Multi-device Maps

There are a lot of GPS-enabled phones available now, but not all come with

maps or turn-by-turn navigation as a standard application. Many Nokia and Sony

Ericsson devices have their own navigation solutions pre-loaded, but require

expensive yearly license fees. What's more, they can also push up your monthly

data usage as they connect to download maps, additional data including voice

guidance and updates.

That's where MapmyIndia's new Sygic maps come in. A relatively new entrant

into the field of navigation, Sygic adds support for almost all popular

platforms available today, viz. Symbian, Android, iPhone and Windows Mobile.

They promise Maemo support soon (specifically for the Nokia N900).

You can buy the package online from the MapmyIndia website/select retail

stores. The CD guides you through the setup process depending on the OS of your

phone. Activation is required which can be done over the air or by manually

entering the code for the map.

We tried it out on the Nokia N95 8GB. On phones with a physical keyboard like

the N95, you can zoom in and out using the hash (#) and star (*) keys. The

interface is uncluttered with the map taking up majority of the screen while a

black bar displays vital information. The menu functions can be accessed using

the left & right softkeys. In the menu, even though the icons are large and easy

to read, each menu item is also assigned a keyboard shortcut. There are some

nice extra features -world clock, calculator, unit converter and country info

app., all of which can be accessed using menu.

Performance-wise, there were no complaints at all. The device didn't hang or

develop snags along the way. Route recalculation is quick most of the time,

while time for a cold start really depends on the hardware of your specific

device rather than this software.

There were two complaints I had though. I didn't like the constant reminder

that you shouldn't use the device while driving. It pops up every time you open

the app. and you have to dismiss it every time; there's no option to disable the

notification, at least on the Symbian version that we tested. Furthermore, the

application has support for 30 languages, but no Indian languages and voices are

included yet.

It's priced quite reasonably at Rs 2,490 for Symbian, Android and Windows

Mobile. Remember, this is a one-time cost, and there are no further recurring

charges. iPhone users can search for 'Mobile Maps India' and download the app

directly for US$79.99 (approx Rs 3900, taking into account the current exchange

rate and average bank rates). The disparity in price between these platforms is

strange, but given the lack of any reliable GPS navigation options for the

iPhone in India, it's no wonder that the app is the #1 in the 'Top Grossing'

section on the Indian app store.

If you're looking for a hassle-free and inexpensive navigation solution for

your GPS-enabled smartphone, your search just got a lot easier.