Navigon Mobile Navigator adds features and real-time traffic upgrade for iPhone

Navigon was quick out of the gate as the first major GPS maker to offer a navigation application for the iPhone. (See our Navigon Mobile Navigator review.) Graphics on the original version resembled the company's portable GPS devices, though the software was missing some key features. True to the spirit of app development, Navigon has since released an update that is available for free to existing users and included with future downloads. The latest version adds helpful text-to-speed for spoken street names, rather than simply turn-by-turn directions as found on competing applications.

The update also adds a function that allows users to share their location, an address, or point of interest with other Mobile Navigator users. Such on-the-go social features are expected to become increasingly common. Garmin recently announced that its new Nuvi 1690 portable will provide such social networking features. (See our Garmin Nuvi 1690 preview.) 
 
Navigon has also announced for imminent release an innovative real-time traffic app to team with Mobile Navigator. Traffic Live pulls information from several sources, including traditional traffic alerts and road sensors. It also uses historic traffic data to provide smart route guidance that can account for expected changes based on time of day. For example, historic data can react to weekday rush hour differently than a Sunday drive. The real ace for Navigon is in factoring speed information from actual drivers. Navigon claims it draws data from more than 1 million drivers, including commercial vehicles. A key benefit of this approach is that information can be made available on roads that are not monitored, expanding the reach of traffic information beyond major metropolitan areas.
 
Traffic Live will be offered as a $25 application, and it is used from within Mobile Navigator ($90). Initially, Traffic Live will be $20. Unlike streaming, server-based solutions such as AT&T Navigator, Traffic Live does not require monthly fees, just the upfront purchase.

We look forward to evaluating the new Mobile Navigator version and testing the traffic service as we continue our iPhone app tests.

See our reviews of AT&T Navigator, iGo My Way, Gokivo, Navigon Mobile Navigator, Sygic Mobile Maps, TomTom iPhone application, and X Road G-Map for iPhone.

For more information on portable automotive GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings, first looks, and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS devices in the forums.

—Jeff Bartlett