TeleNav, Inc., one of the largest global wireless location-based services providers with more than 18 million paying subscribers, recently launched TeleNav GPS Navigator version 6.2 for select Android devices. The latest version of TeleNav GPS Navigator is designed to deliver a faster and more reliable way to navigate, search, and view maps on a mobile device. TeleNav has added new features such as expanded Speech Recognition, Quick Search, Multiple Route Suggestions, enhanced local search content with more listings, and overall improved application speed.
"With this release, we've made Navigator easier and faster to use, and also added new capabilities that allow the user to personalize their navigation experience," said Sal Dhanani, co-founder and vice president of products for TeleNav. "We're confident that when our users try this version, they'll immediately benefit from the enhancements we've made and enjoy the faster, simpler, more personalized experience."
A Personalized Experience: Multiple Route Suggestions and Commute Alerts
TeleNav GPS Navigator 6.2 now offers Multiple Route Suggestions and allows users to choose which route they prefer to take. Once a destination is entered, users are presented with up to three route suggestions overlaid on a map with route distance and estimated drive times. Users can review information for each route and select the option that best fits their personal driving needs.
TeleNav GPS Navigator 6.2 also includes a new user interface for the existing Commute Alert feature, making it easier for users to set and receive automatic alerts at a pre-selected time to show current traffic conditions along their daily commute. Users can choose to have these alerts sent via e-mail, SMS, or within the TeleNav GPS Navigator application to receive their personal daily commute information before hitting the road.
Search Made Simple
TeleNav GPS Navigator 6.2 includes Quick Search, a new feature designed to make finding local places quick and easy. Located on the application's home page, users can simply touch the Quick Search box and type an address, landmark, category (i.e. Italian Food), or a business name. TeleNav GPS Navigator 6.2 uses predictive search technology to suggest results as the user types their desired location. Quick Search eliminates the need to navigate menus in order to find and drive to a location.
TeleNav has included an expanded Speech Recognition feature, allowing users to press a single button on the home page and speak a command. In addition to the Speech Recognition commands available in previous versions of TeleNav GPS Navigator used for finding addresses ("1130 Kifer Road") or businesses ("Find gas stations"), TeleNav GPS Navigator 6.2 provides voice access to more information, for questions such as "How's the weather" or "How's traffic."
TeleNav has also made its local search functionality easier, faster and more comprehensive, adding millions of new Points of Interest (POIs) to its search database, giving TeleNav users access to more than 22 million U.S. business locations, historical landmarks, airports and more.
"There's nothing more frustrating when using a GPS product than to search for a location and not get a result. If a user can't find the destination they're looking for, the quality of the navigation features doesn't matter," said Dhanani. "We've put a lot of effort into ensuring that our users are able to find the destinations they're searching for."
Additional Features and Enhancements
In addition to multiple route options and search enhancements, TeleNav GPS Navigator 6.2 includes enhanced map performance and design, allowing for faster panning and page refreshes when users view the map screen within the application. The map view also includes one-click options to layer information on the map screen, such as traffic flow information and the locations of traffic cameras.
TeleNav GPS Navigator 6.2 also features a new POI search screen interface designed to make searching for business categories more simple. When viewing the POI category page, users are presented with an easy to read view of popular business categories and can access those listings with one-click.
Availability
TeleNav GPS Navigator 6.2 is available immediately on the Android Marketplace to AT&T customers (as AT&T Navigator 2.2) using the Samsung Captivate, HTC Aria, Sony Ericsson Xperia X10, or Motorola BACKFLIP devices running Android OS version 2.1 or above. The application will be available soon on additional Android devices through other wireless carriers.
