Comments on: Why You Shouldn’t Hold Your Breath Waiting for Realtime Turn-by-Turn Directions within Google Maps http://www.imore.com/2008/08/21/turn-by-turn/ More of everything iPhone and iPad Fri, 10 Feb 2012 22:04:50 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Armin http://www.imore.com/2008/08/21/turn-by-turn/comment-page-1/#comment-63930 Armin Wed, 22 Jul 2009 06:09:36 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=3898#comment-63930 <p>The flaw with AT&T Navigator, etc. is that they don't download the maps. So no cell signal = no directions. Even when Apple finally gets its app from TomTom, it may continue this unholy trend. And anyway, iPhone users will still be a bunch of "alternative" geeky losers. Have you ever looked in an Apple Store? What a bunch of sad, pathetic little nerds.</p> The flaw with AT&T Navigator, etc. is that they don’t download the maps. So no cell signal = no directions. Even when Apple finally gets its app from TomTom, it may continue this unholy trend. And anyway, iPhone users will still be a bunch of “alternative” geeky losers. Have you ever looked in an Apple Store? What a bunch of sad, pathetic little nerds.

]]> By: Anon http://www.imore.com/2008/08/21/turn-by-turn/comment-page-1/#comment-60590 Anon Sat, 04 Jul 2009 05:48:10 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=3898#comment-60590 <p>We got it via an AT&T App. For your analysis I say "Fail".</p> We got it via an AT&T App. For your analysis I say “Fail”.

]]> By: Darren S http://www.imore.com/2008/08/21/turn-by-turn/comment-page-1/#comment-45309 Darren S Wed, 13 May 2009 13:39:11 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=3898#comment-45309 <p>This is all very typical of Apple, they would cut off their nose to spite their face as they chase as many bucks as possible.</p> <p>I turned down an iphone for a more modest and significantly cheaper handset and I run amAze GPS quite happily, very handy it is too. </p> <p>By the time these squabbling children have sorted something out you iphone'er will all be upgrading to your next phone no doubt.</p> This is all very typical of Apple, they would cut off their nose to spite their face as they chase as many bucks as possible.

I turned down an iphone for a more modest and significantly cheaper handset and I run amAze GPS quite happily, very handy it is too.

By the time these squabbling children have sorted something out you iphone’er will all be upgrading to your next phone no doubt.

]]> By: Tony http://www.imore.com/2008/08/21/turn-by-turn/comment-page-1/#comment-29477 Tony Tue, 27 Jan 2009 23:27:28 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=3898#comment-29477 <p>@ Daniel iTunes serves up 1+ gig files all the time. The movies are all more than a gig.</p> @ Daniel iTunes serves up 1+ gig files all the time. The movies are all more than a gig.

]]> By: BKOTI http://www.imore.com/2008/08/21/turn-by-turn/comment-page-1/#comment-13398 BKOTI Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:21:06 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=3898#comment-13398 <p>TomTom's best bet is to partner up with Apple and Android (Google)...inside of 5 years most cars will offer Nav as a standard option so the TomTom, Magellan, etc. handheld market is going to drop. What's left to replace it? That's right...turn by turn Nav on cell phones. Leave it to Jobs to be an idiot though...hmmmm, let me put an iPod on the iPhone and leave off stereo BT, then I'll give it GPS without any Nav software...GENIUS!!</p> TomTom’s best bet is to partner up with Apple and Android (Google)…inside of 5 years most cars will offer Nav as a standard option so the TomTom, Magellan, etc. handheld market is going to drop. What’s left to replace it? That’s right…turn by turn Nav on cell phones. Leave it to Jobs to be an idiot though…hmmmm, let me put an iPod on the iPhone and leave off stereo BT, then I’ll give it GPS without any Nav software…GENIUS!!

