Santa Clara, Calif.
– Magellan has cast its hat into the
GPS iPhone app arena with a new kit and app that also works with the iPod
Touch.
Magellan’s app, called
the Magellan RoadMate for iPhone, is now at the Apple App Store at a $79.99
introductory price, to be accompanied by an optional $129 mounting kit.
The app provides
text-to-speech pronunciation of street names and the ability to play and
control one’s music while using the app, said Magellan. Maps of the U.S.
and Canada
are stored on the iPhone/iPod, and users also get access to 6 million points of
interest. Other features include lane
assistance, 3D views of landmarks and a pedestrian mode. The app is also available in a Western U.S.
version or an Eastern U.S. version for $69.99
each. After the introductory period, the
full U.S.
app will increase to a price of $99.99.
The car kit converts
the iPhone or iPod Touch to portable navigation devices (PNDs) as the kit
includes its own GPS receiver, speaker and Bluetooth receiver. It can charge the iPhone/iPod Touch, boost
the volume of turn-by-turn directions and enable hands-free calling. It is expected to be available in December.
The kit also works
with navigation apps from other suppliers.
It will be sold at Amazon.com, Best Buy and MagellanGPS.com, said
Magellan.
