with built-in stand-alone card: Navigon laid function, TomTom, and CoPilot Live. They all have their pluses and minuses, but they have some common shortcomings: the lack of real-time traffic, there is no support for converting text to speech (except for the Navigon with its last update), and outdated maps.

I just finished testing App GPS-Navigation, which offers all those previously unavailable features: AT & T Navigator (version 1.2i.5). The catch? It has no built-in maps (ie, you need a working data plan to download maps in real time), and it requires a monthly subscription fee of $ 10. App itself is free.

This is one of the first GPS navigation applications made for the iPhone. In fact, this product TeleNav and available to other cell carriers, including Sprint and Alltel.

Unlike the other aforementioned applications, which take an hour or so to download using Wi-Fi, AT & T Navigator has built-in maps and, therefore, a snap to install on the iPhone, even over 3G or Edge connection. This makes it the perfect complement to fast, when you suddenly need a navigator GPS.

App also launches very quickly, taking only one or two seconds on my iPhone 3GS. When she can (more on that later), it also raises the GPS signals very quickly. About a week of use, I can say I really like the real-time update Traffic - that warn you both on screen and hear - and convert text to speech features. This is especially useful when you are in an unfamiliar city.

However, I found that the movement updates are available mainly for highways only, unlike Google Maps, which give them all the way up to the streets of major cities.

Converting text to speech is particularly important because it is a few for lack of AT & T navigator lane assist, a feature of most other GPS applications I tested the proposal. AT & T Navigator just does not show you a map strip of the opinion that to take in case of multiple exist or freeway merging such a hearing the street name or exit to read aloud is vital.

App is well integrated with your contact list iPhone, but it might take some time (up to 10 seconds or so) to read the address, because it must communicate with its internal server to find the address and routing in real time.

This message is the source of many problems. First of all, this means performance at the mercy of AT & T data signal, which - let’s be honest - it is a schematic at best. When there is no signal data, see the map just freezes and the car icon (representing the current location), just stuck in one place. There is no indication of what is happening either on screen or via audio. This happened three times in a short trip around the Bronx at the airport JFK.

The second question, the application is that it seems largely unable to get a GPS signal in the dense parts of big cities - in my case, both in Manhattan and in downtown San Francisco - apparently in connection with skyscrapers. I found it interesting because, although the application can not get GPS to route the signal, she was able to display my correct location (point, similar to a Google Maps) on his map.

Now here’s the dilemma: the application has no problems collecting the GPS signal in space, towns, or in the suburbs, but in larger cities, where you have an extension of the data signals, especially 3G. So it’s no better place for the application. Fortunately, the application works relatively well, even if 3G is unavailable. Where it is not, everyone, including the route, took a little longer to happen, and if you drive too fast, see the map can not be updated quickly enough to show you everything.

To compensate for this, AT & T maps and POI, a very recent date. (During the construction phase closure Bay Bridge at the weekend to Labor Day, TeleNav even made routing application automatically excludes the bridge.) You can also dial-up point (POI’s) phone number of interest simply by touching it.

In general, although I really like the text to speech function, update maps and POI, and real-time traffic, while AT & T get better data coverage, AT & T Navigator is not an option you can rely on. Now it is a much better understanding - and ultimately cheaper - to go with the app with built-in cards, such as Navigon and TomTom.

Since I got iPhone 3GS couple of months ago, I was wondering when I would have actually benefited from its long-awaited fast 3G capabilities. I finally got an answer, and as it turned out, waiting is far from complete.

AT & T on Wednesday announced details of its plans to deploy high speed packet access (HSPA) 7,2 technology to 3G. This next generation of 3G, and offers up to 7.2Mbps data rate (in contrast to 2Mbps and 3.6Mbps current 3G).

(This, of course, only theoretical number. A typical real world and descending ground speed is likely to be less than that depending on the location, device, and the total traffic in the local wireless network at any given time. However, that promise a significant boost . HSPA 7.2 is part of The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) family of technologies that include GSM, UMTS, and the latest technology LTE. HSPA 7.2 offers backward compatibility, which means it also works with the existing 2G and 3G devices, the lower the specific device speed.)

