All About Iphone

Despite all the anticipation for turn by turn GPS navigation on the iPhone, an application that does just that already exists on the AppStore. XRoad Co.’s G-Map U.S. West and G-Map U.S. East apps were released back in October and January. The application seemed to slip under Apple’s strict radar and got published on the AppStore.

The G-Map application is the first on-board GPS navigation solution to be made available for iPhone and iPod Touch download. This cutting-edge GPS-enabled application features an intuitive user interface with functions essential to the mobile consumer. Unlike other network mobile navigation services, there is no monthly fee involved and it makes instant route guidance without interruption. No internet or wi-fi connection needed to get you to the desired destination.

I instantly got intrigued by the application and put it to the test. I tested it on my iPhone 3G and drove around town for awhile and it works almost flawlessly. The application provides turn-by-turn directions (distance countdown to each turn) by way of GPS. Local points of interest (Food, Fuel, etc.) can be found, addresses can be searched, routes can be edited, detours added, and types of roads can be avoided (highways, toll roads, etc.). If a turn is missed, the route is recalculated. The application is said to even provide 3D images of major intersection, I am unable to confirm it actually does. Despite everything the application does flawlessly, voice prompts are no where to be found to let you know what street to turn to without having to look at the iPhone screen.

Weighing at a hefty 800-900MB, you need some serious free space to be able to install this application, all the maps are built-in onto the application so if you drive into a town where you have absolutely no Wi-Fi, EDGE or 3G then you can still get your maps without driving around without directions.

Each region costs $19.99 USD (East US - iTunes link or West US - iTunes link) - A Europe version is coming soon

G-Map is available on the AppStore:
Download G-Map U.S. East
Download G-Map U.S. West