]]> By: kevind http://www.imore.com/2008/08/21/turn-by-turn/comment-page-1/#comment-13262 kevind Sun, 24 Aug 2008 13:02:51 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=3898#comment-13262 <p>Currently TomTom sells their smartphone navigation app for US$150. I doubt there are "millions" of iPhone users that will pay that.</p> <p>Moreover, TomTom might not be happy with Apple wanting 30% for doing almost nothing, whereas TomTom gets it all now by selling from their website. (Ditto for Slingbox players.)</p> <p>All that said, TeleNav (using TeleAtlas data) is reportedly working hard on their version, which would probably require a monthly subscription model that the App Store doesn't support yet.</p> Currently TomTom sells their smartphone navigation app for US$150. I doubt there are “millions” of iPhone users that will pay that.

Moreover, TomTom might not be happy with Apple wanting 30% for doing almost nothing, whereas TomTom gets it all now by selling from their website. (Ditto for Slingbox players.)

All that said, TeleNav (using TeleAtlas data) is reportedly working hard on their version, which would probably require a monthly subscription model that the App Store doesn’t support yet.

]]> By: Insider http://www.imore.com/2008/08/21/turn-by-turn/comment-page-1/#comment-13249 Insider Sun, 24 Aug 2008 06:31:08 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=3898#comment-13249 <p>The issue for TomTom is not if Apple will let them create a turn-by-turn app. It's the 70/30 business model that takes a lot of profit away. It's also -impossible- to sell added services and new maps via the current app store model. For example, how can you add an extra map (eg Canada) on the iPhone? If you buy it stand-alone, how can the TomTom navigator find it? as far as i know, apps are self contained and cannot access data from other apps. The same applies for connected services. That's the main issue here. But on the other hand, it might be a blessing for TomTom. This might mean that the iPhone would be a complementary solution. You'll still need a TomTom in your car for the best experience. </p> <p>As far as Garmin is concerned. They're focus on their own phone and are making a big mistake. Who wants a satnav with phone integration? People want the opposite, a phone with gps functionality. They are up for some rough times...</p> The issue for TomTom is not if Apple will let them create a turn-by-turn app. It’s the 70/30 business model that takes a lot of profit away. It’s also -impossible- to sell added services and new maps via the current app store model. For example, how can you add an extra map (eg Canada) on the iPhone? If you buy it stand-alone, how can the TomTom navigator find it? as far as i know, apps are self contained and cannot access data from other apps. The same applies for connected services. That’s the main issue here. But on the other hand, it might be a blessing for TomTom. This might mean that the iPhone would be a complementary solution. You’ll still need a TomTom in your car for the best experience.

As far as Garmin is concerned. They’re focus on their own phone and are making a big mistake. Who wants a satnav with phone integration? People want the opposite, a phone with gps functionality. They are up for some rough times…

]]> By: Andy http://www.imore.com/2008/08/21/turn-by-turn/comment-page-1/#comment-13137 Andy Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:59:26 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=3898#comment-13137 <p>How does Garmin play into this? They do turn by turn directions for phones and I like their maps better than TomTom or TeleNav.</p> How does Garmin play into this? They do turn by turn directions for phones and I like their maps better than TomTom or TeleNav.

]]> By: Paul http://www.imore.com/2008/08/21/turn-by-turn/comment-page-1/#comment-13121 Paul Fri, 22 Aug 2008 07:00:04 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=3898#comment-13121 <p>@ Daniel W - multi-gig, really? My symbian version of TomTom 6 is ~30MB. My Great Britain Map with major roads of western europe is ~200MB. Something like this could easily be hosted on App Store I'm sure.</p> @ Daniel W – multi-gig, really? My symbian version of TomTom 6 is ~30MB. My Great Britain Map with major roads of western europe is ~200MB. Something like this could easily be hosted on App Store I’m sure.

]]> By: FRED http://www.imore.com/2008/08/21/turn-by-turn/comment-page-1/#comment-13105 FRED Thu, 21 Aug 2008 23:56:57 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=3898#comment-13105 <p>The only hold up is that Apple has to decide if they want to make a direct profit by selling or licensing a turn by turn GPS solution, or if the think they can benefit from having 3rd parties sell solutions where they can share provides and help drive sales of iPhones.</p> <p>Personally I would like to see TomTom have a go. I used their product successfully on my Palm Treo for the last 3 years without any problem. MOST IMPORTANTLY I also like to have the maps running on my device so that they are available ANYWHERE I go and do not depend on a Cell connection. That way I can use them out in the sticks where cell towers do not excist or in a foreign country where I can not afford dada service. People forget this important aspect. GREAT IDEA!!!</p> <p>Google maps and TeleNav (TeleNav also requires an additional expensive monthly/yearly $$$ subscription both depend on a cell connection to provide gps maps. BAD IDEA!!!</p> <p>Apple, get it together!!! The GPS in the iPhone 3G is more of a novelty right now and not very useful without Turn by Turn directions!</p> The only hold up is that Apple has to decide if they want to make a direct profit by selling or licensing a turn by turn GPS solution, or if the think they can benefit from having 3rd parties sell solutions where they can share provides and help drive sales of iPhones.

