Free SatNav Apps Review

[antmakka]

After my TomTom Rider finally quit on me after years of sterling service, and I was about to take a round-trip back-road ride from Albuquerque to Denver (approx 840 miles), I decided to check out some free Sat Nav apps for my iPhone. The best options appeared to be Waze and MapQuest. Being free, these apps don't download the full maps for your country (good if your phone is short on memory) they just download the information for the route you need. When you are on your ride they both give plenty of warning of upcoming turns and also allow you to avoid highways and toll roads. This can be a little annoying if the best route involves a short section of highway as the apps will constantly tell you to get off at the next junction(s). I didn't find any way to modify my route but you can add multiple locations, which works similar to way-points. You also have the option of a map display or step-by-step written guidance. The main problem I found with both of these apps is that they require constant cell coverage. I used MapQuest for most of my trip and whenever I lost coverage, a 'signal lost' message on my phone obscured the next direction and shortly afterwards the display switched off. Once my phone found another signal the voice directions returned but in order to get the phone display back I had to stop, take off my glove, and unlock my phone. (I see a gap in the market for smartphone compatible bikers' gloves)

So, in conclusion, these apps are great for navigation anywhere you can get a phone signal (unfamiliar towns/cities, major freeways, etc) but not so great if you like riding away from populated areas. I'll keep these apps on my phone as they will undoubtedly become useful some time in the future, but if you want guaranteed navigation then you're going to have to get one of the paid apps ($50-$65) or a dedicated Sat Nav system.

Antmakka

 

[avion]

Good post!

I'm currently using Google navigation on Android - its irritating at best.
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[CarlS]

Good information. Thanks. I think I will stay with my Garmin Nuvi 255 until it quits.

 

[devo]

Good information. Thanks. I think I will stay with my Garmin Nuvi 255 until it quits.

Yup, I'm a bit of a garmin fan myself
I just wish there was a male voice in the option list
seems like anytime I go anywhere (in my car ) I've got two woman telling me what to do.

 

[The Seeker]

I use a regular GPS most of the time, but if I forget to bring it, or am not in my own vehicle, I use the VZ Navigator that comes free on Verizon phones (although you have to install it). It is excellent and actually gives a better 3D view than my regular GPS.

 

[CarlS]

Yup, I'm a bit of a garmin fan myself
I just wish there was a male voice in the option list
seems like anytime I go anywhere (in my car ) I've got two woman telling me what to do.

There is an optional male voice on my 255; but I like being nagged. I am used to it.

 

[DaveM]

Good info I must have a look and see what the Blackberry has to offer

 

[SeanD]

My wife and I use the Motion X GPS Drive app on our iPhones. That has worked fairly well for us, and pairs well with the bluetooth modules for the helmets. There are a lot of optional voices you can get for that. I use Rachel or Graham, they are in keeping with the British bike theme


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[panina]

My wife and I use the Motion X GPS Drive app on our iPhones. That has worked fairly well for us, and pairs well with the bluetooth modules for the helmets. There are a lot of optional voices you can get for that. I use Rachel or Graham, they are in keeping with the British bike theme


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

I have Motion too. For $0.99 it is simply the best, does everything you need in a GPS. Only negative is that it will drain the battery fairly quickly.

 

[SeanD]

I have Motion too. For $0.99 it is simply the best, does everything you need in a GPS. Only negative is that it will drain the battery fairly quickly.

It does. Anything that uses the GPS and/or Bluetooth on the phone will definitely impact battery life. When I am using it for something other finding an address somewhere in town, I will plug it in to the Powerlet adapter.

 

[Shuffle]

I use Navigon for iPhone, a paid app. Owned by Garmin. Cost a bit, but does everything my dad's Garmin does and more because you preload maps by state/province, which it updates automatically. Works just like a Garmin. Bought a cover for it, now it's waterproof too.

 

[CarlS]

Good information. Thanks.

 

[Shuffle]

FYI, the case I bought off eBay:

Capdase Xplorer Pebbo Weather Waterproof Case Motorcycle Mount for iPhone 4 / 4S

I ended up mounting that on my Sprint handle bar by grinding off the back plastic part of the capdase handle bar mount (made it flat) with the ball and using the existing bolts for the clutch lever. Comes with a mounting ball. Won't last forever, but works great. Doesn't interfere with handlebar travel, and I can see other stuff like texts or missed calls.