Navigon MobileNavigator Update Brings Universal iPad Support And More

The iPhone has become a GPS replacement for many, and smartphones in general are quickly becoming powerful and smart enough to handle navigation duties. But if you have someone riding shotgun, there's obviously a lot of benefit to having a map on a larger display. The iPad already has a couple of GPS options, but one of the best on the iPhone is now being unified with the iPad in a recent release. Navigon's MobileNavigator app has today been upgraded to version 1.7, and it includes a total of six new features.


Universal iPad integration, Zagat Survey, Active Lane Assistant, Map Reporter, enhanced Retina display support, and new user notifications are at the top of the upgrade list, and the graphics have also seen an upgrade to support the iPhone 4's Retina display. Below is an overview of the six new features, all of which are available today in the App Store for MobileNavigator US MyRegion apps (it will follow soon for the USA and North America versions). The upgrade is free of charge if you already own the app, while the in-app Zagat, Traffic Live and Panorama View 3D purchases can be made for $7.99, $19.99 and $9.99, respectively.

MobileNavigator 1.7.0 brings the following additions to the NAVIGON iPhone app:

• Universal iPad Integration: NAVIGON is the first major GPS Company to make navigation universal; it now runs natively on the iPhone and the iPad. Users with MobileNavigator installed can use the app on both devices without extra charges. The app utilizes the iPad's large display and user interface with a higher resolution, and new menus. Route planning is convenient on the iPad, showing a large scrollable, multi-touch map to select destinations in simple taps. Users can plan their routes at home on the iPad and then send them to their iPhone for navigation on the go. MobileNavigator can also be used for navigation on the iPad. Capitalizing on the large screen, the app demonstrates Reality View Pro™ and the map view side-by-side, providing an accurate overview of the way ahead. In-map elements such as direction arrows, Lane and Speed Assistant symbols are designed in proportion to the iPad display size.
  
  
• Zagat Survey: An In App Purchase offers access to Zagat's signature ratings and reviews of over 40,000 restaurants, hotels, attractions, golf courses, nightspots and other leisure activities, based on the thoughts and opinions of a worldwide network of thousands of surveyors. Zagat has become the world's most trusted source to help consumers make informed decisions about where to go. Zagat's content is integrated into MobileNavigator's point of interest search, so users can easily find locations within a city, state or nearby. A tap on the individual destination reveals further information such as ratings of the appeal, decor and service as well as prices, telephone numbers and the full review text.
  
  
• Active Lane Assistant: The market first feature Active Lane Assistant assists drivers with getting and staying in the correct lane by showing a live lane animation. Displayed in the lower right corner of the map view, the animation reflects the current lane configuration and allows drivers to see ahead. An orange line indicates the way the driver should follow. The optional feature can be switched on or off.
  
  
• Map Reporter: The new Map Reporter feature enables users with the power to store changed road names, new speed limits, and one-way streets and submit them to improve the accuracy of future maps. The information is checked, verified and then integrated into later map updates.
  
  
• Retina Display Support: Retina display adaptation is further enhanced and now also shows the map, map fonts and POIs in high resolution.
  
  
• User Notifications and Newsletter: The update now also allows users to receive on-screen messages with important information about MobileNavigator within the app. In addition, users can also sign up for a newsletter and receive exclusive offers and first hand information by email.