Garmin’s Navigon App Integrates Glympse and Foursquare
Garmin has updated its Navigon navigation app for iOS and Android, adding Glympse location sharing and Foursquare venue discovery to its feature set.
Garmin has expanded the capabilities of its Navigon navigation app for iOS and Android by integrating Glympse and Foursquare. The update, announced in December 2012, brings live location sharing and enhanced venue discovery to the smartphone-based sat nav platform.
The addition of Foursquare gives Navigon users access to a broader database of local venues, restaurants and attractions. It allows drivers to search for Foursquare-listed locations directly within the navigation interface and check in at destinations. This move follows wider industry trends as navigation and mapping services increasingly incorporate social discovery features.
Glympse integration means drivers can now share their real-time location, speed, destination and estimated arrival time with selected contacts. The recipient receives a message containing a link to a live map, which provides journey details for a set period. This is aimed at making it easier for users to coordinate meetups or keep contacts informed of their progress without distraction.
How the new features work in Navigon
The Navigon app, which stores all map data locally on the device, continues to offer full turn-by-turn navigation even without a mobile data connection. With the update, users can now search for Foursquare venues from within the app and select them as navigation destinations. Once at a venue, the app enables Foursquare check-ins, letting users share their location with friends on the social platform.
For Glympse, users select a contact and send a Glympse before setting off. The recipient receives an SMS or email with a link to a map that updates in real time, showing the sender's route, speed and estimated time of arrival. The location sharing session expires automatically after a set duration, addressing privacy concerns.
Context: navigation apps and social features
The update came shortly after reports that Apple was considering a collaboration with Foursquare for its own mapping services, highlighting the growing importance of social data in navigation. Garmin’s move positioned Navigon to compete more directly with rivals offering live traffic, social integration and location-based recommendations.
By keeping map data pre-downloaded, Navigon retains an advantage for users travelling in areas with poor mobile coverage. The addition of Glympse and Foursquare brings the app in line with user expectations for connected features, while still prioritising safe, distraction-free operation for drivers.
What it means for users
- Easier discovery of new venues and local attractions via Foursquare
- Ability to check in at destinations without leaving the navigation app
- Simple, temporary location sharing with contacts for meeting coordination
- Offline navigation remains available, with new online features enhancing the experience
