Sat nav on the iPhone looks set to be big business. The release of the £26 Co-Pilot Live 8 UK and Ireland app into the App Store has followed Navigon's Mobile Navigator and NNG's iGO MyWay – both of which cost £53.
Today, TomTom has released its take on full iPhone turn-by-turn. The £60 app has arrived several weeks earlier than expected, probably due to the release of the other apps.
At less than half the price of all its competitors, Co-Pilot's parent company ALK has seriously undercut the competition and will be looking to capitalise on those not bothered about the TomTom name.
Like the other sat nav iPhone apps there's no traffic information on Co-Pilot Live 8 for iPhone as yet, while TomTom is the only one to include information about pesky speed cameras thus far.
The whole app is extremely easy to use and feels very much like a proper navigation app. It doesn't even pander to Apple's iPhone keyboard design, instead sticking to ALK's own design. This is a little odd, but is not a big issue.
The navigation display is clear and crisp with easy zoom controls, a customisable info bar and easy access to adjust settings for your route. 2D or 3D mapping is available, and you can also easily view your itinerary, unlike the Navigon app.
If you have music playing, the voice instructions simply mingle with the music. There's no way to mute these except to go deep into the settings. This is a little unfortunate, but is one of the limitations of the handset. Of course, the iPhone will only single-task Co-Pilot as with any other third-party app, so you'll have to exit completely to perform any other function.
Traffic information is planned for many of the systems later in the year, Co-Pilot included. Co-Pilot does have access to Live services, such as weather or roadside assistance, but the traffic option is blanked out.
Selecting destinations is quick and easy and, unlike in the Navigon app, you can use full UK postcodes. You're also able to go on just an address, a previously saved location (such as where you left your car), a point of interest, map pin or even co-ordinates. The input is intuitive and flexible.
Points of Interest can be turned on or off - in the grab above, they're off. The app makes it easy to add in a Detour or Quick Stop to get cash or petrol.
Your comments (3) Click to add a new comment
iphonetune
September 8th
3. They are beating TT with 19 out of 20 points, sorry if you have an issue, me not, check out the whole review here;
http://www.iphonetunes.net/index.php/apps/comments/iphonetunes_review_copilot_live_vs_tomtom/
Alert a moderator
mikesavva
August 19th
2. I would like to flag a serious problem with the CoPilot iphone software which has now been reported by many purchasing it. There appears to be a serious problem with the activation mechanism which requires wifi to enable it. Like many other users I purchased the software and after following all of the advice in forums, faq's and the vendors website I have still not been able to use it. Instead of activating it reverts back to the iphone home screen! I have telephoned the vendors who are aware of the problem but could not help other than suggest I try things I had already wasted a lot of time on. I pointed out that as I had legally purchased the software through itunes I expect it to work immediately and a time period given for activation to take place, even Microsoft allows you to use windows and activate it later! There should be an alternative method of activation as a backup, e.g. a serial number supplied by them. I am waiting for their technician to get back to me. I pointed out that I purchased their product as it seemed the best value for money but not if it can't be reliably activated. Unless they can activate it for me asap I will be be asking for my money back and buying a more expensive product which hopefully will work. I would not recommend anyone buying this unless they can guarantee it works first then requires registration to continue working!
Alert a moderator
oggywoogy
August 17th
1. Can't understand why you make nomention of Sygic's iphone satnav offerings. They have great products and I have been using the Sygic Europe map for 3 weeks now with no issues to report. Smooth clear and a good price. are you going to make sure you do the whole market?
Alert a moderator
Tell us what you think
You need to Log in or register to post comments