X

Navigon GPS to take on Windows Mobile and Android platforms

Navigon announces its mobile navigation solution to Windows Mobile and Android platforms.

Dong Ngo SF Labs Manager, Editor / Reviews
CNET editor Dong Ngo has been involved with technology since 2000, starting with testing gadgets and writing code for CNET Labs' benchmarks. He now manages CNET San Francisco Labs, reviews 3D printers, networking/storage devices, and also writes about other topics from online security to new gadgets and how technology impacts the life of people around the world.
See full bio
Dong Ngo
2 min read
Navigon MobileNavigator on Android. Navigon

LAS VEGAS--Ever since Apple opened up the door for developers to create turn-by-turn GPS applications with the third-generation iPhone operating system, there have been many GPS applications for the iPhone. However, soon owners of phones running on different platforms, including Android and Windows Mobile, won't be missing out anymore.

Navigon, the developer of the Navigon MobileNavigator for the iPhone, which for the time being is the most comprehensive iPhone GPS app with potentially more features than you can ask for, announced Thursday at CES 2010 its upcoming MobileNavigator app for Windows phones and Android platforms.

Unlike the version for the iPhone, the MobileNavigator for Windows Mobile and Android won't, for now, offer live-traffic updates and the option to control music playback within the app. However, Navigon says the app will still have a long list of advanced features, including:

  • Reality View Pro (on devices with landscape format support): displays photo- realistic 3D views with actual road signs and lane guidance for virtually every highway interchange and exit drivers will encounter.
  • Lane Assistant Pro: a useful feature to help drivers prepare to make an upcoming exit or turn by providing a lane map complete with arrows and actual road geometry.
  • Text-to-speech: actual street and highway names are spoken, in addition to turn-by-turn directions.
  • Speed Assistant with adjustable audio-visual warning.
  • Day and Night mode for map display.
  • Direct Access allows navigation to contacts saved in the phone's address book.
  • Route planning
  • Branded POIs along the route
  • 2D and 3D map view.
  • Automatic switch between portrait and landscape format.
  • Real signpost display.

The Windows Mobile version of MobileNavigator will also have the capability to do GPS simulation where GPS signals are not available, such as in tunnels.

The Navigon GPS soltuion for Windows Mobile will be available in the next few weeks at Pocketgear.com and Smartphone.net and will cost $89. However, if you buy it before February 14, you can get it for a discounted price of $69. The Android version of the product will not be available until spring 2010. At the moment, it's unclear how much it'll cost.