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- Hitting the road with iPhone GPS apps: A holiday buyers guide
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Features, iPhone, Holidays, iPod touch, App Review
We're about to hit the big holiday travel peak, and it's a great time to survey what we've seen this year for iPhone GPS apps. GPS navigation by satellite has been around a long time, but it's never been this inexpensive or desirable. There's an explosion of choices, with competitive features and falling prices. For many of our readers, facing long trips to see family and friends, getting the right GPS app is a priority.
A few words about this guide: I haven't seen or tested everything on the market, and the choices are constantly changing and updating. I've done my best to keep up and get some time on the road with each of the apps listed here. If I haven't talked about your favorite app, it's not because I don't like it, but because I can't vouch for it.
Like all of you, I have some criteria by which I judge a GPS app. My list contains the things I think are really, really, important. Your list could be different. Such is life.
Read on for my (long) list of must-haves, and for the rundown of the GPS apps themselves.Here's my criteria:- Good graphics and a clear GUI. I want to be able to figure out how things work without a lot of effort. I don't expect to spend a lot of time looking at the screen, but when I do I don't want it to be littered with useless information.
- Good sound. I don't want to have to struggle to hear what is being said, and I don't want to guess what directions I just got.
- GPS accuracy. Of course. I want the GPS to know where I am. On a highway, I don't want to be depicted on a side road. Most of the GPS accuracy comes down to the electronics on the iPhone, but smart software can enhance the accuracy of my position.
- Updated Maps. In my testing, I found several units that didn't have streets I was driving on, or could not find addresses in neighborhoods that were a decade old. There isn't any good way to find out how new the map data is, but there are plenty of reviews on the iTunes store that will help you gauge this. Steer clear of any app that has a lot of people complaining about out-of-date data.
- Updated Points of Interest. Same as above. How current are the locations and phone numbers of restaurants, hospitals, shops? Is the POI list static or is there a web component that keeps it up to date? I prefer a frequently updated POI list. If it's on the phone only, and something you downloaded as part of the app, it is both smaller and less up-to-date than the online options.
- Where are the maps? Maps may be stored on your phone, or delivered on-demand via the 3G network. I prefer them to be on the phone, because cellular reception may not be perfect. In the U.S., that means AT&T. For the rest of the world there are providers with great coverage, and some with poor coverage. If you opt for a GPS app that depends on the network for maps, you'd better have good cellular service or you'll be looking at a blank map.
- Text-to-speech. I really don't want to spend time looking at the display. I want the GPS to tell me to turn left on Elm Street, not 'turn left ahead'. That could be very confusing.
- Traffic information. It's no good following a route that is backed up three hours because of an accident. I want my GPS to alert me, and re-route me if at all possible.
- Choices about route calculation. I want options for fastest, shortest, and less congested routes. I want to be able to avoid toll roads, freeways or ferries. I want to be driving with this app, not having the app drive me.
- Useful on-screen information. I want to know how long till I get there, based on my speed, not a guess. I want to know what time I will arrive, and I'd like to know the distance to my destination and to my next turn.
- Address Book integration. I really don't want to type in destinations if they are already sitting on my phone.
- iPod integration. Not a big deal for me, but it is for many. Can you access your iTunes library without leaving the app?
- More than just a driving mode. The iPhone is small and portable. Pedestrian directions are really nice to have.
- Less important but nice: auto night display, meaning the display dims or changes colors so it is easier to see at night and less distracting. Speed limit information; can the app warn you if your are speeding? To know that, its database has to know the posted speed for major roads. I also like landscape mode, which is, I think, a nicer way to view the maps.
