Navigon gives Windows Phone 7.5 turn-by-turn navigation
updated 03:25 pm EDT, Tue October 11, 2011
Joins iOS and Android phones with GPS app
Navigon, the newly-bought German branch of Garmin, has unveiled a satellite navigation app for Windows Phones. The app, which provides turn-by-turn navigation with text-to-speech, will run on the latest version of Windows Phone, 7.5 (Mango). The app is available now for the European market (€60, Windows Marketplace) and will be available for the US on November 15 ($30, Windows Marketplace).
The app offers several features including live traffic information and Lane Assistant Pro. Also included is MyRoutes, which suggests up to three different routes based on a driver's driving style. For those walking rather than driving, Navigon serves as a mini tour guide.
Although navigation is satellite based, the app does require a significant slice of free memory. The US version will require 1.6GB while the European version takes up 2.3GB.
Garmin bought the German GPS designer in June to bolster the company's position in navigation and smartphone apps. Navigon has offered apps for iPhones since 2009. It recently updated its Android offering in September.
The current pricing is promotional. When the US version is available in November, the US price will jump to $50, while the European app will increase to €85 ($116 USD).
