Garmin intros StreetPilot onDemand GPS app for iOS
updated 12:50 pm EDT, Wed August 31, 2011
Uses subscription model instead of one-time fee
Garmin has launched StreetPilot onDemand, its latest GPS app for iOS. The title is essentially identical to the original StreetPilot, but with the key difference of a separate pricing model. While the original app is avalaible for a flat $60 pricetag, onDemand has an initial cost of just 99 cents, the catch being a need for a monthly or annual subscription to enjoy "premium" features such as turn-by-turn navigation, traffic updates, and public transportation data integrated into pedestrian directions. Each copy of onDemand comes with a 30-day trial of the Premium mode.
Some functions remain active even after a subscription has elapsed. Users can for instance still get basic driving or walking directions and follow along on a map, and look up points of interest via Google Local, or addresses contained in the Contacts app. The title further includes integrated weather forecasts and a music player.
For North American coverage a Premium subscription currently costs $3 a month, or $20 a year. Annual subscriptions will rise to $30 after September 14th. onDemand is designed mainly for GPS-equipped iPhone models, but will also work in a "compatibility mode" on 3G iPads.
