Yesterday, AT&T launched a new app into the Apple App Store and we’re sure the shot was felt at Garmin HQ. The app, AT&T Navigator finally brings the promise of GPS navigation to the iPhone. Now, iPhone owners can navigate themselves hither and yon simply by opening the app and picking a destination. The question remains: will on the phone GPS kill off stand alone units?
Easy, simple navigation
AT&T Navigator is based on TeleNav’s technology and in my use of the product for the past day, it seems to work well. Navigation is done only in portrait (though TeleNav says that could change in future releases) with big clear directions, unobtrusive onscreen instructions and surprisingly loud verbal guidance. The product continues the smart TeleNav way of easily entering in information that, to me, is miles ahead of the competition.
Flaws
That isn’t to say it is without flaws. Concerns about battery life immediately spring to mind. As do integration with your car’s speaker system and why I immediately ordered a DLO TransDock that I had been putting off. Likewise with a vent mount for the iPhone and that is just the hardware.
First look
In my quick tests, I found re-routing to be quick and painless. In route instructions were great and helpful. I did have some issues with the GPS not being as accurate as I expected (it could be a fluke but I noticed it so I am relating it); it put me 400 yards from where I was but then narrowed the fix on me and all was good. The software even has a Spanish language voice, which is fun (izquierda is such a fun word to listen to).
What I really like about TeleNav’s system is the logistical ease in getting map updates: the phone calls out for map info for each trip (which could be a problem if you start in remote areas with no cell coverage). Traffic updates are performed at regular intervals alerting you of trouble up ahead. Taking calls while navigating was not only possible, but easy.
Nervous Nuvi?
Is AT&T Navigator enough to make Garmin sweat? I am not sure. Many like the separate simplicity of a dedicated device, others the convenience of one device to do it all. The new app is sure to win a bunch of followers and you can bet I’ll be leaving my GPS unit home when I travel for business. You can also bet I’ll be bringing my Mophie Juice Pack with me as well.
Then there is the cost issue. Using AT&T will run your almost $10 per month or $120 per year. Compare that with say a Nuvi with traffic antenna like the small Nuvi 265T that sells for $219. In two years time you start to see the Nuvi perhaps being the better deal.
AT&T Navigator is available now from the App Store for free. The service costs $9.99 per month and is billed on your AT&T bill. Thanks to App Store policies, there is no 30-day free trial (grrrrr). Interestingly, the app can’t be shared between iPhone families as each iPhone requires it’s own service.
Press Release below. [App Store Link] [TeleNav]
AT&T Brings AT&T Navigator Application to Apple App Store
iPhone Customers Benefit From Turn-by-Turn, Voice-Guided GPS Navigation with AT&T Navigator, Powered by TeleNav
DALLAS, June 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — You have arrived at your destination. For the first time, millions of iPhone customers can now experience one of the most popular turn-by-turn GPS navigation applications. AT&T* (NYSE: T) today announced the availability of its award-winning location based services app – AT&T Navigator – on iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS. Using the latest iPhone OS 3.0 software the app brings full audible and visual turn-by-turn navigation service over the nation’s fastest 3G network.
Loaded with enhanced functionality and capabilities, AT&T Navigator provides a rich lineup of user-friendly features, including: map updates, speech recognition, ETA updates, more than 10 million business listings, real-time traffic alerts, one-touch rerouting, daily gas prices and more.
“AT&T Navigator has been one of our most popular and best-performing apps since we launched it last year,” said Mark Collins, vice president of voice and data products for AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “With the new iPhone OS 3.0 software, we’re expanding the advantages of true turn-by-turn navigation – both voice and on-screen directions – to millions more customers. We’re bringing greater convenience to drivers and travelers nationwide, including providing regular, automatic updates to map information at no charge so customers have the latest at their fingertips.”
Perfect for Parent and Professional.
Gone are the days when business travelers are dependent on built-in car GPS devices. Same goes for parents managing caravans and car pools to overnight soccer tournaments. Built to accommodate road warriors of all kinds, AT&T Navigator maximizes the customer experience to provide:
* Automatic Content Updates: No manual updates required. The latest map and navigating details are automatically available to subscribers at no extra cost.
* Voice and On-Screen Turn-By-Turn Directions: Real-time voice and visual guidance, including street names, automatic re-routes, ETA and total mileage updates. Drivers can also choose among multiple route options, including ‘traffic optimized’; ‘fastest’; ‘prefer streets’; ‘prefer highways’ and ‘pedestrian mode’ to ensure the most customized navigation experience.
* Speech Recognition: Touch and talk capability for instant turn-by-turn directions to destination.
* Traffic Alerts: Real-time route monitoring and proactive searches every five minutes for traffic congestion or incident. Voice and on-screen alerts, plus faster route options provided.
* 3D Maps: Full-color 3D moving map brings navigation to life. Maps provide details on current location, plus streets and interstates within driving distance.
* Business Listings: One-touch access to more than 10 million business listings from YELLOWPAGES.COM. Plus, access to business ratings, phone numbers and one-touch dialing.
* In-Route Customization: Users have the advantage of finding convenient rest stops for gas, food and other needs along their current route – saving both time and mileage.
* Online Trip Planning: Preplan trips, save addresses and manage travel accounts online at www.navpreplan.com. Save locations and send directions straight to iPhone.
Award Winning.
AT&T Navigator was recently recognized by global growth and consulting company Frost & Sullivan as the 2009 Consumer Location-Based Service Navigation Application of the Year because of its aggregation of a premier list features into one intuitive application.
The app is available for $9.99 a month from Apple’s App Store on iPhone and iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore/.
As with AT&T Navigator subscriptions on other devices, the app will be billed directly by AT&T and included on the customer’s monthly statement. AT&T Navigator works within the United States. Customers can download the app through Apple’s App Store under the “GPS and Navigation” category. AT&T Navigator on iPhone requires iPhone OS 3.0 software.
Additional information, including other devices programmed for AT&T Navigator, is available at www.att.com/navigator.
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world’s most advanced IP-based business communications services, the nation’s fastest 3G network and the best wireless coverage worldwide, and the nation’s leading high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of their three-screen integration strategy, AT&T operating companies are expanding their TV entertainment offerings. In 2008, AT&T again ranked No. 1 in the telecommunications industry on FORTUNE(R) magazine’s lists of the World’s Most Admired Companies and America’s Most Admired Companies. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com.
(C) 2009 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.
All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.
Note: This AT&T news release and other announcements are available as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. For more information, please review this announcement in the AT&T newsroom at http://www.att.com/newsroom.
SOURCE AT&T Inc.
Very informative post. Traveling with technology like iphone makes it easier and more exciting. Search for flight status, airport and airline information before you reach the airport on via iPhone. Rocket Taxi locates you via GPS or Wi-Fi and finds taxi companies near you. Google Earth allows you to browse satellite images of anywhere in the world. instant currency exchange calculator is one of the best feature. You can Turn any photo into a picture postcard and send it to your friends. Hear Planet will give you information about nearby attractions. For more details refer http://www.journeyidea.com/your-sixth-sense-for-travelling/