AOL’s MapQuest has followed Google Maps into the world of turn-by-turn voice directions by launching an updated version of MapQuest 4 Mobile for iPhone. When you use the new version to search for a destination, MapQuest 4 Mobile will automatically speak directions, letting you know when to turn. Thus rendering your expensive GPS unit at least partially obsolete.
In addition to letting you know when it’s time to turn, MapQuest 4 Mobile will alert you if you’re off route when making a wrong turn. There’s also an energy saving option enabling you to dim the screen while listening to directions without running down your iPhone battery as quickly.
MapQuest 4 Mobile is available as a free download from the iTunes App Store.
Cool, Yahoo proves to be useful for something. Now we don’t have to wait for Google to get their free maps application out on the iPhone, since they’d rather keep it unique to Android as long as possible. Excellent.
Course I’ve already paid for Navigon. I would guess that Mapquest is going to be similar to Google Maps in that it doesn’t let you keep any maps locally. Meaning if you lose data coverage while driving you might be in trouble. Actually, strike that, it looks like you can go to mapquest.com and somehow choose what to download. Unlikely you’ll do this though. Still, as a FREE navigation app… this can’t be beat on the iPhone right now.
Ugh, I tried it. The voice prompts are too long, spoken too quickly, and too low in volume. This needs work.
For now Melissa will stick with her TomTom app and I’ll stick with Telenav (AT&T). Until I jump to Android.
Dave,
Mapquest is still owned by AOL. :)
I thought something was off, but just couldn’t place it. I’ll update Brad’s post, thanks.