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Telenav Scout now compatible with Android, Ford Sync AppLink

The new Android version of Telenav's Scout navigation app launches with AppLink compatibility in select Ford vehicles.

Antuan Goodwin Reviews Editor / Cars
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Expertise Reviewing cars and car technology since 2008 focusing on electrification, driver assistance and infotainment Credentials
  • North American Car, Truck and SUV of the Year (NACTOY) Awards Juror
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Antuan Goodwin
2 min read
Screenshot by Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Part of the buzz surrounding Telenav's Scout -- the rebranding and reimagining of its Navigator app -- at CES 2012 centered on the announcement that the app would boast compatibility with Ford's Sync AppLink sometime "later this year." The GPS software developer also hinted that an Android version of the app was in the works. "Later this year" arrives today, as Telenav has announced and launched Scout for Android 1.2 with its new Car Connect premium functionality.

Scout for Android is similar in scope to the iPhone version of the app. Upon launch, you are presented with a My Dashboard screen that shows commute time estimates for preset home and work addresses, destination search shortcuts, and weather. After choosing a destination from the My Places search or My Favorites list, you get turn-by-turn directions with spoken instructions. You can also access many of the app's functions using simple voice commands such as "Drive Home."

Scout's My Dashboard screen contains many useful shortcuts. Screenshot by Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Many of Scout's functions can be controlled via voice command. Screenshot by Antuan Goodwin/CNET

You can also access premium features such as Premium Traffic data, Red Light Camera and Speed Trap alerts, and Lane Assist, which displays a graphic indicating which lanes are valid for the chosen route when approaching freeway exchanges. The premium level offers access to a feature called Car Connect, which allows you to Connect Scout to Ford Sync AppLink to take advantage of the in-car display and speakers on select Ford vehicles to get turn-by-turn directions.

The Android version of Scout gains compatibility with AppLink before the iPhone version, which isn't yet compatible with AppLink. However, Telenav tells us that an update for the iOS version of Scout is in the works.

Scout for Android is a free download from Google Play and is compatible with Verizon, Sprint, and AT&T phones. We were told by Telenav that the T-Mobile variant of the app is going through certification now and should be available in a few weeks. Premium features, including the Car Connect compatibility with Ford Sync AppLink, are free for a 30-day trial, after which you can unlock them via an in-app subscription of $24.99 per year or $4.99 per month.