Since most of that monthly fee is for map licensing, why isn't there an app using OpenStreetMap as a source in the U.S? In many cases, it's more up-to-date than paid maps.
Actually, I think the $2.99 you pay upfront is not recurring. You pay extra dough if you want the voice turn by turn, which is not required. I don't use the voice in my TomTom currently and I'm fine with that. If you don't need the voice directions, it's a hell of a deal.
@wolfie351: As I say above, it's about taking up space on the actual dashboard. A sideways fit is way better. Also, it's DATA that you want to see on the sides, not more roads.
Bought the Co-Pilot app on Wilson's recommendation and I absolutely love it. To me, that's the best value in the app store GPS-wise. I even convinced a co-worker to skip the $100 TomTom app and go with Co-Pilot.
@Kiamat: Wholeheartedly agree on Co-Pilot. Had the opportunity to use it this weekend and it worked great. I do wish answering calls didn't kick me out of the app but it was up and running pretty quickly after the call ended.
@pantsonfireliarliar: Also, keep in mind that, while in a call, you can hit the home button to bring up the springboard. From there you can re-open the app without ending your phone call.
The only problem for me is that the voice prompts come through my bluetooth headset during the conversation. Of course some may see this as a boon, but I usually mute mine.
I actually used this app this weekend for a trip to PA from NY. Worked just fine. I did get worried 1 or 2 times when all of a sudden the maps turned grey, but they quickly connected and updated to the new maps. It would be awesome if before the trip the download the maps to the phone but we'll see if this happens.
Yes, I have now used MotionX for 3 days and they have made hit again, one more time. I think that their big advantage is their prior success on iPhone. They take that experience and make better and they only do iPhone, so nno compromises. I think that with any price they are best. At that price they will make market completely new in my personal opinion.
Allow me to pre-apologize for this rant now. Here is why, I have been using MotionX GPS app for the iPhone for quite awhile. Then Apple came along with the 3.0 update and now in the middle of my app I get spam (advertising) for this new product by MotionX. I am really let down that Apple and all these companies allow spam in paid products. This really drives me crazy and it reminds me of why I hate going to the movies these days. You pay an arm at the door, a leg to get a popcorn and drink and then you finally find yourself a nice seat, get cozy and then proceed to watch 10+ minutes of commercials!!! Wow, this is almost as good as TV with 300 friends.
Now I know there are people out there that say this is what keeps the apps or movies or whatever so cheap but it is just driving me away. I respect these companies and their abilities but I just plain do not want to look at these apps...
I d/l this last week since it is essentially risk free. So far Im impressed, its interface isnt as slick as my Nuvi but it works and it keeps me from having to tote another device around.
One thing you need to mention though is it does use a cache, to the tune of 250 meg of on board iPhone memory. I have been at home on wifi and run the simulated trip at 8x speed. It downloads all the 3d map data on wifi and keeps it in cache so it doesnt have to use 3G while Im driving. As soon as you change scale or switch to 2D maps it has to d/l again so that is predicated on leaving it alone during the trip.
Last Sunday a family emergency brought me to an unfamiliar town. After a day of trying to navigate using downloaded google maps and the maps within iphone, I found this gem and it really helped me get around quite a bit. It updates the route a little slow at times but I definitely recommend.
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To date the only app that has looked remotely interesting is the one Rosa posted:
[gizmodo.com]
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Yeah, I'm not much of a hoot. Hey, is that redstripe? Hooray beer.
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The only problem for me is that the voice prompts come through my bluetooth headset during the conversation. Of course some may see this as a boon, but I usually mute mine.
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Now I know there are people out there that say this is what keeps the apps or movies or whatever so cheap but it is just driving me away. I respect these companies and their abilities but I just plain do not want to look at these apps...
10/05/09
One thing you need to mention though is it does use a cache, to the tune of 250 meg of on board iPhone memory. I have been at home on wifi and run the simulated trip at 8x speed. It downloads all the 3d map data on wifi and keeps it in cache so it doesnt have to use 3G while Im driving. As soon as you change scale or switch to 2D maps it has to d/l again so that is predicated on leaving it alone during the trip.
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