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Would trade 95% of my apps for the Google Maps Navigation App
- Thread starter Khryz
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Hmm...I don't see why they wouldn't release it. There are already a few other Google apps in the app store (Google Earth & Google mobile to name a few, not sure of any others), not to mention the fact that the iPhone still ships with a Google-based app built in. They had their troubles with the other apps but everyone seems to forget that Google has still had a big place on the iPhone throughout all the controversy. It might be a different story a few years down the road, as it'll be interesting to see what Apple does with that mapping company they just bought.
In any event, from what I've heard, isn't the new application more of an extension (or new version of) the current Google Maps app?? Or am I wrong about that?
I really hope they do release it soon, I could reeeally use that! I find myself using Google Maps more and more often as it's usually more reliable than Navigon.
I'm not sure what your definition of open source is, but the Navigation app is definitely not open source by the standard definition.
I believe you're right about it being an extension of Google Maps. I assume, that Apple would update the OS (hopefully not until OS 4.0) which would update the Google Maps app to include all the features that the Droid has.
I believe they meant hopefully they will not wait until OS 4.0 to update it rather than having Apple withhold it until OS 4.0.
I'm more than happy with Navigon and it has been worth the price. But I'd welcome the Google app.
Same here. If only Navigon used Google Search for the POI like in Google Maps it would be perfect!
Why can't you wait? The funny thing about Google's apps is that Apple is better at utilizing them than Google does on Android. Seriously, you're paying almost $100/month at least for the iPhone on top of the cost of the device. You should be able to afford an app like Co-Pilot which offers much of the same features without adware or what is essentially spyware since Google will always know where you are.
The only advantage ,besides free, of the app is that you have street view as well. Google's POI is just as dated in many ways as any other nav app.
I believe that you read my post the wrong way. Personally I can wait, as I have a Garmin Nuvi. I was stating that the OP probably meant that they wanted the Google Maps Navigation before OS 4.0 because their original post stated that they wanted the app before the end of the year.
william sire
macrumors regular
I havent seen this navigation app but I heard a loot about it. Seems like it similar to Tom Tom which I have used and if that is the case it would definitely prove to be the best app ever on the iphone.
Just curious but why would anyone be interested in this as an app? It's a constant hit on your data plan as it doesn't store maps on your phones like real GPS software so it has to constantly stream map data via 3G. That also means that you have no GPS if you're out of cellular range or lose your data connection. No thanks.
The searchable POI's via Google are nice but that can also be integrated into real GPS software as I used to have that on my Garmin Mobile GPS software when I had a Windows phone. Just my two cents worth! Cheers!
James
The searchable POI's via Google are nice but that can also be integrated into real GPS software as I used to have that on my Garmin Mobile GPS software when I had a Windows phone. Just my two cents worth! Cheers!
James
First, it's free.
Second, it's free.
Third, I don't have a lot of space on my 16 GB iPhone 3G so this is something I am very interested in. And if you lose signal, the app still stores your route so as long as you don't go crazy out of where you've been instructed to go it seems like you'd be fine.
iPhone contracts have an unlimited data plan and when are you ever out of cellular range?
US iPhone users have unlimited data... users in other countries have various options. Let's try to not forget about the rest of the world
But if i had an iPhone, i'd be interested in this. I'd not BUY an app because i have a Nav system in my vehicle, but it would be nice to have something if i was with someone that didn't.... or if i was in an area plagued with construction and my maps were out of date.
I only get 500mb of data and you'd be surprised by how often I find myself out of Cellular range. Good old Optus. Voda and Telstra are no better
Your post raises some valid concerns and drawbacks, but one point is innaccurate. The Google Nav App caches your route corridor to the phone when it first maps it. As long as you begin someplace with cell coverage, you shouldn't need it again for the rest of the trip, unless you vary significantly from the route.
Fair enough comment but unfortunately that doesn't apply to everyone. Here in Canada data plans with Rogers start at 500MB per month and there are no unlimited plans. You can get plans that are practically unlimited but those are big bucks.
As for cellular range, it's real easy to be out of cell range here especially when you're travelling. Most of the major highways are improving in coverage but it's not coast to coast by any stretch and most of the rural areas are Edge speed, not 3G. You can also lose a signal for a variety of reasons in town including dead zones, network glitches, etc. that might pop up when you need it most.
If it's free I agree it's a nice touch in the absence of anything else but really, you can get apps like Co-Pilot Live for cheap at only $35 bucks which are fully functioning GPS programs with full map sets included. Only downside of course is that you use about a gig of space or so on your phone for the maps but really, how many songs do you "need" to carry with you? (just kiddin'...)
Anyhoo, I was just making the point to make people aware that there are certainly limitations with the Google offering compared to real GPS so definitely a case of "you get what you pay for". Again, it's a nice touch as a free add on but it's not going to replace "real" GPS software at least in the foreseeable future. Cheers!
James
Navigon is already the cream of the crop of Apple Nav apps, and will continues to grow even more, still believe its on its second version. Besides, isnt this nav app going to have ads in it, I heard somewhere it would. I'll take an ad free Nav app anyday