The MotionX GPS Drive app is packed with features and has very few limitations. Overall the MotionX GPS Drive app is one of the best values around, however if you don’t have a good cellular connection I take it all back.
MotionX GPS Drive doesn’t hold static data like the Tom Tom app. This makes for a drastically smaller file size, but map and routing data are retrieved from the network. So getting data from the network is critical.
I tested the MotionX GPS Drive app in areas with good network coverage. However, I did run into one instance of poor network access right after selecting a location and waiting for navigation to launch. The result wasn’t good, as you can see below.
However, after restarting the program everything worked just fine.
I was reluctant to purchase MotionX GPS Drive because the Live Voice Guidance is only free for 30 days. They give you two purchase options: 30 days at $2.99 USD or 1 year at $24.99 USD.
I suppose you could go without the Live Voice Guidance, but I’m not sure how the app would work without all the included features.
Live Voice Guidance includes:
- Voice guidance, fully integrated with the iPod
- Live over-the-air maps and real-time routing
- MotionX 3D maps
- Cached routes and maps for optimal performance
- Simulation mode
All GPS apps consume a lot of power so using a charger for the iPhone is a good idea. I used the Tom Tom Car Kit for the iPhone for charging, and mounted it on the windshield. Keep in mind that windshield mounting in California and Minnesota is against the law.
Choosing Where to Go
Both the Go To and Find menu have overlapping options that make it somewhat confusing at first.
Go To Menu
The Go To menu is relatively straightforward and has numerous options. I haven’t figured out the difference between Saved Destinations and Favorites, but I like the Lat/Lon option, which is something that’s missing from the Tom Tom app.
Find Menu
The Find menu has several sub-menus that duplicate some of the same options from the Go To menu. For instance, if you click the Address Book icon you get a sub-menu that is identical to the first seven options on the Go To menu. What’s up with that?
And if you click Browse from the Find menu there are five options that are really sub-menus. These should be, at least, a different color. Below I’ve chosen Browse, and then Shopping so you can see the various options.
Navigation
Once you choose your destination, you get the Location Details screen where you can Edit the location information or View on Map.
After you select the Navigate button, the Navigation Options screen has an option for either Drive or Walk navigation. You also have an option to Get Live Voice Guidance, Directions, or Simulate This Trip.
Drive Navigation and Live Voice Navigation
Live voice navigation works similar to the Garmin GPS or Tom Tom app, except that street names aren’t announced. This is not a big deal for me as they tend to be annoying when frequently repeated. Besides, the next turn is clearly listed at the top of the screen.
The map itself is not that great, but there are clear indicators for the next turn. A nice feature is that you can touch the icon in the top left corner to engage the voice navigation and announce the next turn.
There are several different map views you can access by selecting the calipers icon. This created some confusion for me when I was going south and the navigation map showed me going north. I had inadvertently punched the icon between the plus (+) and minus (-) signs, which switched the mode from 3D Course-Up to 2D North-Up.
At the top left of the navigation map you see the Next Turn icon. In the middle is the remaining mileage to the next turn. On the right, the display rotates between four variables: Heading, ETA, Distance Remaining, and Time Remaining.
There is a countdown gauge that appears when you get near your next turn or final destination.
List Menu
Selecting the List button on the bottom menu brings up the route directions. You can swipe your finger from left to right over the screen to see the Next Turn information. Doing this one more time shows the Current Location information. (picture not shown)
At the bottom of the List menu is a tab for the iPod that brings up a very nice control panel, which is far more advanced than the Tom Tom app.
Compass
The information on the Compass page (picture shown above right) shows your Speed, Altitude, Latitude and Longitude. Your heading is indicated by the red marker.
The most intriguing thing about the compass is the blue arrow, which points to your final destination. This is handy if your parking spot is some distance away and you end up walking to your final destination.
Settings
Voice and Sound, Units, Night Mode, Driving Options, and Simulation settings are shown below.
Check it Out
MotionX GPS Drive has a demo video you can watch on their web site.
The MotionX GPS Drive App is on sale now at the iTunes App store for $0.99 USD. That’s a steal for what you get.
There is a windshield mount and charger on the MotionX Drive accessories web page.
Related Posts
MotionX GPS Drive App Revisited
Garmin GPS and Tom Tom App Comparison
Comments
I would like to focus on things that are interesting to me, but also valuable to the blogging community. A lot of work went into this post. I would like to find out how you feel about its content. Please leave a comment about what you like or dislike, and what you would like to read about in this blog.
Many Thanks.
Update:
I submitted an audio review to the Today in iPhone podcast that was included in (episode) item 112 that starts at the 27:33 minute mark.
This podcast is a great source of information for all things iPhone. Go over to the Today in iPhone web site and give it a listen, or subscribe to the Today in iPhone podcast in iTunes, or purchase the Tii app in the iTunes app store.
MotionX GPS Drive App Review (audio)
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Related posts:
- MotionX GPS Drive App Revisited
- The GPS
- Garmin GPS and Tom Tom App Comparison
- Google Buzz Launch Leaves Me Half Satisfied
- Do Not Remove These Apps From My iPhone
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Wouldn’t the makers of this app be able to track you?
Anyone know how to do things like this?
Thanks for the comprehensive review. I actually just bought this app and haven’t really put it to use yet, but I learned some interesting things about what it can/will do.