Personally I would like to see TomTom have a go. I used their product successfully on my Palm Treo for the last 3 years without any problem. MOST IMPORTANTLY I also like to have the maps running on my device so that they are available ANYWHERE I go and do not depend on a Cell connection. That way I can use them out in the sticks where cell towers do not excist or in a foreign country where I can not afford dada service. People forget this important aspect. GREAT IDEA!!!

Google maps and TeleNav (TeleNav also requires an additional expensive monthly/yearly $$$ subscription both depend on a cell connection to provide gps maps. BAD IDEA!!!

Apple, get it together!!! The GPS in the iPhone 3G is more of a novelty right now and not very useful without Turn by Turn directions!

]]> By: Daniel W. http://www.imore.com/2008/08/21/turn-by-turn/comment-page-1/#comment-13097 Daniel W. Thu, 21 Aug 2008 22:58:19 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=3898#comment-13097 <p>@Andy </p> <p>Yeah - I guess it is possible. Although I still suspect that a huge download like that is problematic without a PC/Mac -> iTunes -> iPhone connection. </p> <p>As to the rest of the issues raised above - TomTom has been selling a WinMo version for quite some time (as has iGo (Mio)). So the problem isn't in an API or a license agreement at the vendor level. </p> <p>Honestly - I wouldn't want a google solution without massive rewrite of the caching (it would need to cache the entire route - and re-routing is problematic as well since the re-calc is done ON the server (so data hiccups would be horrible). At 40 miles an hour - you could easily get caught in a never ending re-calc because by the time you had new directions - you were past the next block anyway...</p> <p>Just my thoughts...</p> <p>-Daniel</p> @Andy

Yeah – I guess it is possible. Although I still suspect that a huge download like that is problematic without a PC/Mac -> iTunes -> iPhone connection.

As to the rest of the issues raised above – TomTom has been selling a WinMo version for quite some time (as has iGo (Mio)). So the problem isn’t in an API or a license agreement at the vendor level.

Honestly – I wouldn’t want a google solution without massive rewrite of the caching (it would need to cache the entire route – and re-routing is problematic as well since the re-calc is done ON the server (so data hiccups would be horrible). At 40 miles an hour – you could easily get caught in a never ending re-calc because by the time you had new directions – you were past the next block anyway…

Just my thoughts…

-Daniel

]]> By: Andy http://www.imore.com/2008/08/21/turn-by-turn/comment-page-1/#comment-13089 Andy Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:14:14 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=3898#comment-13089 <p>@Daniel: I think you could sell the software and the maps separate. First you load the navigation software (without maps) over the appstore and afterwards you buy the maps you need from the tomtom website. </p> <p>(The software on the iphone can then download the maps directly from the tomtom-server or something like that)</p> @Daniel: I think you could sell the software and the maps separate. First you load the navigation software (without maps) over the appstore and afterwards you buy the maps you need from the tomtom website.

(The software on the iphone can then download the maps directly from the tomtom-server or something like that)

]]> By: Daniel W. http://www.imore.com/2008/08/21/turn-by-turn/comment-page-1/#comment-13077 Daniel W. Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:49:54 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=3898#comment-13077 <p>I think everyone is missing the problem with TomTom.</p> <p>It needs to be sold through a Physical Store and then Loaded onto the iPhone. </p> <p>You can't have a Multi Gig download through the app store. And I don't know of any apps that are bought at a physical store and then loaded to the iPhone (probably because Apple doesn't get their cut...). Am I incorrect on this???</p> <p>-Daniel</p> I think everyone is missing the problem with TomTom.

