Magellan Roadmate App Update Puts the Competition to Shame

Source: iPhoneLife

Ferdinand Magellan was a Portuguese explorer born c. 1480, and along with his crew were the first Europeans to enter the Pacific Ocean. They were also the first to successfully circumnavigate the globe. It is because of his reputation in history, that his name is put on the modern day version of compasses and astrolabes that he might have used.

The first RoadMate app was a god-send for iPod Touch (with the Magellan Car Kit) and the iPhone itself. It, hands down blew away the competition, including free and premium apps. It is hard to believe, but YES, they did one-up themselves with this upgrade. Before going into the review, the one caveat is; iPhone 3G & iPod touch 2nd gen are not supported. Users must upgrade to iOS 4.0 to use the latest v2.0 app. For purposes of this review, Testing was done on an iPhone 4 with iOS 4.2.1.

Before going in to how good this app is at not getting you lost, or better yet, getting you un-lost, let’s look at the upgrades built-in to this new wizard of navigation.

• The YELP app is now Integrated within the RoadMate app which opens up a whole new way to be entertained, where ever you are. You can easily search for venues and destinations, browse ratings, and decide where to go. Then you simply hit “Go” right from the app
• Google Local Search is also integrated so you can find out where you’d like to go using real-time Google Local search. Then route to your searched location with a tap of the GO button.
• The interface was redesigned for when you’re on-the-road. It incorporates a collapsible dashboard creating screen sizing that makes it easy for you to view while routing. Also, you can personalize your dashboard icons and view your arrival time, distance, and speed all at once.
• The last of the latest and greatest is the inclusion of Lifetime Maps. You will never miss a beat or a turn with this great feature

Over the course of about a week and close to 1000 miles it was put through the paces of various routes; inner city, back roads, highways, etc. The first test is one that I put any GPS Product through is to get me home. There is a route that I know to be the fastest route. A GPS device with TeleAtlas maps will not take me that route. For whatever the reason, Magellan is the only NAVTEQ powered device that takes me on that route. To this day, with more than a dozen gps packages or devices tested, NO ONE BUT Magellan has been able to do that.

Boston is known for having the worst (next to NYC) drivers in the country, as well as some of the worst traffic. If you can handle Storrow Drive during Red Sox/Yankees game, you can handle it all. With lifetime traffic, Magellan will get you through it. It immediately picked up traffic issues and gave me choices on how to avoid it.The choices posed to me were other highways, back roads, etc., and did infact keep me moving.

The YELP plus Google integration is a significant feature. Lets say you want to find a quick fast food restaurant, or even a rest stop, well you can do just that with either integrated API and then simply hit the “GO” to get you there in moments. This is also helpful if your emergency fuel light is blinking and are in dire need of gas or other fuel products.

The display improvements are meant for your ease of use and seem to lower the distraction level when listening or quickly glancing over at the map. It is truly a solution with the driver in mind.

Going with the now industry standard, Magellan has also included LIFETIME MAP upgrades in this version, so you will never be without the right set of directions where ever you are or are going.

Again, Magellan has committed to the customer that they are topping the industry for a reason.