All Things iPhone

NAVIGON Adds Google Local Search to iPhone Navigation App and Reduces Price to $59.99 for Limited Time
NAVIGON App First On-Board Solution for iPhone to Include Google Local Search, Free Update Delivers 13 New Features and Enhancements

—NAVIGON AG, the leading innovator in the navigation market, today announced the availability of the fourth free update (1.4.0) for its successful iPhone navigation App, MobileNavigator. The comprehensive update focuses on streamlining and accelerating navigation on the iPhone offering key components such as the integration of online Google Local Search into the application, an industry first among on-board navigation Apps for the iPhone. The update includes many new functions such as an enhanced pedestrian navigation, an audiobook mode, and directions in a turn-by-turn list format, an Emergency Help function, geographic Coordinate Input and more. In order to introduce this major update to the market, NAVIGON reduces the price of the App from $89.99 to $59.99 until January 11, 2010.

The latest version makes use of the iPhone connectivity capabilities, enhancing the navigation experience with Internet connected services such as recently launched Traffic Live, and now the integration of Google Local Search. Users have instant access to the most up to date point of interest (POI) search results. Simply entering, “steak” for example, provides a comprehensive list of steak restaurants nearby. It is also possible to search for places in a certain area by just adding, for example, the name of the city to the search.

“This comprehensive update once again provides many sought-after features to our customers,” said Gerhard Mayr, NAVIGON vice-president worldwide mobile phones & new markets. “It shows that we are committed to providing our customers the best navigation experience available for the iPhone.” According to the latest market data from Canalys, NAVIGON is the industry leader of on-board/perpetual navigation solutions for mobile phones in the U.S. with a market share of 23 percent.

Version 1.4.0 further extends the efficiency and precision of the iPhone built in capabilities with additional enhancements such as a versatile pedestrian mode transforming the iPhone into a device not only excellent for navigating by car, but also on foot. Pedestrian mode is equipped with the iPhone compass, with in the application and an option for a 3D map with automatic orientation in the direction the walker is headed (3G S only), so users can at a glance know which direction they are moving. Rounding out pedestrian mode includes instant re-route and aerial direction display is only a tap away.

Features and Enhancements of Version 1.4.0:

• • Google Local Search
• • Enhanced pedestrian mode
• • Turn-by-Turn Route List Provides a detailed list of directions, which update automatically during navigation; eliminating each maneuvers in real-time.
• • Audiobook Mode Drivers can now enjoy even more of their iPod while in-route music and audiobooks without missing MobileNavigator’s clear text-to-speech navigation announcements. In music mode the volume is automatically reduced during the voice announcement. Now while listening to audiobooks and navigation, playback is automatically paused and rewound for one second while directions are given, and resumes playing when the directions stop.
• • Coordinate Input Employ longitude and latitude coordinates as a destination as an alternative to traditional input like an address or POI by name. Email geographical coordinates for precise location identification.
• • Emergency Help Tapping one of the predefined categories such as Police, Hospital, Pharmacy or Gas Station provides detailed textual description of current position sorted by distance. Includes list with the street name, zip, city, distance to next big intersection, and geographic location. Emergency Help tells you exactly where you are, so you can tell other how to get to you.
• • Favorites displayed in map Destinations marked as favorites by the user are now displayed on the map in a named flag icon.
• • Swipe Screen integration for Traffic Messages Users can browse Traffic Live messages with the flick of a finger.
• • Contacts as interim destinations One-tap sets contacts as an interim destination. Using contact groups in the phonebook as interim destinations is now also possible.
• • GPS display enhancements If the iPhone GPS signal becomes too weak during navigation, indicated by a red bar on the top of the display; MobileNavigator now calculates the approximate position and shows the estimated position in the map (grey positioning indicator) to provide better orientation. Active route guidance remains switched off but continues normal navigation until a valid signal is available.
• • 3D map zooming As they navigate, users can now zoom in on the map section both in the 2D and 3D display using the iPhone’s intuitive fingertip control.
• • Country Info When the user crosses a country border, pointing out the country’s most important traffic regulations – such as the maximum permissible speeds or alcohol limits.
• • Faster start-up

Availability:
The NAVIGON solution is available in the Apple App Store and is equipped with maps of North America (USA, Canada, Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands) from NAVTEQ®. Besides being available for the iPhone 3G and 3GS, the NAVIGON App also runs on first-generation iPhone or an iPod Touch. Additional accessories are required for GPS navigation on these devices.

