Text Size

Magellan launches iPhone GPS app, announces car kit

updated 03:10 pm EST, Tue November 17, 2009

Car kit to support iPod touch

GPS maker Magellan has launched a new iPhone GPS application, RoadMate 2010. Like most such apps, the software provides turn-by-turn navigation, with features like bookmarks, lane guidance and spoken navigation cues. Aspects separating RoadMate include a pedestrian mode, and an associated "find your car" option, which marks a parking place for later return.

The app also displays highway signs and some 3D landmarks as reference points. Travel destinations can be chosen from Address Book contacts, and music can be controlled without exiting to the Home screen. The North American edition currently costs $80, and covers Canada, Puerto Rico and the United States; English, French and Spanish voices are provided, though street names can only be read in English or French.

Magellan has further announced an upcoming car mount kit, which will support both iPhones and iPod touches due to the presence of a built-in GPS receiver. Users will also be able to charge handhelds, hear louder audio, and in the case of the iPhone exploit Bluetooth and speakerphone options. No release date for the kit has been announced, but Touch users will be required to have RoadMate installed for the kit to work.

 
Previous Comments

$80?

11/17, 03:43pm reply

So I should pay $80 to add this software to a device I already paid for, rather than $99 for the software loaded onto a brand new device? The GPS makers trying their hand at iPhone apps are really out of touch. Google turn by turn (for free) is going to destroy their business model.

njfuzzy

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Apr 2001

-6

Price...

11/17, 03:54pm reply

Get real... the new Google Maps, which is already completed and just waiting for Apple to release the next update, will give us FREE turn by turn GPS.

Free versus $80.... Hmmm.... touch choice....

MyRightEye

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Apr 2008

-4

Google Maps != GPS

11/17, 05:07pm reply

if i drive 30 minutes west of where i live, Google Maps is almost completely useless as i can't get a data signal. however, the Navigon MobileNavigator app i have gets along fine with just the GPS, no interruption in my route and full offline access to the North America map with points of interest, gas stations, etc.

that's what some of us find worth paying money for.

stainboy

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Sep 2005

+7

Popular News