Navigon Adds Text-to-Speech and iPod Integration to iPhone App
Navigon’s MobileNavigator for iPhone receives a free update, introducing text-to-speech, iPod controls and location sharing for North American users.
Navigon has released a second free update for its MobileNavigator iPhone app in North America, bringing text-to-speech directions, iPod integration and improved location sharing to the on-board navigation software. The update, announced on 10 September 2009, is available immediately via the Apple App Store.
Text-to-speech is the headline feature, with the app now able to announce street names alongside turn-by-turn instructions. This means drivers will hear prompts such as “turn right onto Main Street” instead of the previous generic “turn right”, reducing the need to glance at street signs and helping keep attention on the road. Navigon claims this is the first on-board iPhone navigation app to offer this functionality, using SVOX’s text-to-speech technology for natural-sounding voice prompts.
The update also introduces full iPod integration. Users can access music controls from within the navigation app, including playlists, albums and podcasts, without leaving the map view. This integration supports shuffle and automatic playlist features, allowing for uninterrupted music playback while navigating.
Location sharing and display improvements
A new location sharing tool lets users send their current location, a specific address or a point of interest by email. Recipients using MobileNavigator can tap the link to launch the app and begin navigation to the shared destination instantly, bypassing manual entry. This feature is designed to make meeting up or sharing recommendations easier for iPhone users on the move.
Display visibility has also been addressed, with automatic switching between day and night map modes based on time and location. The app adjusts map colours for optimal legibility, aiming to improve route recognition and orientation in changing light conditions.
Feature set and compatibility
MobileNavigator continues to offer features such as Reality View Pro, which provides 3D visualisations of complex motorway junctions, and branded points of interest along the route. The app uses NAVTEQ maps of North America and operates entirely on the device, so no additional data download is required during navigation.
| Text-to-speech | Announces street names with turn instructions |
|---|---|
| iPod integration | Music, playlist and podcast control from the map screen |
| Location sharing | Send destinations via email to other users |
| Reality View Pro | 3D motorway junction display |
| Day/Night mode | Automatic map colour adjustment |
| Maps | North America (NAVTEQ) |
| Price | $89.99 (one-off, no subscription) |
The update is compatible with iPhone 3G and 3GS running iOS 3.0. Navigon’s app is positioned as a fully featured alternative to traditional sat nav devices, and the company continues to expand regional versions for Europe and Australia. For users interested in the evolution of smartphone navigation, the iPhone 5’s upgraded GPS and navigation features are also covered in our related article:Apple iPhone 5 Launches with Upgraded GPS and Navigation Features
