July 1st, 2009
CoPilot Live GPS navigation solution now available for Google Android devices
I posted a full review of TeleNav GPS Navigator software on the T-Mobile G1 and for a long time it was the only voice navigation software for the platform. Today, ALK Technologies announced the release of CoPilot Live for the Android platform that can be purchased for $34.99 in the Android Market. It is designed to run on the HTC Dream (T-Mobile G1), HTC Magic, and upcoming HTC Hero. One of the major differences between this software and TeleNav’s solution is that you download all the maps for your selected region and store them on your microSD card so that no data connection is needed for the full navigation experience.
There are services provided by ALK though where a data connection is needed so it is best to use the software when you do have a data connection. You will be able to get real-time traffic alerts, 5-day weather forecasts, and the ability to share your location with family and friends.
Some of the features listed in their press release include:
• Flickable scrolling menus and maps supports touch screen gesture recognition
• Clear turn-by-turn voice directions with a choice of voices
• Widescreen portrait or landscape mode
• CoPilot® LiveLink™ location sharing allows you to view the location of your CoPilot friends on-screen and share your location with them
• Phone integration, allowing direct dialling to POIs, location sending via text and photo navigation
• Safety camera alerts with free database updates
Many years ago I used the CoPilot Live solution on my Windows Mobile non-touchscreen smartphone and it is great to see such a solid solution coming to the Google Android platform.
While some may say the price is too high, you are getting a complete set of maps for your selected region and access to their servers for live data and IMHO this is a VERY inexpensive navigation solution. You can purchase additional regions to download too so if you travel overseas you will still have a full navigation solution.
Matthew Miller is an avid mobile device enthusiast who works during the day as a professional naval architect in Seattle. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
Subscribe to Smartphones and Cell Phones via Email alerts or RSS.