One of the first out of the gate was the AT&T Navigator app [iTunes link]. It's a monthly subscription at $9.99, with discounts for
multi-month agreements. The maps are clear, the POI database is up to date. This app is cloud based, and that means if you lose AT&T signal, you're hosed. The app has recently had an update with improved iTunes integration. The app does text to speech, has an attractive GUI, and has a nice feature to help you find cheap gas. It includes real-time traffic, and warns you of congestion ahead. The downsides are the already mentioned dependence on a cellular signal. It also is way too chatty for my taste, and over warns you of upcoming turns. I did not find the voice pleasant, as it seemed distorted on the iPhone speaker. I'd blame that on the iPhone, except several other products don't have the problem. As this is subscription based, it just keeps costing. At $70 a year, you could buy the Navigon, Magellan or TomTom app and be ahead of the game. Purchasers who rated this app at the iTunes store generally are not happy.
Ndrive United States. This is a low cost $32.99 app [iTunes link] with built in maps, and a pretty fair POI database. The developers promised text to speech, but as of this writing, it's a no-show. In my review i said that voice instructions came a bit late. I liked the 3D rendering of downtown buildings. As prices of the more popular GPS apps drop, Ndrive is not as compelling as it was, but I think it is worth a look.
Another low cost option is CoPilot Live North America. At $20 (on sale now) [iTunes Link] It includes text to speech, and works well. In my review I noted that the maps were not particularly attractive, and were often out of date. You can add live traffic for another $20, which starts getting app up there in price. I'd consider this an entry level purchase for someone who isn't sure they want to spend a lot of GPS navigation. At $20 without traffic, it's a pretty low risk proposition.
TomTom. This app is offered in the U.S. and several other countries. It was an eagerly awaited app because of the reputation
of the company. For US drivers there is a US/Canada version at $69.99 [iTunes link] and a $49.99 version [iTunes link] that deletes Canada (no offense, Canadians). It's on sale at this price until December 28. Out of the gate, this app was missing some desired features, like text to speech, but a recent update added that function. The graphics are clear and easy to understand. The GUI is responsive. All the data is on-board. There have been complaints the maps are not as up to date as some of its competitors. All in all, the TomTom app is full featured, and very competitive, especially at the $50 sale price.
Magellan Roadmate. Full featured, very nice GUI and easy to read screens. Has text to speech, 3D landmarks, lane assist, pedestrian mode, and a one-touch menu for getting to favorites. In my review I found the app easy to use and responsive. At $79.99 (on sale) [iTunes link] it's a bit pricey and I expect they will have to get a bit more aggressive because of the competition. I like everything about this app except the price and lack of real time traffic.
G-Map U.S. and Canada. At a sale price of $49.99 [iTunes link] it is in the middle of the pack in terms of cost, but in my experience it was buggy and a bit slow to react to turns. In my review I noted that the app had in fact been pulled from the app store for bugs. Several users, including me, have had trouble installing it. The developers have been quick to try and fix the issues that pop up, and they have added text to speech. If you don't need Canadian maps, the TomTom sale price is a better deal.
iGo Navigation. At $64.99 on sale, this is a bit high for an app with no text to speech. It does have lane assist, 3D landmarks, and details at intersections. In my review I noted that app froze up, which is a no-no. Without text to speech, it's a high price and not very competitive with the big names.
Navigon Mobile Navigator North America. In my view, this is the current top drawer app that I have used and extensively tested. It's on sale to January 11 for $59.99 [iTunes link], and it includes Canada, text to speech, and now Google live search to compliment the built-in POI data base. That's the best of both worlds in my view: the maps on board, plus the ability to find, call, and easily navigate to a destination. If you are out of cell tower range, the built in POI data is reasonably complete.
You can get up to date traffic data for larger cities for an additional one-time purchase of $24.99. I think the on screen graphics are best in class, and Navigon was the first to add text to speech. They have been very prompt at getting frequent updates released and have added valuable features. If you look at the iTunes ratings, it seems to have satisfied the most people. If I had to choose one GPS app for the iPhone, it would be the Navigon, no question. The company released the Google integration yesterday, and it had some server issues, but they got right on it and fixed it very quickly.
Against my list of desired features, the Navigon app hits them all. Google may or may not offer a free nav app for the iPhone at some point, but if you're planning a long holiday trip, you probably can't wait. The Navigon is not the most expensive, nor the cheapest of the apps that are out there. But I do think it is the best, with the Magellan and TomTom in a tie for second place.
