Maggie,
Let me start off by saying that Magellan has done a fantastic job with this app, especially considering we are still on "Version: 1.0". This leaves me VERY hopeful and excited that this already great app will get even better, especially with the user feedback and suggestions posted here. Overall, this is a good app, with the potential to be a GREAT app! Nice job Magellan, keep up the good work. The user interface and overall structure is exceptionally laid out and aesthetically pleasing. However, this app most definitely does not go without its faults, but at this present time I will not penalize Magellan for issues that I believe/hope will be resolved.
Here are my qualms, which I would LOVE for you to pass on and take into consideration for future updates…
1) TRAFFIC! Not much else to be said here, but I think traffic integration is a must....preferably free. However, if it will be a charge, make it a one-time charge (not monthly/yearly).
2) All traditional navigation POI databases leave something to be desired, and hopefully Magellan doesn't overlook this very blatant weakness. It would definitely behoove them to integrate Google's Local Search, which allows users to enter simple search terms (as they would in Google or Google Maps). This would also be a step in the right direction to fend off the attack of the FREE "Google Maps Navigation" that has reared its ugly head. It appears that Navigon will be incorporating this feature, so I’d suggest Magellan do the same.
3) When attempting to use an address from my Contacts, I am often prompted with a message that states “No useable address found”. This is bothersome because if I type the address in manually, it uses it just fine. I’d have to imagine this is a software issue, and should be resolved fairly quickly and easily.
4) The TTS feature could also be more expansive. Often times it won’t say the street name, but rather make a general statement or direction.
5) The speed is VERY inaccurate, and I don’t believe it’s even been close to being correct since I got it. It jumps around constantly, and never locks onto my exact speed.
6) When playing music while navigating, the audio interruptions are quite abrupt and choppy. A fade out/in would be nice, and the music should pause for the duration of any given direction…rather than resuming the music only to cut off the directional statement.
7) The speed limit notification sign should be displayed at all times, not just when you are speeding (even if speeding notifications are turned off).
8) I have always used Garmin in the past, and have appreciated its repetitive nature with regards to keeping you on track. The Magellan seems to keep quiet while on long freeway stints, whereas the Garmin would confirm (verbally) that you should stay on the appropriate freeway. More frequent directions (at interchanges, etc.) would be a welcome change.
9) You can’t zoom out very far when in 3D+ mode. If you want to explore the map, you have to change it to 2D to zoom out to a useable/explorable distance.
10) Garmin also has an "Information Page" of sorts, which displays a number of trip related items (i.e. current speed, top speed, current trip distance, overall distance, duration of trip, etc.), which I often miss looking at on one screen.
11) Although the route calculations are fairly quick outdoors, it can take some time to get a satellite lock while indoors, around building, trees, etc. Why can’t “triangulation” (like Google Maps Navigation” be utilized to obtain a rough location lock, which would enable quicker overall functionality.
The iPhone is constantly (or almost constantly) connected to the internet, so why not take full advantage of it?!
...and most importantly, PLEASE keep all future updates FREE. We (the Magellan customers) vested a good amount of money into this app, and we would love to continue using your products and providing useful feedback for future product development, but there's definitely a point of diminishing returns...where products such as Google Map/Google Maps Navigation will begin to suffice. I also do not want to regret going the Magellan route, when there were definitely other viable options out there who have already stated all future updates will be FREE.
Thanks for listening. Cheers! 🙂
Sincerely,
Shane 😀
