Garmin updates Street Pilot Onboard, touts transit add-on
updated 07:55 pm EDT, Tue September 25, 2012
Integrates with Apple Maps, offers multiple modes of transit
A third-party app that integrates with Apple Maps may be able to single-handedly supply many of the features users say were dropped or are less complete than in the previous Google-based Maps application for iOS 6. Garmin has updated its Garmin Street Pilot Onboard app for the iPhone to include integration with Apple Maps and the new iPhone 5. The app also utilizes Google's Streetview and Panorama View 3D (missing from both the Google Maps app and the new Apple Maps) and a $5 in-app upgrade with extensive transit routing.
The $5 add-on purchase, called Urban Guidance, includes directions by way of walking, bussing, taking a train, trams and even water taxis for those wishing to utilize non-car forms of overland travel. The update gives the app detailed itineraries of transit stops, line names and other details. Because of the Apple Maps integration, users can simply select any address in Apple Maps, hold and choose to navigate the route using StreetPilot Onboard. Since the Garmin app has maps included in the app, it can also be used offline. Also new is another in-app add-on called Panorama View 3D, which provides detailed elevation views and 360-degree photo views of a destination and its surroundings.
To promote the new version, Garmin has placed the app and the Urban guidance add-on purchase on sale until October 7. The app itself is available in two editions: USA only (on sale for $40 rather than $50) and North America ($45 instead of $60). The Urban Guidance in-app purchase is now $3, down temporarily from its usual $5 price. The Panorama 3D feature remains priced the same at $10 as an in-app upgrade.
