 million out of a possible 40 million had downloaded the 3.0 update by last week, about 15%) For example, just look at the complaints by iPhone 3g users wanting special prices upon the release of the iPhone 3GS. Granted, only a small population was bickering about the 2 year contract 'thing' that was preventing them from upgrading, but the 'few' who did made such a large noise, they forced Apple and AT&T executives to meet in the middle of the night to brainstorm on how to appease their customers, and came out with the confusing tiers of upgrading and eligibility. Not everybody complained. It was just a select few; they however got things changed for everybody, including those who did not complain!
Again, on the internet echo chamber, these echos are the ones that have 'forced' Apple to introduce features that many users might not even have had (or heard) a clue about! Look at 'copy, cut and paste', a feature that many iPhone users might never even use. However, a small population of users decried its absence, especially since many 'inferior' phones had this feature. Look at MMS. How many people shall use that feature once it is there? Maybe, when people discover that it is there, they shall begin using it, thanks to the few but loud who complained about its absence. Tethering? You need another computer to tether! As for me and many iPhone users, we already have some form of internet connection at home, school or work. The only reason you need to tether is to use your iPhone to 'stream internet' to your laptop (or other computer) to get an internet connection where there is none. This shall only be done by a very small segment of the population, and in very few instances, as if you have regular internet connection, either from an ethernet or wireless (WIFI) connection, you really don't need to tether. Does that stop people from shouting hoarse about the lack of tethering? No! In fact, the 'internet echo chamber' was so loud about the $55 fee for tethering, AT&T had to give an official statement disclaiming the rumor! So much for the internet echo chamber!
All this 'chatter' we are 'making' here is what, to some extent, makes these big companies add these features that we blog about. If it were left to the general populace, these companies would never bat an eyelid! MMS? Cut Copy and Paste? Who needs it? Tethering? Do they even know what it is? My old man tells me of one Ralph Nader, who 'chattered' until seat belts were made mandatory for motor cars. The majority did not mind, neither did they care about seat belts. Ralph Nader and a few knuckleheads caused the government and reluctant automakers to 'increase production costs' for this feature. Thank God for Nader (Did not vote for him!!!)