Unlike the paid navigation services like TomTom or CoPilot, Google’s satnav requires an active data connection when planning routes, though not while traveling.

“Google Maps pre-caches the entire route,” said Mobile Maps product manager, Steve Lee. “It needs a data connection when you ask for navigation. But while driving to your destination, if you intermittently lose the connection, it will still carry on. As long as you stay on the route.”

Unfortunately, there’s no official word on when it is going to roll out on the iPhone, but we are talking about Google here so it won’t take long.

Checkout the Google’s satnav in action on an Android:

via [iClarified][MacUser]

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With the new feature, now MobileNavigator is able to determine the best routes by analyzing current traffic data, crowdsourced from other Navigon users as well as other sources. It alerts users if  traffic arise on the current route and can optionally alter their route to avoid the congestion.

The updated version of MobileNavigator also supports landscape mode and extended map area search after destination input.

MobileNavigator traffic live feature is available via in-app purchases and costs $19.99.

The Traffic Live feature will cost $19.99 for lifetime use and is available as an in app purchase. But after 4 weeks it will cost $24.99 for lifetime purchase.

[iTunes Link]

Pricing for the App is set as follows:

• New Zealand for NZ 119.99 (US $81.03) (85.6 MB)
• Australia for NZ 104.99 (US $70.90) (157 MB)
• U.S. & Canada for NZ 124.99 (US $84.41) (1.21 GB)
• Western Europe for NZ 179.99 (US $121.55) (1.44 GB)

***Note: You need to set your region to New Zealand prior to clicking the App Store.

The above pricing includes just the iPhone application and not the companion car kit. Car kit integrates a car mount, enhanced GPS receiver, built-in speaker, and power cables. The kit also features an audio output jack and a microphone that will let iPhone to work as a Bluetooth speakerphone.

It is unknown whether the applications’ appearance on the New Zealand App Store is the first phase of a roll out to multiple countries or if the release was a premature addition.

TomTom for iPhone’s features includes:

• IQ Routes
  Calculates the most effective, quickest route
• Tap and go
  Full touchscreen compatibility
• Building and Landscape mode
• Restaurant Finder
• Speed Warning

TomTom western Europe covers almost 99.9% of:

• United Kingdom
• Ireland
• Germany
• Austria
• Switzerland
• Lichtenstein
• France
• Monaco
• Italien Italy
• San Marina
• Vatican
• Spain
• Portugal
• Andorra
• Belgium
• Netherlands
• Luxembourg
• Sweden
• Denmark
• Norway
• Finland
• Canary Islands

The software is one of the first of its kind (with G-Maps and Sygic Mobile maps – thanks commenters) to have a one-time charge ($69.99) rather than a monthly fee levied by AT&T’s software, and others.

MobileNavigator offers turn-by-turn directions from a rather cool-sounding lady. The company promises an update with more features like multiple destination planning, addition POIs to the iPhone’s AddressBook, additional views, etc.

For now, the app has the following features:

• Reality View Pro
• Lane Assistant Pro
• Speed Assistant
• Day & Night Mode
• Direct Access
• Branded POIs and POIs along the route
• 2D and 3D map view.
• Automatic switch between portrait and landscape format.
• Intelligent address entry.
• Real signpost display.

MobileNavigator can be downloaded from App Store for iPhone [$69.99 on sale - iTunes link]

Readers should note that TomTom’s hardware/software solution should be available on the iPhone (and iPod touch?) by the end of summer.  Interestingly, you can also get a full, stand-alone TomTom One for $48 which makes these software only versions seem more than a little pricey (hint: wait a few months for price wars to begin).  We have to admit, however, that this one looks great.

Watch the MobileNavigator Video:

via [MacRumors][9to5Mac]