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It has already replaced everything from the music player to the video camera. Now Apple's iPhone can even direct you across London.
The firm today released SatNav software for the phone, allowing users to get directions anywhere in the world. Live maps are shown on the iPhone's screen, while turn-by-turn directions are read out.
The maps also show where speed cameras, cash machines and garages are located.
Costing £60, the software, made by SatNav firm TomTom, uses the phone's inbuilt GPS chip to locate the car.
A new system called IQ Routes then calculates the best way to go. Instead of suggesting the quickest journey based on travel time, the software uses data from other users in the area to determine the fastest route.
TomTom claims this technology lets people reach destinations quicker up to 35 per cent of the time.
The software can also suggest alternative routes if a turn is missed or a road is blocked and varies the route depending on the time of day to avoid rush-hour jams.
“Millions of iPhone users can now benefit from the same easy-to-use and intuitive interface, turn-by-turn spoken navigation and unique routing technology that our 30 million portable navigation device users rely on every day,” said Corinne Vigreux, managing director of TomTom.
The firm is also planning to sell a dashboard mount for the iPhone within months. This means users will be able to view the SatNav map more easily as well as take hands-free phone calls while driving.
Experts say the move could further cement the popularity of the iPhone. Apple has already sold more than 1.5 billion applications for its phone, which is only available from O2 in the UK.
“We've already seen the iPhone replace the iPod, the camera and the video camera, so I think this is really the obvious next step,” said Katherine Hannaford of gadget website T3.com.
“The TomTom software is very easy to use, and really self-explanatory to users, so I think it will be very successful. I would imagine the firm is also looking at adding a lot of the iPhone's added features as well, so we could see a lot more being made of online searches, for instance, than you would see in a stand-alone SatNav.
“For drivers it's also very convenient — the phone can control calls, music and now SatNav.”
First review
It's a gear above stand-alone systems
4/5
Using mobile phones as a SatNav isn't something particularly new, but TomTom's is the first to really give dedicated navigation systems a run for their money.
The interface is similar to the firm's stand-alone gadgets, and everything is operated using the touchscreen. Entering postcodes is easy, and the map displays are clear and easy to see, even when the phone is on the windscreen. It's also possible to enter an address simply by clicking on one of your contacts, an incredibly useful feature. You can also have your music playing from the iPhone through the car stereo, a key feature for most drivers.
When calls come in, the application disappears and you can answer the phone as normal, returning to the map when you finish.
Speed cameras are also shown on screen, along with useful pinpoints such as cash machines and garages.
Overall, this is a very well thought-out, rounded product. At £60, for iPhone users it is probably a cheaper option than a stand-alone SatNav. However, buying a mount to put your phone on the windscreen is a must-have if you plan to use it regularly.
Reader views (7)
Not impressed at all! TomTom is the last one to release an IPhone SatNav app. Lots of features are missing (help for the lanes, real view of signposts and motoway exits, cant even plan a trip with 2+ stops, ...). And the price is way over the competitors. Having a catchy name is not everything and does not justify the price. Others did better before.
- Julien, London, 19/08/2009 12:04
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A much better option and lower cost is the Co-Pilot for iPhone that is also available! Much better than the TomTom!
- David, Aberdeen, 18/08/2009 14:51
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Satnavs can now be had for £50 or less for UK coverage only so its not much of an offer really. Its not as if I have to carery the stanav with me - it can stay in my car and I can use the iPhone when I'm walking.
Horse ...... door ..... bolted ...
- Graham, Fleet, 18/08/2009 13:52
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Oh please iphone can do this, iphone can do that. These "new" functions have been available on Nokia smartphones for years for goodness sake. This iphone hype is sickening.
- Tobi, London, 18/08/2009 13:28
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Just as long as it warns the dozy technoaddict not to stare at the screen when crossing the road, then thats OK, otherwise the dozy technoaddict, staring at THEIR satnav in their "lets play in the city" chelsea motorised leviathon might "be in collision" with them!
Or is that just Darwinism at work, d`ya think?
- Darius, London UK, 18/08/2009 10:48
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Not only isn't Satnav new on mobile phones, but TomTom has been on many phone before - nearly 5 years ago.
There are other problems using a satnav phone, for instance when your satnav battery is flat so is the phone. Which can get rather awkward if you don't have the number of the person or address you are visiting.
- Pete, London, 18/08/2009 09:17
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Why on earth would you buy it? I use Google maps on the iPhone to navigate when walking but I use a Satnav running TomTom which cost a whopping £40 for driving. Not only is it cheaper but it has the added advantage that when I'm lost and someone phones me to find out where I am, I simply answer my hands free unit leaving the satnav free to tell me where I'm supposed to be going rather than answering the call and missing my turning.
- Bob, Cheam, 18/08/2009 08:38
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