Nav4All is a free GPS satellite navigation program for mobile phones. It’s available in 55 languages and with more than 100 different voices for the turn by turn instructions. The Java program is compatible with most handsets (over 1000 according to the site) and the maps are refreshed ‘almost daily’ for free.
So what’s the catch? Well, for one thing it may only be free for the next two years or so. Or, more probably, there will be a free version for ever and a premium version later. Second, you have to register with an email address. Third, er…well there is no third, except perhaps the fact that the turn by turn navigation is done with voice and simple arrow screens instead of a fancy moving map. But in use that’s probably not a bad thing since it’s less distracting.
The main super plus point is having access to maps from across the globe at the touch of a button. Awesome for vacationers and business execs. The service also offers a cool MyWorld application which links in with the navigation stuff so you can drop location specific photos and information on top of Google or Yahoo! maps. Nice touch. All in all, this is a very cool application.
The system is simplicity personified. Users choose a destination with their mobile phones. The mobile phone contacts the central computer, which determines the itinerary within a few seconds and sends it back to the mobile phone. Travelers can then continue to their destinations. All that is needed is a mobile phone and a GPS receiver, which weigh less than 150 grams combined. And for the rest, the new system is of superior simplicity: the route descriptions do not require detailed maps. An arrow points straight on, indicates a right or left turn, along with the lane to stay in on freeway or super highway (a feature missing from many systems). A semi-circle in the line indicates you are passing a roundabout and should continue straight on. The instructions are so simple to avoid driver distraction.
There is one disadvantage for me : it uses an expensive mobile connection to retrieve the routing and map data.
A truly free version can be found at http://we-travel.co.cc
good. good