Why are Nav Apps so popular now?

[SFC Archer]

SFC - I completely agree w/ your suggestion of 'personal preference' ... I completely disagree w/ you using the term 'retarded' ...

... as someone who uses GPS at least once a month (much more regularly for traffic), if I used Motion X GPS Drive, it would cost me $33.88 for the first year (and $35.88/yr after at $2.95/mo -- $0.99 is introductory month, after that it's more)
... also as someone who drives in rural wisconsin each month, the Edge/GPRS roaming services would not work properly with Motion X GPS Drive since it requires good data transmission

Since it's personal preference, I'll stick w/ Navigon w/ fixed cost traffic and free google search ... on a 3GS, it's unbeatable!

I agree with and have changed my word...it was a little harsh and sorry if I offended anyone as it was not my intent.

The .99 is just for the app. As far as the cost to USE the VOICE commands, there are packages. For every 30 days it is an in App purchase of $2.99. If you wish to have a yearly subscription, then it is only $24.99

Based on the user preference, the app STORES up to 2gigs of map data for your current route and selection in case transmission is lost. I am in a edge only area of KY and have never had a problem so far. It uses the GPS chip and locks onto satelites and for those brief periods that ANY GPS loses connection, this maintains your route and maps with the storage mode that you can flush/clear at the end of each session. I am using a 3GS and it is unbeatable!!!

Again, what you use is your choice but I did have to correct all the areas that you posted incorrectly.

Your pricing was wrong and data transmission requirements are wrong.

I also would have to question your real time/cost needed to run a GPS. If you are in a rural area, unless you travel to a NEW destination every single day or need directions to the same places you frequent then you would not need a yearly subscription. When I know I am going to travel, I buy 30 days...this gets me to my destination, travel around the destination area for the duration of my stay and the return trip home. I believe if you actually only purchased what you TRULY needed, that you would save lots of money in a bad economy.

Just my opinion and analysis of what you posted, not personal

 

[zhenya]

@nmrrjw66

Yes, the Point of Interest databases (or in the case of Navigon now, the inclusion of the Google Local database) is another major plus of a GPS unit or App. In an unfamiliar area it is invaluable for quickly finding what you are looking for. In the old days, with your $1 paper map, you'd have to stop and hope the gas attendant knew where to direct you and was able to give you good directions. Then, when you missed your turn, you had to stop and ask directions again. The navigation system just re-routes you automatically. As already noted, navigation units have been hot for years, but the integration of those 'dumb' units with little or no network capability into a device that has full Internet access and the ability to place calls, etc. is a no-brainer.

It sounds like you've never used a real navigation system. If you only drive in places you know well, or with another person in the car to navigate it has less benefit. But for one person in the car in an unfamiliar area it is fantastic. On your next trip, try out the AT&T navigation program. It's not as good as the expensive ones, but it is pay as you go, so you can get an idea of what it can do for you without much cost.

 

[SFC Archer]

Do a lot of these GPS or Navigation apps include phone directories? If you search for an address or business does it give you the phone number for the place?

Motion X does. It uses your address book or has frequent category searches. If I hit Restaurants, then it gives me multiple choices within the area that I am and selecting it gives me the address and phone number and the option to save it.

If I use the fill in the blank search engine and type in Theaters, It gives me a list of theaters starting from the closest all the way out to where I want to stop my search. Again, it provides address, phone number and will navigate you to that theater.

I am sure the others are the same...specially for the price you pay

 

[lordhamster]

I have been notice so many different apps lately for Navigation purposes and noticed how expensive some of them are and it got me thinking.

Do people really get lost that much? It almost seems like people are getting taken for a ride on this concept. You are paying $50 for a map that you can buy at a gas station for a dollar. What do you guys use the Navigation for the most? I guess if you traveled a lot it would be more useful.

Why use Excel rather than pen and paper? Same kind of question.

I'm not sure I'd dismiss GPS navigation as a Gimmick. Sure you can survive without it, but it has become a billion dollar business on more than just being "neat."

When I'm in my home town I rarely "need" GPS however the live traffic has often guided me around backups on the highway.

I also travel extensively domestically and internationally. I can't tell you how much more relaxing it is to arrive in say Europe and not have to go looking for a paper atlas or map.

Beyond that, if I need to navigate to an address the GPS tells me where on the road it is and what side. Most paper maps don't have that capability. So sure I can get to Mayfield road, but which part of the 10 mile section of the road is the address I'm heading to at?

Also, some GPS based maps are smarter than just a map. They know things such as speed limits, average driving speeds (based on historical data) road travel direction etc. All of these thing are CLEAR advantages over paper maps.