According to the new speed will be ready by the end of this year. Unfortunately, it is only available in six U.S. cities, including Charlotte, North Carolina, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles and Miami. This means that the rest of the country, including San Francisco, where I must continue to wait.

IPhone 3GS an HSPA 7.2-enabled smartphone from AT & T.

(Credit: Dong NGO / CNET) It’s not clear how long the wait will be for other cities, but the company claims that plans to deploy HSPA 7,2 in 25 out of 30 countries in major markets by the end of 2010 and reach about 90 percent of the existing 3G HSPA network footprint with 7,2 at the end of 2011.

Although this is very sad news for me, for most users this will not mean much, but the likelihood that your phone is not compatible with the higher speed 3G. Currently iPhone 3GS is the only HSPA 7.2-ready smartphone I know that AT & T offers.

Nevertheless, AT & T asserts that it will offer more compatible devices with the introduction of HSPA 7.2. The company expects to receive six HSPA 7.2-compatible smartphones in its device portfolio at the end of the year, as well as two new LaptopConnect cards.

Deploying 7,2 HSPA is part of AT & T’s to invest about $ 18 billion this year, of which more than two-thirds goes to the broadband and wireless communications. Major projects include investments in AT & T’s words:

The initiative significantly expand the range of wireless clients, 3G, serving hundreds of markets across the country, using high-quality 850 MHz spectrum. This extends the range of additional overall network bandwidth and increases the potential for admission. The deployment of the spectrum, 850 MHz, about 90 percent full today, when local scrolls recently in New York, Atlanta and Houston.
Adding about 2000 new cell sites the network AT & T in 2009, to extend services to new cities and improve the coverage in other areas.
Enabling access to AT & T Wi-Fi network of bona fide customers, allowing them to take advantage of the best available AT & T mobile broadband.
Preparations for field trials of 4G LTE wireless networks next year, and the deployment is planned to follow in 2011. This schedule will coincide with the industry expecting that when the various compatible wireless devices 4G will be available.
It is not clear, but I really hope that this also means the development of the existing floor 3G speed will be improved. He was slow and unreliable for a long time in many parts of the country.

Hot Trends in 2009 must be augmented reality, in particular, with all the impressive demonstration of technology and futuristic games currently in development worldwide.

On the iPhone in particular, a number of companies have promised Twittering, search and navigation with the other layers of data in real time, as shown in the video camera iPhone’s. Imagine, Heads-Up Display for reality itself, and this is what augmented reality looks promising.

Apple was on board with these events, promising that the upcoming OS 3.1 will provide full application compatibility, AR. But it turns out we do not need to wait in the end. In addition to French and British AR mapping programs hit App Store soon, much better and cooler solutions was hiding under our eyes all the time.

Called “Monocle” It’s an Easter egg in the squeal. As in, Yelp 3.0, which is currently available in the App Store. When I first read a tweet about it, I was an unbeliever. But all you need to do is get rid of the phone three times, as in some fairy tale to cause Monocle button, which suddenly appears at the top of the screen.

Run it brings up an honest to goodness he built the restaurant and bar information, which moves as you move, relying on the built-in iPhone 3GS compass. It looks like a demo saw the browser Layar.

This compass is essential for AR applications to work properly, because he feels the direction. GPS alone will not destroy it, which means it is better 3GS pull this Off. Try, though, and let us know if your 3G will work on it. And do not forget to update the Yelp App to shaking.

Can we use it? Maybe not so much, but we sure will enjoy his show.

China in the formal introduction of the iPhone, finally, as all but locked at the end of this year, but put the size of the market in perspective, check this stat: according to “local media” in China’s UMTS / HSPA network operator China Unicom, as they say, placed an order for boys and girls in Cupertino over 5 million units at launch in exchange for 10 billion yuan, which is simply to avoid $ 1.46 billion. For comparison, AT & T has sold about half that number in its last reported quarter, so that if the 5 million figure is correct, Unicom is definitely coming to the area to play ball. Rumors have the first batch of domestic iPhones in September, declining; carrier apparently quite aroused, and it is understandable - they still say they can get within reach of China Mobile, the world’s largest carrier on the subscriber’s account. Strangely, while Unicom representative said that an agreement with Apple to actually sell these is not complete, so if they are going to the final document, to obtain cash from point A to point B, pump millions of localized telephone numbers, and get ‘Em on the shelves in time for the autumn, time is certainly of great importance.

