Navigon, Garmin GPS Apps Get Better

Devices such as iPhone have managed to significantly damage the dedicated PND market. There was a time when people bought GPS devices like hotcakes. After the emergence of powerful GPS apps for iPhone and Android devices, people rely more on their smartphones to find their way around. Garmin and Navigon have two of the best GPS applications for iPhone these days. Considering that the two company are merging, it is not clear what the future holds for their apps. But it is exciting to see both companies significantly improve their GPS applications.

Garmin’s GPS applications have never been our favorites as we have found them to be buggy at times. Garmin StreetPilot onDemand does not offer revolutionary navigation on your iPhone. But it does gives users the ability to buy premium GPS features when they need them. The apps’ premium features will cost you $2.99 a month or $29.99 a year. Without a subscription plan, Garmin SteetPiolot will still work. It won’t offer spoken directions or other premium GPS features. SteetPilot does offer pedestrian navigation, which is quite powerful.

Navigon has always been dear to our heart for its accurate algorithm and superior features (though the app has not always been the cheapest). MobileNavigator 2.0 gives users more control over the maps available on their devices. Quarterly map updates will be available for the app to make sure users get the most accurate directions possible.

At this point, it is not clear which of these apps will survive after the merger of both companies. Garmin has superior brand name but Navigon has the better iPhone apps. Let’s hope Garmin puts Navigon’s resources to good use.