AT&T Navigator Becomes First Turn-by-Turn Nav App for the iPhone
It's a moment in-dash and portable navigation suppliers have likely been dreading: AT&T announced yesterday that its AT&T Navigator application is now available on the Apple App Store for the iPhone 3G and new iPhone 3GS. The turn-by-turn app, which is supplied by TeleNav, is the first for the all-powerful iPhone and it could shake up an already shakey navigation market, as the service migrates more and more towards handheld devices.
Of course, the advantage of a portable over a handheld app is larger screen size, and the advantage of an in-dash system over a portable is the same thing. And not everyone will want to look at an iPhone's small screen to make a critical turn at speed.
But Apple and major portable nav player TomTom realize that, which makes AT&T's announcement all the more interesting. A TomTom executive appeared on stage at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference earlier this month to tout a his company's own portable nav app for the iPhone and a cradle that facilitates in-car use.
Plus, Apple recently filed a patent for an innovative in-car navigation system -- using an in-dash monitor -- so the Cupertino, California company has more navigation apps planned for down the road.
Check out the press release below on the AT&T Navigator iPhone app, and stay tuned for an Edmunds on-the-road test.
PRESS RELEASE
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.
- Posted by
- Doug Newcomb June 24, 2009, 9:10 AM
- Permalink
- Categories:
- Car Audio and Electronics
- Technorati Tags:
- AT&T, GPS Navigation, iPhone
This sounds like the real deal. Garmin and Tom Tom should be afraid.
Competition improves the breed so this should be a big victory for consumers. I bet we see further price drops and added features in even the cheaper models.
The live updates is nice - right now it's $65 for a map update from Garmin, and that's just once. It's something like $120 for lifetime updates.