I have a brother who shows up to every family gathering excited about some new iPhone app. To be honest, although entertaining, I find a lot of them more than a little trivial. However, an app was unveiled at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas that I can get on board with.
Garmin has brought turn-by-turn navigation to the iPhone with its new app called StreetPilot. The StreetPilot App gives iPhone owners unlimited use of Garmin’s advanced navigation with traffic alerts. Upon accessing the app, users are greeted with two options: “Where to?” and “View Map.” Users can look up addresses and services and get voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions that speak street names to their destination.
The nice thing is that this is not just a bare-bones GPS program. It includes many of the advanced features of the stand-alone Garmin GPS units. Free traffic alerts enable drivers to steer clear of traffic accidents, road closures and construction. There are also functions that direct drivers to the preferred lane, and the app displays realistic images of upcoming complex junctions. The StreetPilot also displays speed limits for most major roads.
The StreetPilot App interfaces well with other iPhone functions. It cooperates with the user’s iTunes music library so they can access and control their music while on the move. It also integrates with the iPhone address book so users can navigate directly from their contact list.
The StreetPilot App is available now for $39.99 from the App Store on iPhone or at www.itunes.com/appstore.
