NAVIGON has announced its new offerings today at IFA in Berlin. While not available as of yet, come this fall NAVIGON will be rolling out the update for free to already existing users of their services. If you're not familiar with their family of navigation apps, when the new updates roll out you might want to take a look as they've been working hard to create the best experiences possible.
“Over the last two years, we’ve continuously added new features to our navigation apps, transforming them into the most feature-rich smartphone GPS apps available,” said Gerhard Mayr, NAVIGON vice-president of worldwide mobile phones and new markets. “For our new generation of apps, we went back to the drawing board to see how we could elevate smartphone navigation to the next level. Feedback from our users suggests that a better way to manage and update maps and a more intuitive user interface are top priorities.”
A whole new UI has been developed for better interfacing with the apps plus, they have a new feature added called FreshMaps. This allows new map data to be downloaded quarterly so that you are ensured to have the most up to date information available. In addition to that, NAVIGON has added some features not typically found in GPS apps. Things such as Zagat ratings and reviews as an in-app purchase and a cockpit function that displays real-time driving data. Full press release is beyond the break.
NAVIGON Announces Next Generation Smartphone Navigation Apps
Next Generation Android and iPhone Apps Include New Map Management and Simplified User Interface; Navigation App for Windows Phone 7 to Launch this Year
IFA Berlin, Germany, September 1, 2011—NAVIGON AG, a leading provider of mobile phone on-board navigation, today announced the second generation of its award-winning navigation apps for Android devices and the iPhone will be available this fall. The new versions redefine core elements of smartphone navigation, including an industry first approach to map management and updates, an even more effortless and intuitive user interface, and new features not found in any other navigation app. Current Android and iPhone users are eligible for free upgrades to the new versions. In addition, NAVIGON is making its successful navigation app available for Windows Phone 7 later this year.
“Over the last two years, we’ve continuously added new features to our navigation apps, transforming them into the most feature-rich smartphone GPS apps available,” said Gerhard Mayr, NAVIGON vice-president of worldwide mobile phones and new markets. “For our new generation of apps, we went back to the drawing board to see how we could elevate smartphone navigation to the next level. Feedback from our users suggests that a better way to manage and update maps and a more intuitive user interface are top priorities.”
Next Generation Android and iPhone Navigation Apps
NAVIGON’s navigation apps for Android devices and the iPhone include the following new features:
New Map Management and Update Capabilities
NAVIGON’s new MyMaps function allows users to pick which map regions to download to their device*. Users who, for example, own the USA version can select the states they want immediately and download additional regions at a later time. This ability prolongs memory; since users store only the maps they need on their device. In addition, NAVIGON FreshMaps offers quarterly map updates. The new map updating service uses trusted, field-verified, and quality-controlled map and points of interest updates from NAVTEQ to ensure the most accurate maps possible. Users can keep their maps accurate and reliable by receiving quarterly map updates for a one-time fee for the lifetime of the product.
Simplified User Interface
Navigation has become more complex over the past several years, so NAVIGON redesigned its user interface to provide a better overview and making it easier to use. Each application is customized for its operating system to provide the best possible experience on each platform. The next generation of NAVIGON’s iPhone app, for example, allows users to easily switch between different pages with animated menus and new multi-touch user gestures. In addition, it’s easy to rotate and zoom maps in any direction when in 3D mode and tap points of interest on the map to instantly add them to a route.
Additional Features
NAVIGON’s next generation of apps also includes new features not found in other navigation apps. The new Android app, for example, features Zagat’s ratings and reviews as an in-app purchase and a cockpit function that displays real-time driving data, allowing enthusiasts to monitor driving behaviors.
Windows Phone 7 App Coming Soon
NAVIGON’s premium navigation app soon will be available for Windows Phone 7 users. The app includes many signature features that have made NAVIGON’s apps successful on Android devices and the iPhone, including on-board maps, spoken turn-by-turn directions, visual lane guidance, live traffic information and rerouting, among many other features. NAVIGON’s new app runs on Windows Phone 7.5 and also takes advantage of new features made available to developers with this new release. These features include the augmented reality function Reality Scanner, which provides an instant and effortless way of identifying nearby destinations while on foot; an option to select address information directly from the phone’s contact list; and the ability to save a favorite or home address as a shortcut on the start screen.
*Downloading map regions requires a WIFI connection.
For more information, please visit: www.navigon.com.
Find NAVIGON on:
Twitter: www.twitter.com/NAVIGON_US
Facebook: www.navigon.com/facebook
Flickr: www.navigon.com/flickr
YouTube: www.navigon.com/youtube
About NAVIGON AG – a GARMIN company:
Germany-based NAVIGON AG was founded in 1991 and is a leading supplier of satellite navigation products. In July 2011, the company was acquired by Garmin Ltd. and operates as a fully-owned subsidiary. The NAVIGON brand offers mobile navigation devices (PNDs), smartphone navigation applications, and solutions for the automotive OEM industry.