So there you have it. I know there are some other apps I haven't tried, so they are absent here. Many of these apps run fine on an iPod touch, although you won't be able to use them for live navigation without a hardware assist (like the auxiliary GPS provided by the TomTom cradle). Check the iTunes links I've provided to get specifics on each model. I've tried to cover a variety of options and prices, and hopefully you'll find something that fits your needs and your budget. Happy Holidays and safe driving!
TUAWHitting the road with iPhone GPS apps: A holiday buyers guide originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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iPhone - GPS - App Store - IPod Touch - TomTom
Переслать - Psystar shuts down
Filed under: Apple Corporate, Apple
After Apple's sweeping permanent injunction, Psystar has officially ceased operations. The company's CEO Rudy Pedraza told the Dow Jones Newswire last night that he is "shutting things down immediately." The company has also released its eight employees, and shuttered its website last night.
The actions came after Apple's permanent injunction against Psystar earlier this week, which gave Psystar until December 31st to stop selling its Mac clones. The clones violated Apple's End User License Agreement for Mac OS X, which expressly forbids use of the operating system on non-Apple hardware.
This also marks the end of Psystar's Rebel EFI software, which had been Psystar's only viable product since early December. Many Psystar watchers doubted if Psystar would continue to sell it.
Psystar first started selling its computers in April 2008, and Apple filed a lawsuit soon after in July 2008. The company was granted a motion against Psystar to stop selling its computers, preinstalled with Mac OS X, by Judge William Alsup in November. Psystar paid Apple a $2.7 million settlement earlier this month, which included $1,337,500 in copyright infringement damages.
[AppleInsider]TUAWPsystar shuts down originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - AT&T isn't working that hard on network upgrades
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, iPhone
With some pretty damning evidence, both FSJ and Gizmodo are shouting at AT&T, which claims that they've upgraded their network although they've spent less each quarter on upgrades since the iPhone was introduced in 2007. AT&T CEO Ralph De La Vega recently said that "AT&T is upgrading its network to cope," and that AT&T is continuing to look into ways to entice users to limit the way they use data.
That statement made sense at one point: give the customers a tiered data structure that's cheaper for those who don't use much bandwidth. This would probably never happen: it's not too often that you see a wireless provider actually help its customers. In reality, we'd probably see data rates stay where they are, but get an increase in price for "unlimited" data as we've come to understand it.
With another look at the information found in AT&T's Financial and Operating Statistics Summary [PDF Link], you begin to see tremendous flaws in AT&T's logic. They've consistently made more money (80% more revenue compared to Q4 2007) from wireless data, yet on average, AT&T has spent less each quarter for network improvements.
So where has all of that extra money gone? No one can argue that it's the recession sucking up the dollars, because AT&T's profits have remained pretty stable during the whole thing. The money obviously hasn't been spent on network improvements. Perhaps AT&T is fighting Verizon ads with the extra cash?
One thing is certain, the company is not serving AT&T customers in the best manner possible. With rumors that the iPhone may soon be available on Verizon's network as well, AT&T needs to put the pedal to the floor and come through with something... anything.TUAWAT&T isn't working that hard on network upgrades originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Apple post server-related updates for Xsan and Mail Services
Filed under: Software Update, Apple, Mac OS X Server
Apple yesterday posted a few new server-related updates for Xsan and Mac OS X Server.
The first, Xsan 2.2.1, improves file system reliability and cvfsck repair utility. This update is available for Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard and Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard. There's also an updated version of the Xsan uninstaller.
Next, Mail Services Update 1.0 addresses issues affecting overall mail service reliability and performance. This update is available and recommend for all users on Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard.
These updates are available in Software Update, or from Apple's Support Downloads page.TUAWApple post server-related updates for Xsan and Mail Services originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Beta Beat: LogMeIn Pro2 for Macintosh now in free public beta
Filed under: Enterprise, Software, Beta Beat
LogMeIn, providers of the LogMeIn service for remote control of computers, has opened a public beta of LogMeIn Pro2 for Mac. The company currently provides LogMeIn Free for Mac, as well as LogMeIn Ignition for iPhone [US$29.99, iTunes Link], allowing Mac and iPhone users the ability to securely control remote Macs and PCs from their Apple devices.