It needs to be sold through a Physical Store and then Loaded onto the iPhone.

You can’t have a Multi Gig download through the app store. And I don’t know of any apps that are bought at a physical store and then loaded to the iPhone (probably because Apple doesn’t get their cut…). Am I incorrect on this???

-Daniel

]]> By: firesign http://www.imore.com/2008/08/21/turn-by-turn/comment-page-1/#comment-13073 firesign Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:16:50 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=3898#comment-13073 <p>you guys worry about turn by turn nav on the iphone. i'll stick with my garmin nuvi for that, thanks.</p> you guys worry about turn by turn nav on the iphone. i’ll stick with my garmin nuvi for that, thanks.

]]> By: Rick http://www.imore.com/2008/08/21/turn-by-turn/comment-page-1/#comment-13069 Rick Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:53:52 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=3898#comment-13069 <p>Don't get me wrong, Google Maps is not perfect. Auto recalc of routes would be nice. But, it does provide turn-by-turn directions and it does get the job done. BTW, I do have Tom Tom loaded on my Treo, the Treo that is now destine to sit lonely on my desk for a long time!</p> Don’t get me wrong, Google Maps is not perfect. Auto recalc of routes would be nice. But, it does provide turn-by-turn directions and it does get the job done. BTW, I do have Tom Tom loaded on my Treo, the Treo that is now destine to sit lonely on my desk for a long time!

]]> By: AnteL0pe http://www.imore.com/2008/08/21/turn-by-turn/comment-page-1/#comment-13065 AnteL0pe Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:29:24 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=3898#comment-13065 <p>Rick, have you ever used TomTom or something similar? What you are describing sounds prehistoric compared to the TomTom experience.</p> Rick, have you ever used TomTom or something similar? What you are describing sounds prehistoric compared to the TomTom experience.

]]> By: Stacylou http://www.imore.com/2008/08/21/turn-by-turn/comment-page-1/#comment-13064 Stacylou Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:28:50 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=3898#comment-13064 <p>all I want for Christmas is a red, 32G iPhone (firmware 5.0, of course!) with TomTom software and maps already loaded :)</p> all I want for Christmas is a red, 32G iPhone (firmware 5.0, of course!) with TomTom software and maps already loaded :)

]]> By: Dieter Bohn http://www.imore.com/2008/08/21/turn-by-turn/comment-page-1/#comment-13062 Dieter Bohn Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:17:19 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=3898#comment-13062 <p>@Rick</p> <p>Actually - yeah, pushing that button is a big hassle for me, because afterward I need to re-center and rezoom the map so I can see where I currently am and what's next. It really does drive me crazy.</p> @Rick

Actually – yeah, pushing that button is a big hassle for me, because afterward I need to re-center and rezoom the map so I can see where I currently am and what’s next. It really does drive me crazy.

]]> By: Dieter Bohn http://www.imore.com/2008/08/21/turn-by-turn/comment-page-1/#comment-13061 Dieter Bohn Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:16:12 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=3898#comment-13061 <p>@Joseph - </p> <p>Yes, TomTom has their own map provider -- Tele Atlas. That's why they're one of our 'hopes' for getting realtime turn by turn.</p> @Joseph –

Yes, TomTom has their own map provider — Tele Atlas. That’s why they’re one of our ‘hopes’ for getting realtime turn by turn.

]]> By: Stephman http://www.imore.com/2008/08/21/turn-by-turn/comment-page-1/#comment-13060 Stephman Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:13:21 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=3898#comment-13060 <p>at Rick, remind me to stay away from you on the road!</p> <p>No, it's not difficult, but not the safest thing to do. I think most people are looking for SPOKEN turn by turn, so you can keep your eyes on the road and not have to worry about trying to tap that next arrow.</p> at Rick, remind me to stay away from you on the road!

No, it’s not difficult, but not the safest thing to do. I think most people are looking for SPOKEN turn by turn, so you can keep your eyes on the road and not have to worry about trying to tap that next arrow.

