Garmin Street Pilot for the iPhone

Garmin has thrown its hat into the iPhone navigation ring with Garmin Street Pilot. With the Garmin Street Pilot app, you will get many of the same features that are in the Nuvi line of Garmin devices.

It is compatible with the iPhone 3, 3GS and iPad with WiFi and 3G. Sorry iPod users, the maps are on demand and not onboard, so your will not be able to use this. That being said, being on demand, the maps are continuously downloaded and stored as they are used, but ALSO, they are saved temporarily on board for browsing during times of no data coverage.

Per the iTunes write up, features were said to include (but not limited to);

-Always up-to-date maps for the U.S. and Canada, downloaded to your device on demand
-Voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions including street names
-Real-time traffic updates included at no additional cost
-Automatic map storage so you can browse maps you've recently viewed outside of data coverage areas
-Works great at both 3G and Edge connection speeds
-Integrated Local Search
-Millions of points of interest
-Lane assist with junction view for complicated interchanges
-Address book integration to navigate to contacts
-Integrated iPod® music controls
-Multi-tasking on iOS4 for navigating while calling
-Current weather conditions and forecast
-Place calls directly from search listing

Since it is on demand and not on board, it is a small download (by GPS standards). At only 8.5 megs, it is fast over the 3/4G nets, or even faster when connected to WiFi.  Testing was simple, but thorough none the less.

The input screen is easy. Select the state if different from your location. Then put in the street name, the number and the city or zip code. Then hit search. It may bring up the exact location, or it will give you choices to select from. Once that is done, tap your selection, and hit “GO”. You will then be guided to your destination.

Traffic reporting is free for life with this app and comes in quite handy in those lovely inner city commutes.

Whenever I test a new GPS app or unit, the first thing I do is go home. The reason being, is that I know the quickest route and have clocked it via that ultra simple thing in my dashboard called an “odometer”. The Navteq maps that Garmin is based on, performed flawlessly.

It faired quite well on general navigation as well. It not matter if the drive took me into downtown Boston or the North East kingdom of New England. In fact, I noticed NO interference in between the tallest buildings of Boston, nor the most wooded areas of the great snowy north.

I think it is great that they have incorporated a “live” type search (dependant on cell service) as well. It is a great convenience. WHatever you are searching for will be come the destination with the tap of a button.

All in all, the only downside to this (and it is a matter of preference) is the on demand rather than the onboard maps. You can learn more and download it at the iTunes Store