Comments on: Hello…?! Can You Say TeleNav??

By: chrisspera

chrisspera — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:52:05 +0000

CONFIRMED – Tele-Nav for iPhone is coming http://tinyurl.com/65xo87 (check the comments)…

By: Christopher Gavula

Christopher Gavula — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 20:08:28 +0000

And you’re MORE likely to have a GPS signal than you are a cell signal – hence the desire to have the maps already on the device or at least on hand.

By: Christopher Spera

Christopher Spera — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:57:48 +0000

No… I got that. If you remember, I was saying something similar pre-iPhone release regarding GPS and 3G service (…[with an EDGE/GPRS connection] you’re likely moving faster than the data network can send map data… or something like that).

However, you’re absolutely correct. If you don’t have a cell signal , you aren’t going to get any kind of map data or even driving directions/a route, as without the map, the GPS app won’t know where to send you.

By: Christopher Gavula

Christopher Gavula — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:53:56 +0000

I think you misunderstand my concern.

I understand cell triangulation vs GPS. My concern is that without the cell signal you can’t get the map – at all. That’s why I prefer to have the map on hand and download it at my choosing rather than relying on OTA for it.

By: Christopher Spera

Christopher Spera — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:50:28 +0000

Let’s remember that the TeleNav service (doesen’t just) make(s) use cell tower triagulation. It uses the built in GPS receivers the devices its installed on. For example, both the iPhone and the Tilt have built in assisted GPS receivers. The Tilt works with both 3rd party navigation apps like TomTom and iGuideance, as well TeleNav. You should be able to get a GPS lock out in the middle of a corn field with both of those device, regardless of cell signal if you’re using a 3rd party app with all of the map data, locally accessible.

I agree with you on your preferred map location – all the data on the device. I want all of the data locally, too. The problem is not so much with a 16GB device, as it is with a 8GB device. Giving up 2GB of space, long term, to a GPS app may be problematic to users of those iPhones. It shouln’t be THAT bad on a 16GB or larger iPhone (though I agree that getting the data there will be a problem for only the short term. Apple will figure out how to get the data there over the long haul).

As far as TomTom being ficle on what they want to do…who knows. I might try to give Jocelyn a call and see what he is up to…

By: Christopher Gavula

Christopher Gavula — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:32:35 +0000

I, for one, am not a big fan of the OTA navigation approach. You can always get a GPS signal if you’re in the open, but the same can’t be said for a decent cell signal. No fallback if something goes wrong, no lookup or planning capabilities when your indoors. Not to mention the monthly fees. No – I’m not a fan of Telenav or similar solutions. I WANT the whole 2GB or so of data (for most U.S. maps) stored on the device at once. Again – it’s better and safer for planning and contingencies.

I’d rather know why Tom Tom says yes, then no, then yes to supporting the iPhone. I agree, however, that there are complicating technical issues around how to deliver the information to the device since the iTunes mechanism isn’t really set up for that right now.

But I do know this – Apple is very good at responding to user demand and once they indicate awareness of a desire or concern, they tend to respond and they’ve indicated awareness of this concern (as well as the desire for cut-copy-paste) so I’m sure you see this addressed soon one way or another.

By: Mary Beth-TeleNav

Mary Beth-TeleNav — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:17:46 +0000

We (TeleNav) actually have confirmed that we’re developing TeleNav GPS Navigator for the iPhone. Launch date is still TBD however. It’s great to see that so many iPhone and TeleNav fans are interested in getting our service on the iPhone.

By: Wayne Schulz

Wayne Schulz — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:28:23 +0000

Just thinking a similar thing last night. What’s strange is AT&T has NONE of their native apps (crapware that they’d normally force on you) on the iPhone.

Damn, maybe that’s worth the extra $10 /mo to AT&T for their 3G data…

Also notably missing from the APP store is any type of streaming TV – a-la-Slingbox — which makes me wonder whether after launch AT&T has some ideas of providing some of those APPS (Nav, Streaming TV) on a carrier branded platform.

There also are no (to my knowledge) APPS in the store that carry recurring monthly fees.

Good questions as usual Chris.

By: chrisspera

chrisspera — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:20:58 +0000

My thoughts on the iPhone 3G GPS issue: http://tinyurl.com/65xo87