In this video I demonstrate a neat 3-in-1 device and app from Magellan that takes in-car GPS navigation to the next level using your iPhone or iPod touch.
Sorry Sync readers for the dirty lens at some points during the video. When you’re a one-man production it’s hard to manage everything and it doesn’t help that there was construction (and plenty of dust) going on at the end of the driveway!
Video transcript below:
Hey Sync Readers!
Bruno here and this week I want to share with you a 3-in-1 GPS device introduced by Magellan. For those of you who don’t know, Magellan is up there with the likes of Garmin and Tom Tom when it comes to consumer based GPS navigation. This is the Premium Car Kit for iPhone by Magellan and as the name describes, it takes in-car functionality to the next level on your iPhone, but what’s really cool – and the name doesn’t tell you – is that it also transforms your iPod touch into a fully-functional in-car GPS navigation system as well. As I mentioned at the start, it’s a 3-in-1 device that includes a bluetooth enabled speakerphone for easy hands-free calling, in-car charger and more importantly, a onboard GPS receiver that enhances the GPS experience on your iPhone or adds it to your iPod touch.
It’s well designed and holds either device even in a protective case and is very easy to insert and remove. Rotating from portrait to landscape is done with a simple turn and easily clicks into place so no fussing with adjustment knobs or uneven orientation. Even though it uses the dock connector port found at the bottom of either device it still allows you to enjoy your stored tunes through your car stereo system – IF and only if you have a 3.5mm auxiliary audio jack otherwise you are out of luck. It currently retails online for about $99.00 and can be found at various big box retailers as well.
Now, what good is an iPhone or GPS enabled iPod touch without an app? Well, the folks at Magellan have that covered too with their 4+ star rated app called: RoadMate North America. It’s currently retailing for $59.00 and offers complete turn-by-turn voice guidance which includes street names plus real-time traffic alerts. Keep in mind these alerts can only be received if you have a data-enabled iPhone and it does not work when using an iPod touch. Lifetime updates and a few cool add-ons like Yelp, the socially driven guide to finding local businesses are included with the app. I really like the Yelp integration and experienced something similar on a marine navigation ipad app from Navionics just last weekend when boating on the Trent Severn waterway. People like you and me sharing points of interest and keeping things up-to-date.
Finding addresses is pretty easy thanks to the Google search capability as well, and with a tap of a button you’re ready to roll with a mapped out route. You can also access your contact’s right inside the app and get turn-by-turn directions in just a couple of clicks. The interface is much better than other navigation apps I have used because of the flow and ease of use thanks to features such as oneTouch, but I should note that law enforcement officials -especially here in Ontario- are really starting to crack down on driver distraction so it’s best to setup before you leave the parking lot or driveway and then listen along the way.
Here’s a couple of things you might want to think about if you think this device might be for you:
First, if you have an older first or second generation iPod touch like I do, the app won’t work, so it pretty much renders this device not worth the money. Now this app is gonna suck up space, bottom line it’s large and is recommended you have at least 2 gigabytes available so if you live life on the edge with a near-full device be prepared to part with some apps or tunes. Now it does allow for voice dialing but only on iPhones that support that feature which are the 3GS and iphone 4 models. And as I mentioned earlier, if you want to enjoy your tunes, you need to have a 3.5mm auxiliary input jack on your car stereo system and a male to male cable 3.5mm stereo cable which is not included.
Overall, I like this device and I think if you are looking to get more out of your iPhone and keep the dashboard or windshield clutter to a minimum, then this app and device combo is where it’s at – that’s if you’re a current iPhone or iPod Touch user. The app is really slick and very easy to use and it’s no surprise it gets the many 5 star reviews over and over. Plus, when you consider the cost versus a dedicated better-than-average GPS device, I think this one wins because you have the added convenience of all-in-one solution and more from your iPhone or iPod touch in terms of convenience.
So safe travels everyone, I’m Bruno Marsala for Sync and thanks for watching this review of the Magellan Premium Car Kit for iPhone and RoadMate North America app.
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