Navigon MobileNavigator Goes Through A Facelift And Slims Down In Today's Big v2.0 Update

The Navigon MobileNavigator apps turned v2.0 today, and it's safe to say that the apps have matured greatly. Included in the changes are a revamped main user interface, new menu groupings, a new MyMaps feature, and a new FreshMaps subscription. The first thing you'll see after installing the latest update or downloading the app for the first time is the new MyMaps feature AKA Maps Manager. The main intent of this tool is for storage space saving, but it also makes updating much quicker. Instead of downloading the entire database of map data in one enormous chunk, you can pick each state in the United States, each province in Canada, and each country in Europe as you go. For example, I downloaded the Arizona map because that's where I live plus the Minnesota and Florida maps because I have family there and visit occasionally. However, I can quickly download map data for California or Nevada if I decide to head to CES or iWorld. Of course, you can delete map data at any time as well. Access MyMaps by entering the new settings menu in the top-left and then tapping on Map Manager at the bottom. Now, let's talk about the menus. The primary UI has been reconfigured into a main navigation display with two root menus. Both menus can be accessed without interrupting navigation and can be activated / deactivated with either a pull down / up motion or a tap of the button. In the top-left is the formerly mentioned settings menu. Here, you can do a full search for an address and point-of-interest locations, access previous destinations, or quickly initiate the route home, plus access more advanced preferences and expandable services. At the top-right of the main screen is the action menu. This is where you'll go to change preferences, view alternate info, and perform tasks that are most important while en route. There's easy access to an overview map of the full route, the ability to select a different route, access to search only those POIs that are on or near your route, the ability to add an unscheduled stop, access to the turn-by-turn list of directions, and so on. One of the final changes to come along with today's update is the addition of FreshMaps. The advantage is you'll receive updated NAVTEQ map data every quarter. The bad news is that it is a yearly subscription, although, v2.0 starts you off with completely up-to-date data. The North America FreshMaps XL package is currently available for $14.99, whereas the regular price is $19.99. Other services available via in-app purchase include live weather, live traffic, panorama view, and Zagat review content. NAVIGON North America is a universal app compatible with iPad with 3G, iPad 2 with 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and iPhone 4S running iOS 4.3 or later, and available in the App Store at the limited time price of $39.99. NAVIGON USA is a universal app compatible with iPad with 3G, iPad 2 with 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and iPhone 4S running iOS 4.3 or later, and available in the App Store at the limited time price of $29.99. NAVIGON U.S. West is a universal app compatible with iPad with 3G, iPad 2 with 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and iPhone 4S running iOS 4.3 or later, and available in the App Store at the limited time price of $19.99. NAVIGON U.S. Central is a universal app compatible with iPad with 3G, iPad 2 with 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and iPhone 4S running iOS 4.3 or later, and available in the App Store at the limited time price of $19.99. NAVIGON U.S. East is a universal app compatible with iPad with 3G, iPad 2 with 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and iPhone 4S running iOS 4.3 or later, and available in the App Store at the limited time price of $19.99. NAVIGON Europe is a universal app compatible with iPad with 3G, iPad 2 with 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and iPhone 4S running iOS 4.3 or later, and available in the App Store at the limited time price of $74.99.