AT&T releases dedicated iPhone navigation app
updated 12:30 pm EDT, Tue June 23, 2009
AT&T Navigator iPhone app
US carrier AT&T has released an official Navigator app for the iPhone. The app mirrors software available for other phones, providing turn-by-turn car navigation to addresses entered on the go, or else on a computer ahead of a trip. Driving commands are spoken aloud, and traffic updates as well as rerouting are handled in real-time.
Users can additionally search for gas stations according to price, and download map updates automatically at no extra cost. The app itself is free, but attached to a $10 monthly subscription, which is added to a person's AT&T bill. The company also warns that the app can be deleted without canceling the subscription. iPhone 3.0 firmware is required, along with an iPhone 3G or 3G S.
hmm
06/23, 12:44pm (2 replies) reply
this breaks apple's terms and agreements for the app store.... free apps are not suppose to have paid content/subscriptions.
applenut1
Mac Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2000
excuse me?
06/23, 12:44pm (1 reply) reply
I still don't see why AT&T thinks that most consumers would like to pay 10 bucks a month for GPS navigation, when you can buy a GPS receiver online for less than $100.00 and not pay any subscription fees. Perhaps this would make sense for the business traveler, but come on!
gettysburg11s@gmail.com
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jun 2009
Old ways
06/23, 12:50pm (3 replies) reply
And here, AT&T is rearing its old ugly overbearing head! Much like Verizon charges for every single frigging thing (such as the right to move pictures you took with your phone off to your computer...!), now AT&T is charging for a service that doesn't really exist (an application that uses built-in hardware). Why charge a one-time price, when you can milk them forever.
Applenut1 is right; technically, this does break the terms for App Store.
vasic
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2005
AT&T can keep its added c
06/23, 12:57pm reply
AT&T can keep its added monthly cost. I won't be getting any thing that I need to rent to make it work, sorry.
b9robot
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2009
re: hmm
06/23, 01:31pm (1 reply) reply
It would seem like this does break Apple's prohibition on paid content for free apps, but there are actually a lot of apps on the store that somehow do this. Take for example Salesforce.com and Marketcircle's Daylite. Both are "free" on the app store but require a paid subscription elsewhere. I'm not sure how Apple allows it (and frankly, I wish they didn't) but they do...
QualleyIV
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
Sirius/XM does it too!
06/23, 01:40pm reply
But I still agree with others here, this is not how I want my navigation service to work! I will not pay $120 per year if I can get the same (or better) service for much less.
Nice try AT&T ... I vote with my wallet and the vote is NO!
herbert68
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2000
Another AT&T Knee Jerk
06/23, 01:44pm reply
Screams of anguish and they will back pedal. There must really be a Public Relations r***** microtard in charge at AT&T. Being bombarded by Apple fanboys might finally get their attention. But it is doubtful.
starwarrior
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Mar 2006
Fight back
06/23, 01:46pm reply
I just wrote an email to their customer service department through my online account. I ranted about unlimited data fees that don't include text, MMS, or tethering. I want them to know I will switch carriers the moment I have a choice unless they wise up. I suggest more people write to them. Maybe they will listen, but I really doubt it.
Adding all these new subscribers will be a waste of time if they jump ship later I think.
My two cents.
mistercleanboise
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Mar 2009
Where is the idiot...
06/23, 01:57pm reply
I'm looking for the first idiot that would buy this. Seriously. I want the turn by turn inclusion as much as anyone but no way would I pay them monthly. If Apple allows them to kill Tom Tom and Navigon US maps...I swear I will drop the iPhone and go with an Android phone.I fear that may be the case since Navigon has Europe out...but nothing here yet.It doesn't require the stinking AT
fattychance
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2009
IT'S FREE ON PRE!
06/23, 02:03pm (1 reply) reply
Yo people. Wake up and smell the AT&FAIL! It's free on Pre!
Dark Goob
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2001