LogMeIn Pro2 will be similar in functionality to the existing Windows version. Through the service and software, people can connect to a Mac from a Mac or Windows machine, control it, print documents, and share and transfer files.
Registration is required in order to download the software and set up a remote session on the service, and the developer would like feedback from beta participants. Several beta releases are expected, and registered users will be notified of code updates.
At this time, no pricing is available for the service. The Windows version currently costs US$65 per year, and the Mac beta version is available for free.
[via macnn]TUAWBeta Beat: LogMeIn Pro2 for Macintosh now in free public beta originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Apple allows Google to use Lala
Filed under: iTS, Multimedia
We're not sure how Apple plans to utilize its recent acquisition of Lala, but BusinessWeek reports today that Apple does plan to let Google keep utilizing the service. Google unveiled its own music search service in late October, which is backed by Lala.
"We have enjoyed a good relationship with Apple for many years, and that continues to be the case," R.J. Pittman, Google director of product management, told BusinessWeek. "We are agreeing to continue to leave the service as it is."
An Apple spokesman declined to comment to BusinessWeek regarding the issue. There is already speculation that Apple's Lala purchase could lead to a web-streaming model for iTunes, which would directly compete with Google's service.TUAWApple allows Google to use Lala originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Apple introduces discounted iTunes movie bundles
Filed under: iTS, Multimedia, Deals
The iPhone Blog reveals that Movie Bundles [iTunes link] are now available through the iTunes Store. This sort of feature has been available for years in brick and mortar stores, where you can buy two more more related movies packaged together at a discount. They start out at $9.99USD with the most expensive being $34.99USD for an HD action pack of Jason Statham movies. The bundles are also available in the Canadian iTunes Store as well.
[Via MacRumors]TUAWApple introduces discounted iTunes movie bundles originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Rumor: Verizon Wireless prepares for the iPhone
Filed under: Hardware, Rumors, iPhone
Call it wishful thinking or evidence of the inevitable, but BusinessWeek is reporting that Verizon is bolstering its network in preparation for the iPhone.
Verizon Wireless Chief Technology Officer Anthony Melone recently told Bloomberg BusinessWeek that the company is ready for the extra traffic that the iPhone would bring. "We have put things in place already. We are prepared to support that traffic."
The iPhone begins its third year in the US with many customers dissatisfied with AT&T's performance. At the same time, Verizon's wireless service is praised by customers. In fact, a recent Consumer Reports survey asked 50,000 readers across 26 U.S. cities to rank cell service providers on a variety of scales. Verizon came out ahead in 19 of the 26 cities, while AT&T was dead last.
In current ad campaigns (first challenged by AT&T which then relented), Verizon claims to have superior national 3G coverage. Rumors of AT&T losing iPhone exclusivity to Verizon aren't new, but for now, they're just that.
I recently spent time in the middle-of-nowhere Pennsylvania, where my iPhone fell silent while the Verizon phones in attendance worked perfectly. One man's anecdote isn't evidence of anything, but I was definitely jealous of the other users' experiences, and that was a first.TUAWRumor: Verizon Wireless prepares for the iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Time Out London released for iPhone
Filed under: Freeware, App Store, App Review
Fellow Londoners, it's been a good week for us! First, The Guardian unveiled their iPhone app [£2.39, iTunes link], now Time Out London has finally released their free iPhone app - and it is amazing.
This app is worth it for the map feature alone. How it works is a Google Map is displayed with a selection of five buttons: Cinemas; Gigs; Restaurants; Bars, Pubs, and Clubs; and All Arts and Entertainment. Select one button or a combination of the five and watch pins drop on the map that highlight not just the venue, but the event occurring at the venue. A pin will not drop unless there is something going on at the venue.
So the next time you're walking through London, you don't have to look up what's going on where on one site then open your Maps at to see where it is; just open the Time Out London app and see current events displayed in your location.
