Powered by Garmin, GPS navigator Whereis has launched its first iPhone application for its software, it has been announced.
The app will provide Telstra Next G customers with high resolution Whereis maps, which can run on iPhone 3, 3GS and iPhone 4 handsets free of charge, although a monthly charge $9.95 is required for access to the premium features.
69 percent of mobile users use their phones as the primary device when going somewhere for the first time but will also use another navigation device, says the Telstra owned subsidary, Sensis, creators of the device.
The GPS is based on real time information and will uses data from the Australian Traffic Network, allowing motorists to check live traffic alerts. It also contains a useful fuel tool providing price information from the pumps.
The app will bring all of the features of a navigation unit direct to the portable mobile device and could mean a drop in demand for stand-alone GPS units, if the app takes off.
“The new Whereis Navigator app turns your iPhone into an easy to use and full-featured GPS navigation unit, providing one of the most advanced and up-to-date mapping experiences available in Australia,” said Ian Edwards from Garmin Australasia.
“Built-in flight timetables, also enables business travellers and holiday makers to check the arrival and departure times of flights at all major airports across Australia,” he continued.
The new features now available includes turn-by-turn spoken and visual directions, spoken street names, lane guidance, automatically updated maps and weather forecasts.
“People today expect more from their mobile phones. A recent survey conducted by Whereis of mobile navigation users within Australia, found that 70 percent of people surveyed search for places of interest and immediately want to be routed there, while 76 percent want turn-by-turn directions on their phone,” said Peter Barclay, Group Manager.
A monthly subscription fee applies ($9.95) for access to the premium features and is available for purchase from the Apple Store.