For more information, please visit: www.navigon.com/iphone.

Find NAVIGON on:
Twitter: www.navigon.com/twitter_US
Facebook: www.navigon.com/facebook
Flickr: www.navigon.com/flickr
Youtube: www.navigon.com/youtube

About NAVIGON:
NAVIGON AG is a world-leading manufacturer of navigation systems. With its own portable navigation systems, and thanks to its partnership with reputable consumer electronics manufacturers, NAVIGON stands for high-quality GPS navigation on PNDs and mobile phones. NAVIGON also provides professional navigation solutions such as driver-assistance features for the automotive OEM market. NAVIGON was founded in 1991, and employs over 400 workers in locations in Asia, Europe and North America. – NAVIGON. And the world is yours.

When I switched over to the iPhone I was shocked to see that I was not able to download some sort of navigation software, coming from the Blackberry world this was very disappointing.  Needless to say I was very excited when AT&T/Apple finally started to allow GPS navigation apps for the iPhone.  I am not positive about this statement but I believe Navigon was the first big company to release navigation software for the iPhone.

I noticed that Navigon had a lite version in the app store but I was unable to download it.  I then contacted them and asked if they would release another lite version or allow me to test out the application.  I was contacted a few days later and was given a chance to test out the application.  I have to say I am very impressed with this applictiaon.

After a week or so of testing I compiled a list of questions I saw in reviews and added in some of my own to see where this app is going.  I have recieved an update to the application. I will install this and update this post if any of these questions have been addresssed.

1. Will there be traffic integration? (Would be nice to know about accidents on the roads)
   • Yes, we have plans to launch a real-time traffic feature for our iPhone app later this year. However, at this point we don’t have an exact launch date yet.
2. GPS doesn’t seem to lock on sometimes is this a known issue?
   • Usually, the integrated GPS receiver of the iPhone works well. In isolated cases issues with the GPS positioning and the GPS signal have been reported and this could have different reasons:
     • Wrong positioning of the iPhone in the car. Like with every portable navigation device, the iPhone should always have a free view to the sky
     • Metalized thermally insulated windshield
     • Usage of design or protective covers (while using our NAVIGON Software please avoid using covers since these influence the reception of a GPS signal)
     • Should all of this not match your situation, we’ve experienced that a soft-reset of the iPhone is something that helps. Your saved data and information will not be deleted during this procedure. Apple describes the process as follows:
       • Hold the standby button (the On/Off Button on the top right side of the iPhone) and at the same time the HOME button for at least 10 seconds until the Apple-Logo appears. After that the iPhone will boot up again.
       • In very rare cases where even the soft-reset doesn’t work, it can help to backup and restore the data on the iPhone in order to reorganize the memory of the phone.
3. Can we just search POI without selecting the category?
   • Yes, you just have to select “all categories”, then you can search for a POI without selecting a category.
4. See a listing of directions? (Route preview?)
   • Currently, it is possible to display the entire route graphically (just click on the map and then on the “show route” icon in the lower right corner). However, a textual list of turn-by-turn-directions is not included. NAVIGON has developed a feature called NAVIGON MyRoutes that learns from individual driving habits. Based on that data, it provides three different route choices after entering a destination. These are displayed on a map with distance and EST for each route, so the user can select which one he prefers. The NAVIGON MyRoutes feature might be something that we will make available for the iPhone with an update.
5. Can there be an icon that tells if we have GPS lock. I found it cumbersome that I would have to hit start nav then cancel out of the simulation menu, and keep doing that over and over again.
   • Our app does show a red bar on top of the screen if there is no GPS reception available. And there is actually a way to avoid having to tap on the screen over and over again. If you have entered an address and there is no GPS reception available, you can just wait until the signal becomes available. It is just important to not press “cancel”. The route is being calculated automatically after GPS reception is sufficient and the “Simulate/Cancel” buttons will disappear.
6. Any plans to allow users to upload their own voices?
   • That is an interesting idea but as of now there are no concrete plans.
7. Dash had a great concept link up the gps units so they could share traffic info.
   • NAVIGON will offer real-time traffic updates for the MobileNavigator on the iPhone in the future. At this point, we are unable to disclose any further information about the specific implementation of this feature, but I can tell you that we are considering a wide variety of options.
8. Would be nice to be able to use the internet to search for POI, this way it would never be outdated.
   • Currently we offer the POIs which are integrated in our NAVTEQ map database. An integration of e.g. Google POIs is definitely in discussion and might be something to come at a later point, but we don’t have any concrete plans to announce right now.
9. How often will the app be updated?
   • The first version includes the latest maps available. For further updates, users will have access to NAVIGON’s standard map updates at attractive prices. However, at this point, we don’t have specific pricing and timing for the map updates.

