An app that provides parking and weather details would surely wash away users’ weather and parking blues. Just a while ago, Navigon AG, a prominent on-board navigation solutions provider for mobile phones, decided to give its MobileNavigator app an interesting makeover with interesting features. Well, the company has just released a new 1.6.0 update for the app which claims to be the most feature-rich navigation app available on the iPhone platform.
The 1.6.0 upgrade delivers iOS 4 integration and adds-in features such as Live Weather, Clever Parking, updated Navteq maps, Destination Information Display, Pedestrian Mode Voice Guidance, and Enhanced Reality View Pro. The update raises Navigon MyRegion, the regional version of the MobileNavigator, to a feature level similar to that of the MobileNavigator North America.
“MobileNavigator 1.6.0 delivers an efficient and informative navigation experience, helping drivers arrive stress-free and on time,” remarked Gerhard Mayr, vice-president worldwide mobile phones & new markets, NAVIGON. “Today MobileNavigator is the most feature-rich iPhone navigation app available. In the latest update, we not only added new driving related features such as Weather Live and Clever Parking but also improved the way information is presented in our new Destination Information Display.”
The 1.6.0 update of the MobileNavigator app incorporates the Live Weather feature which updates and reports present weather conditions along the route and at the destination in real-time. This will be quite beneficial to users as they can avoid or be prepared for the unpleasant weather and temperature conditions. The icons depicting temperature and weather condition appear on the route overview screen before and during navigation. Users can now easily avail a detailed three-day forecast with this feature just with a tap of a finger.
A feature that helps users determine the ideal parking position around the upcoming destination would reduce the inconvenience faced by drivers while parking. The upgraded version of the app intends to do the same by providing the Clever Parking feature. It provides drivers with the advantage of knowing their parking options. On approaching the destination, a “P” symbol materializes in the map view. On tapping this icon, users can simply scroll down the list of available options. This particular feature also includes the distance from the location for uncomplicated decision-making.
The Destination Information Display integrated in the update endows users with an ‘at a glance’ overview and the summary of information related to their destination. It enables users to customize items included in the settings/options like parking locations, weather information and specific places of interests such as all the restaurants in the proximity of the destination. This apprises users about important places, thereby allowing them to be well-cognizant of their surroundings before they hit that place.
The iOS 4 compatible 1.6.0 update also integrates the highly awaited multitasking compatibility. It allows users to access incessant navigation and turn-by-turn directions while using other apps or taking calls. Impressively, if users are operating the app alongside a call, the voice guided turn-by-turn directions will be turned down only to be heard by the driver.
User can also tap the screen and follow the routing and navigation details in the map mode. The app runs in the background as users access other functions on the iPhone. Well, as soon as someone switches back, continuing exactly from that point has just got easier. The 1.6.0 upgrade optimizes its buttons and icons for the innovative Retina display of the iPhone 4.
Further, users can make use of the app as they walk with the Pedestrian Mode Voice Guidance which delivers voice directions and voiceover menu guidance. This mode proffers similar ‘turn-by-turn’ directions and allows users to set the voice support in order to manage navigating within the menu options for a comprehensive hands-free experience. The Reality View 3D has been redone with a new look with updated and refined graphics that enhance the view of the rod. The app also features the latest Navteq Maps.
The MobileNavigator 1.6.0 is compatible with iPhone 4, 3GS, 3G and first generation iPhones. The app is available on the App Store with a launch offer for the update 1.6.0. The promotion offer provides users with the MobileNavigator app for $49.99. It is regularly priced at $79.99 and includes maps of North America from Navteq. The Navigon MobileNavigator US MyRegion can now be purchased for $17.99, whereas its regular price is $29.99. Earlier, for each additional regional map, users were required to pay $14.99 but now the offer can be accessed as an In App Purchase for just $12.99. Just to notify, the offer lasts only for 12 days from the launch date.