NAVIGON GmbH, a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), has launched the second generation (2G) of its award-winning iPhone navigation app, NAVIGON 2.0 for iPhone. The new version completely redefines core elements of iPhone navigation, including a new and unique map management function and an in app purchase option for quarterly map updates, both not found in any other onboard navigation app. Also included is a simple and intuitive user interface. Existing NAVIGON for iPhone users receive the update to the new version at no cost.
NAVIGON 2.0 is the first iPhone onboard navigation app that separates the app from the maps, allowing users to choose which map regions to download to their device. Users who, for example, own the USA version can pick the states they want immediately and download additional regions at a later time. This ability prolongs internal phone storage, since users save only the maps they need on their device. Separating the app and maps also simplifies future updates, as users can update the app (about 40MB) without reinstalling the maps multiple times. NAVIGON 2.0 is also the first iPhone navigation app to offer quarterly map updates. The FreshMaps service uses trusted, field-verified, and quality-controlled map and points of interest updates from NAVTEQ® to ensure the most accurate data possible. Users can keep their maps accurate and reliable by receiving quarterly updates for a one-time fee. FreshMaps also upgrades the USA or regional versions to the full North America map. NAVIGON’s new Latest Map Guarantee provides customers the latest NAVTEQ map available when purchasing NAVIGON 2.0 for iPhone.
The new user interface is much easier to use, allowing to easily switch between different pages with animated menus and new multi-touch user gestures. It is now possible to access the start screen during navigation to enter a new address without having to first stop the current route. In addition, NAVIGON separated the app options into two menus, differentiating between settings and actions. The new Settings menu allows users to easily customize functions and change preferences, for example when to receive speed warnings, while the new Actions menu lets you use functions that are needed while navigating such as points of interest search and social network postings.
NAVIGON 2.0 for iPhone also has a fresh new look that displays the map in the background even when accessing menu pages. Furthermore, it is very easy to rotate and zoom maps in any direction when in 3D mode and tap points of interest on the map to instantly add them to a route.