Download on iTunes

(On Sale for 69.99

I recieved an e-mail this morning for an app called FaceHack.

Here is the descritpion of the app from the developers:

What Facehack does is that it lets you create a Facebook profile picture with special effect (making it looks like a popup) and create a buzz on your profile. Facehack also helps you post the new profile pic directly to Facebook, saving you the time and effort to do it on a computer.

[View with PicLens]

They are expecting the launch of Facehack in the next few days, and we will be giving away the first 1000 downloads for free (regular price @0.99).

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YouTube Direkt

Don’t forget to become a fan of them on Facebook.

Waze Navigation

Waze, which has already been available for Android, has finally made its debut in the iPhone App Store. The application offers real time maps and traffic information based on “the wisdom of the crowds”. Here’s how the developers describe Waze:

Waze is a free social mobile app that enables drivers to build and use live maps and real-time traffic updates for a better daily commute. Waze is 100% user-generated, and drivers can easily update each other on traffic, police traps, road construction, sped cams, hazards and more. Waze also provides turn-by-turn navigation and rerouting options as conditions on the road change. The more people use Waze, the better the map and driving directions get, so get involved in building your area’s driving community today!

Waze

Waze is 100% free. Which is very nice for a turn by turn navigation app since most are above 50 dollars in the app store.

Download on iTunes

[via ismashphone]

I was approached by AppGiveaway and was told I could participate in thier contests and to see if I would be willing to write a review.  I am always skeptical about sites like these, but I have to admit this site is very well oriented and well maintained.

AppGiveAway describes themselves as the following:

AppGiveaway assists Application Developers/Publishers create a buzz around their iPhone/iPod Touch application by organizing promotional giveaways. The AppGiveaway site is updated throughout the day everyday to help keep your apps in the spotlight we promote newly launched apps as well as existing applications that are featured in the Apple store.

AppGiveaway lets developers give away promo codes and lets users register to win them.  The site offers multiple giveaways per day and I don’t see a limit to how many you can enter which is a big plus.  Entering a giveaway is very simple and only takes a few steps.  All you need to do is register, activate your account and then entering the giveaways.

App Giveaway

Overall this is a great site and a wonderful way for developers to get their applications out to the public.  I was also told that they are releasing an iPhone app which should make it easier for you to enter the daily contests.

Make sure you visit them and let me know if you win any contests.

http://www.appgiveaway.com/

HeadsUp is a great app for remembering birthdays,anniversaries,events and holidays. The cleanliness of the user interface is what makes this app amazing. One thing about this app which makes it a unique from others is the zodiac sign feature. Another great feature is importing birthdays from your contacts. Even though, this app is $0.99 it is completely worth it if you want a easy to use reminder.

Pros-

Very nice and clean user interface

Feature rich

Worth the money

Cons-

Can be slow and sluggish sometimes

Download on iTunes

acrossair, the makers of Nearest Tube iPhone app bring you the New York Nearest Subway one of the first augmented reality apps to go live in the iPhone AppStore. Forget boring 2D maps! Try this amazing new application that tells New Yorkers where their nearest subway station.

