I am not sure what is with users in the UK getting turn by turn GPS navigation for free but the trend continues. RIM has released a new BlackBerry Navigator in the Beta Zone. Jerome let us know about this release but sadly we could not see it ourselves. DJ Reyes @CrackBerry got wind that it is UK only and is powered by TomTom along with requiring a device running OS 7.1.0.399 and above. Features include:
Navigation & Traffic
- Real-time turn-by-turn spoken directions to destination
- Automatic re-routing if a turn is missed.
- Preview route steps and upcoming turns.
- Trip summary and overview map with entire trip highlighted.
- 3D map view simulates what the user should expect to see ahead.
- Spoken directions include both maneuvers and actual street name pronunciations so that users can focus on the road and not the screen for a safer driving experience.
Local Search
- Local Search – provides information for nearby hotels and restaurants as well as other POIs, such as businesses, attractions, and events. Narrow the search by choosing sub-categories.
- One-touch calling feature – dials the place’s phone number for the subscriber.
- Save directory results to the address book for future use.
- Home screen shortcuts – Easily create home screen shortcuts for "click to go" to frequent or important destinations.
Extras
- 7 digits postcode support
- BBM Integration – Send location enabled messages to your BBM contacts.
- Facebook – Keep your friends and family updated by posting your location or favorite cafe to Facebook.
- Contacts App Integration – Get directions to a contact right from your device’s contacts.
- Day/Night Mode – Automatic Day and Night Mode.
If you live in the UK check it out at www.blackberry.com/beta and let us know the details! Sadly I could not get a screenshot but credit for the install page to BigWhiteUK (Thanks Peter)
ShvartzBerry ( View Profile) - Posts: 385
Posted: January 3, 2013 at 5:08 PM EST
Oh, not nice. You should have put “UK Only” first in the title. I got all excited reading the first couple of words.
Well, at least we have BB Traffic.
filanto ( View Profile) - Posts: 9
Posted: January 3, 2013 at 7:32 PM EST
Bloody hell, I am in the US
Rab1969 ( View Profile) - Posts: 2
Posted: January 3, 2013 at 10:07 PM EST from my BlackBerry 9900 | OS 7.1.0.714
It looks ok. Only had it on my 9900 for a hour or so. It hasn’t got half the features you think or say it has, in fact very basic. I’ll let you know how I get on with it tommorrow after I get to play about with it. But for now, basic & clean. Oh Tom Tom do have a tiny little emblem on there too.
dkersh73 ( View Profile) - Posts: 1
Posted: January 4, 2013 at 1:38 AM EST
So if this is a TomTom app, who is TeleCommunication Systems, and what do they do for RIM? I checked their website and they make Nav apps.
Rab1969 ( View Profile) - Posts: 2
Posted: January 4, 2013 at 1:31 PM EST from my BlackBerry 9900 | OS 7.1.0.714
Used it today & well it worked ok. Just as it says on the tin! Yeh nothing great about it. It got me to where I wanted just like a sat nav. The womens voice was just audible over the radio, pronunciation was a little off.
It’s not that I’m tight fisted(being that I’m a Scot) but I wouldn’t pay for it. There are still apps out there much about the same.
dpr ( View Profile) - Posts: 767
Posted: January 4, 2013 at 4:58 PM EST from my BlackBerry 9930 | OS 7.1.0.580
Looks like it has some major potential. Can’t wait to see it for BB10.
briard ( View Profile) - Posts: 15
Posted: February 22, 2013 at 2:43 PM EST
Navigator 1.0 has been updated in the Beta zone on Feb 19, 2013
Now available in the following countries:
United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Ireland, Puerto Rico, Germany, Australia and New Zealand
For the following devices:
9850, 9981, 9930, 9370 and 9350 devices supporting OS 7.1