I am a big fan of GPS navigation devices. Actually, I depended on them. It is therefore natural that on my iPhone 3GS you can find the latest turn for turn, GPS navigation applications, NAVIGON $ 70 and $ 80 IGO My Way. And only recently was released on App Store. (In my car, I also have the Tom Tom ONE XL.)

After about a week using iPhone Apps in San Francisco, Bay Area, as well as in some other states, these are my impressions.

First of all, as NAVIGON IGO can turn your iPhone (3G or 3GS) in decently reliable GPS navigator. They took about 15 seconds to download on my iPhone 3GS and around the same time, the lock with the GPS signal when on the street. This is much faster than the Tom Tom, which may take a minute or two. In general, IGO My Way, to raise the alarm as quickly NAVIGON, but loses its signal more easily, especially when in a big city with many tall buildings.

My disappointment in the major is that they do not provide real-time traffic updates, which you can get anywhere in the states with Google Maps.

Both applications propose beautifully rendered 3G card, which can be viewed vertically or horizontally, and is a convenient way to enter a new address or search points of interest (POI). They come with a good database POIs as well. I was in quite a few remote areas, and was able to find what I needed. Nevertheless, the database is not updated - twice, both applications had me in restaurants and bars in La Cross, Wis., That no longer exists. Unfortunately, you can not tab lists the POI to call his phone number, which won the main goal in iPhone, which, in the end, the phone.

Maps of both applications could also stand to be updated, but I could not find the same address in the Bay Area or the NAVIGON and IGO My Way, and this particular address, as always, a few car GPS device I owned. I think both Apps share of slightly outdated maps for North America.

NAVIGON and IGO My Way can upload and functions with iPhone music in the background. This means that you can still listen to music (if your car has auxiliary jack), but with Apps’ audio instruction on driving. None of the applications, however, have built-in IPod control, so you have to go if you want to skip a song, etc.

IGO My Way has the best and least intrusive way to help you get what road to take.

(Credit: Dong NGO / CNET) Despite the fact that the sound works when the instructions describing where to turn, which lane to stay, and so forth, none of the applications offer Text-To-Speech. In NAVIGON, however, able to read the name of roads, such as “Take the next exit to 580 West, and the IGO can only say:” Take the next exit. ”

In NAVIGON also surpasses IGO My Way, with its ability to extract addresses from the phone address book. As someone with very poor short-term memory, I found the lack of this feature in the IGO’s the deal breaker. Address is already on the phone, it does not make sense to have to enter it again.

To remedy this, IGO there are many more settings than NAVIGON. Take voice, for example. If you’re stuck with an American English female voice from NAVIGON, you can choose from a dozen to the IGO My Way, and between the three languages: English, French and Spanish languages. IGO also allows you to change the form of on-screen image with the overall arrow of cars, taxis, trucks and much more.

When an incoming call arrived at using either an application, you can answer the phone, as usual. At a time when you hang up, the application automatically re-engage and continue with the existing navigation. In addition, you can quit at any time either the application and forward to the resumption of shipping only the beginning again.

As NAVIGON and IGO My Way drain battery quite quickly, and in each case, approximately 4.5 hours when running nonstop on my iPhone 3GS. In addition, the phone sort of warm, or when an application runs. If you plan to use it as a basic GPS device, you must receive a package of juice or a car charger.

In general, NAVIGON and IGO My Way are great addition to the iPhone, especially for those who travels a lot. Personally, I prefer to NAVIGON, because it works with your phone address book. But if you want to configure, IGO is definitely the best choice.

Note that this initial release of these two software, and I have no doubt, features and enhancements will be added in future updates. Personally, I would like to add as Apps real-time traffic updates, as well as remote points up, the phone control playback of music, and IGO My Way in the case of integration with the phone in your address book.