And that's just one of the great features of this app. There are many more like 'Top 10' lists based on category, search functionality, bookmarking of favorites, and a nifty 'Inspire Me' function that lets you shake to see randomly selected events you may be interested in. Other features include:
- Location driven: the app uses geo-location to pinpoint your location and show you Time Out recommended activities nearby, complete with event previews.
- Sociability: the app alerts you to events you might enjoy, lets you invite people along and flags up events that appeal to your friends and other like-minded people.
- Regular updates: event listings and previews are updated on a daily basis so you can access up-to-date information on all the latest thrills and spills in London.
The only thing I don't like about the app is how heavily it's marketed by Smirnoff. But what you trade for in a logo, you get in a great, free app that is intuitive and well designed. So go ahead and download this app [iTunes link], now, and you'll never be at a loss of what to do in the city again.
BTW: New Yorkers, there is a Time Out New York app for you guys [iTunes link]. The two apps are quite different and appear to be made by two separate companies, according to the iTunes Store. I'll look into why that is, but perhaps it is up to each regional Time Out to make their own app.TUAWTime Out London released for iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Dozen Daily Deals for December 18, 2009
Filed under: Deals
'Tis the season shop until your brains melt (or skip it all entirely, depending on your interpretation of the term holiday). In that spirit, for the next few weeks we'll be rounding up a dozen daily deals courtesy our friends at DealNews.com. Each afternoon tune in to TUAW for this handy summary. Keep in mind that while our posts will live on, the deals won't. Each is lovingly generated by the deal-bot every day, so get 'em while they're hot. Enjoy!
- iTunes Music Store: [iPhone / iPod Apps] UniWar for iPhone / iPod touch downloads for free
- iTunes Music Store: [iPhone / iPod Apps] Tic Tac Toe Connect 5 for iPhone / iPod touch downloads for free
- Small Dog Electronics: [iPhone] Marware C.E.O. Premier Leather Case for iPhone for $13 + free shipping
- Buy.com: [Shipping] Buy.com: Free 2-day express shipping on select items via PayPal
- Sears: [40" - 42" LCD TVs] Samsung 40" 1080p Widescreen LCD HDTV for $600 + pickup
- Apple Store: [iPods] Refurbished Apple iPod touch 8GB MP3 Player for $149 + free shipping
- BJ's Wholesale Club: [Magazines] The Complete National Geographic from 1888 to 2008 for PC / Mac for $40 + $7 s&h, more
- Apple Store: [MacBook Air] Refurbished Apple MacBook Air 13" Laptops from $1,099 + free shipping
- ThingFling: [Headphones] Philips Noise-Canceling Neckband Headphones for $7 + $6 s&h
- Dell Small Business: [24-Inch LCD Or Larger] Dell UltraSharp U2410 24" Widescreen LCD Display for $499 + free shipping
- Best Buy: [Notebook Carrying Cases] Swiss Gear Sherpa Laptop Bag for $18 + $6 s&h
- Verizon Broadband: [Computer Services] Verizon.com: $150 cash back, free DVR, $10 off/month with FiOS bundles
TUAWDozen Daily Deals for December 18, 2009 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - TUAW Livechat: Developing for the (possibly mythical) Apple Tablet
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Hardware, iPod Family, iPhone, App Store, SDK
With just three months left before the expected launch of the as-yet unannounced Apple Tablet, what can application developers do to prepare their products for this likely new platform?
Today, TUAW chats with Craig Hockenberry of Furbo.org and Daniel Jalkut of Red Sweater Software. Hockenberry is the senior software engineer for Iconfactory, a software and design house that ships both Macintosh and iPhone products. Jalkut, formerly of Apple, is the founder of Red Sweater Software (aka the "MarsEdit" people). Both Hockenberry and Jalkut bring multi-platform Apple development expertise to table as we discuss possible hardware directions and how developers can proactively prepare their place in a new market.
TUAWTUAW Livechat: Developing for the (possibly mythical) Apple Tablet originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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