When you load the app, holding it flat, all lines of New York subway are displayed in arrows. By tilting the phone upwards, you will see the nearest stations: what direction they are in relation to your location, how many miles away they are and what lines they are on. If you continue to tilt the phone upwards, you will see stations further away, as stacked icons. Only available to Apple iPhone 3GS users.

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Battery Info by Mcadlie Inc is a great easy to use app to find out your current battery percentage.

This app is clutter free,accurate, and free. It can’t get any better then that.

Download on iTunes

        One thing an iPhone owner may worry about is protection for their device. Some people may decide to go with just a simple Wal-Mart purchased face coat, others may go the distance – adding a two sided protectant along with a hard waterproof case.

        There are different advantages to having and not having a case for your iPhone, as well as worrying if the plastic cover you ordered is going to be compatible with a stylus you may have purchased for your iPhone. Some of these shields actually restrict the touch of your iPhone or iPod, which can be frustrating due to wasting your money and still having no protection.

        The guys over at Zagg have been producing skins called the “Invisible Shield”. You can get shields for your laptop, gaming devices, MP3 players, and GPS devices. They provide the option for front, back, or full coverage. Generally ordering the full body is a greater advantage not only because you get full protection, but it’s usually not that much more expensive than a one sided shield.

        Zagg claims that their materials are the same materials used by the military which coat helicopter blades. They go in depth and show a video of two iPhones – one with a shield and one without. The video demonstrates how scraping your key across both devices shows that the one with the Zagg protection will resist scratches, while the unprotected one has magnificent dents scraped into its backside.

        I’m the type that likes to have the best type of device or accessories out there, so after reading about the product I wanted to give this a try. I had spent around $50 previous in different skins/shields to find one that worked for me – but all ended up getting scratched really bad, ripping, or falling off. I figured why not.

        The contents of the package are the two pieces to the shield (which by the way, the iPhone is SO much easier to put on than the Palm Centro), spray, squeegee, and instructions.

        My suggestions to installing the shield would be to definitely wash your hands thoroughly before putting the shield on. This way you avoid carrying particles like dirt, lint, or hair onto your phone. Use a soft micro fiber rag and use some type of cleaning solution to again thoroughly clean your phone and get all of the particles off of the device.

        Here is what I used for my shield.

        When you’re done following the steps, your phone should look something like this. You’ll notice when installing that the back part is harder to install. The pieces that loop from the side to the top like to bend and not stay down. You can either wait for the rest to dry, and spray more onto it… Or you can just grab some scissors and cut these parts off, on the last two shields that’s exactly what I did.

        Try to get the bubbles out as best as you can, it takes some work and patience but if you use the thicker end you shouldn’t have any problems. s

        After using the IS I won’t go back to any other type of protectant. I have now installed my third IS for the iPhone – most recently on the iPhone 3GS. I’ve discovered it protects greatly against scratches from keys, change, or other objects being in the same pocket as your cell phone – I never keep other objects in the same pocket, I was just testing it. Also it works great against spills. I have laid my iPhone face down in water accidentally thanks to marble counter tops, and it still has combated against water damage.

        I don’t suggest taking your keys to the device like in the video, I tried on my first shield and saw some scratches, but it was because i was hammering the key down pretty good. Also don’t try pushing a pen through the shield because that DOES work. The shield will protect against general use in your pocket, on docking stations, on your desk, wherever. It’s kind of fun to use when you set on a glass plate table and can slide the glass off the table using only your phone. And yes, the shield provides added grip so you’re less likely to have an accidental drop.

        The shield is pricy, but it comes with an excellent warranty. If it ever fails you, you can send it back for a replacement – and this is a lifetime warranty. I’ve used the warranty twice already for shields on now three different phones The customer service is excellent, something I value highly in any company I make purchases from.

Description:

Zoom in/out with your iPhone Camera! One of iPhone’s most requested feature.

Pros-

it might be useful when it works

Cons-

Crashes Crashes Crashes

Makes images more blurrier

1.1 is in review but it’s been a while now

Shouldn’t even be free

Price:

$0.99(I’d save it)

Version:

1.0

Size:

338 KB

Download on iTunes