]]> By: Rick http://www.imore.com/2008/08/21/turn-by-turn/comment-page-1/#comment-13057 Rick Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:40:31 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=3898#comment-13057 <p>Sorry if I am missing something here. But, when I go to Google Maps on my iPhone and get directions, it shows me the turn-by-turn directions. As I drive, I just follow the purple line or look at the direction list. Is pushing the arrow button for the next turn that difficult for everyone?</p> Sorry if I am missing something here. But, when I go to Google Maps on my iPhone and get directions, it shows me the turn-by-turn directions. As I drive, I just follow the purple line or look at the direction list. Is pushing the arrow button for the next turn that difficult for everyone?

]]> By: Stephman http://www.imore.com/2008/08/21/turn-by-turn/comment-page-1/#comment-13056 Stephman Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:39:21 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=3898#comment-13056 <p>I vote for TomTom with maps installed locally on the iPhone. Apple, get rid of this $hit and let TomTom sell their software in the app store! "Applications may not be designed or marketed for real time route guidance; automatic or autonomous control of vehicles or aircraft, or other mechanical devices; dispatch or fleet management; or emergency or life-saving purposes."</p> I vote for TomTom with maps installed locally on the iPhone. Apple, get rid of this $hit and let TomTom sell their software in the app store! “Applications may not be designed or marketed for real time route guidance; automatic or autonomous control of vehicles or aircraft, or other mechanical devices; dispatch or fleet management; or emergency or life-saving purposes.”

]]> By: DrF http://www.imore.com/2008/08/21/turn-by-turn/comment-page-1/#comment-13053 DrF Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:58:44 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=3898#comment-13053 <p>This whole discussion amazes me. There are thousands if not millions WANTING turn by turn GPS on the Iphone; i.e., customer demand. There are companies that can provide it. Apple and these other companies would make a boatload of money. But instead, they are like children playing with their toys in the sandbox thinking they are actually doing us a favor by existing. Either make the products or someone else will.</p> This whole discussion amazes me. There are thousands if not millions WANTING turn by turn GPS on the Iphone; i.e., customer demand. There are companies that can provide it. Apple and these other companies would make a boatload of money. But instead, they are like children playing with their toys in the sandbox thinking they are actually doing us a favor by existing. Either make the products or someone else will.

]]> By: Joseph http://www.imore.com/2008/08/21/turn-by-turn/comment-page-1/#comment-13052 Joseph Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:56:16 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=3898#comment-13052 <p>Whoever wrote this does not know what they are talking about. TomTom has there own map providers that they have license agreemens with. These maps would be stored locally on the iPhone, just like TomTom on my PocketPC. They would not be using the Google Maps API that is provided in the SDK. That point is laughable. As far as the maps are concerned, there is no difference between TomTom on an iPhone or TomTom on any other phone or mobile device it currently supports.</p> Whoever wrote this does not know what they are talking about. TomTom has there own map providers that they have license agreemens with. These maps would be stored locally on the iPhone, just like TomTom on my PocketPC. They would not be using the Google Maps API that is provided in the SDK. That point is laughable. As far as the maps are concerned, there is no difference between TomTom on an iPhone or TomTom on any other phone or mobile device it currently supports.

]]> By: Rene Ritchie http://www.imore.com/2008/08/21/turn-by-turn/comment-page-1/#comment-13051 Rene Ritchie Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:34:49 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=3898#comment-13051 <ol> <li>Google (or maybe Microsoft to compete with Google), opens their humungous wallet and buys everything and rolls out a complete solution.</li> </ol> <p>(If it's Microsoft, look for a free, but Silverlight exclusive offering soon... :) )</p> <ol> <li>Like video and subscription music, Steve holds the line at "people don't want turn by turn on their phones. They just don't." Then Apple releases a subscription map service a few months later to cover licensing fees...</li> </ol>
  • Google (or maybe Microsoft to compete with Google), opens their humungous wallet and buys everything and rolls out a complete solution.

    • (If it’s Microsoft, look for a free, but Silverlight exclusive offering soon… :) )

    1. Like video and subscription music, Steve holds the line at “people don’t want turn by turn on their phones. They just don’t.” Then Apple releases a subscription map service a few months later to cover licensing fees…
    ]]>