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TeleNav is a large provider of GPS navigation applications for smartphones and in-car infotainment systems. Whether it's the AT&T Navigator app or Ford vehicles, TeleNav is behind the scenes. Today the company announced the upcoming availability of an HTML5-based navigation service that works on just about any smartphone platform -- including iOS5 -- and can be built into apps through an API. The service is browser-based and provides voice-guided turn-by-turn GPS navigation services, full-color moving maps, and automatic rerouting. TeleNav says that the service will be free for both consumers and developers when it goes live in early 2012. TeleNav wants to partner with mobile developers, stating that with one line of code, devs can add full turn-by-turn navigation to mobile websites and apps with local content. Sal Dhanani, co-founder and vice president of products for TeleNav said that, "With one line of code, you can give your customers one-click access to premium, voice-guided turn-by-turn directions to any location, including hotels, restaurants, merchants or deal locations. Customers never need to leave your app." The company wants to partner with developers to test the service, and mobile website and app developers can apply for early access at www.telenav.com/developer/HTML5. Read More

As we continue our survey of GPS apps for iOS, I have to mention the TeleNav family. The company, which is also behind the AT&T Navigator subscription app, offers a free entry level app that is quite popular with users, even though it is missing some key features. For free you get turn-by-turn directions, 3D maps, local search that includes gas prices, and one-touch rerouting. There's a big feature missing, however. No spoken turn-by-turn directions. So, in a way, it's not offering much more than the built-in Maps application, and less than the free voice-enabled Mapquest application (published by our parent company AOL). There is a 3D view, but when driving, you don't want to be looking at a screen. The solution is an upgrade to the US $0.99 app, but after that you use it for 30 days you need to upgrade to a $9.99 a year subscription. That's a sale price which is about half off the regular tariff. The paid version adds voice guidance, spoken street names and auto rerouting. So how does it all work? It's not bad. The graphics are clean, setting up a destination is easy, and the local search is comprehensive. The voice guidance is very clear. I didn't run into heavy traffic during my test, so no comments there. Since the maps are downloaded as you go, that means a data connection is needed. It's something to think about if you are going to be out of cellular range frequently. On the other hand, with no onboard maps, the app has a small footprint (17.5MB) and your maps will theoretically stay current. With my driving in Arizona the maps seemed current, although some comments in the App Store indicate they may not always be up to date with the latest street layouts. As someone with local knowledge, TeleNav didn't always take me the way I would have chosen, but the choices always worked. I've noticed that nav apps have a bias for bigger streets, but sometimes the best shortcuts are the road less traveled. Is the TeleNav app for you? If you are on a budget an in an urban setting I think it is worth a serious look. I'm not wild about the idea of subscriptions to apps. I'd rather spend a little more and forget about recurring charges. If you are on a limited data plan, and you use it a Read More

By Lisa Caplan on October 7th, 2011 A look at some of the newest apps you may have missed in the past week. There were fewer new games released this week than we’ve seen, with the usual suspects putting out few if any new titles. There were some apps released worth noting that you don’t want to miss. Many are free, and there’s something for every age. If we missed your favorite from the past week, let us know in the comments below. NHL Game Center 2011-2012 Put out by the NHL in time for the first frosts in the North East, and featured by Apple as App of the Week. NHL Game Center allows hockey fans to access scores, stats, game photos, schedules, news, standings and a “3D Ice Tracker” on any iOS device. Users can upgrade in-app to a Premium service for $19.99 which adds in-game video highlights, live radio and other perks and for a full $159.99 die-hard puck-a-holics can subscribe to NHL Game Center Live (or use an existing account) and never miss a moment of the action. The premium version can also be purchased separately. FREE! + Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad Released: 2011-10-05 :: Category: Sports $19.99 + Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad Released: 2011-10-05 :: Category: Sports AMEX for iPad This optimized-for-iPad app from the credit card giant lets cardholders manage all their account activity from scheduling payments to checking out membership rewards program points. The app supports most of the most popular AMEX card products. Check the app description to see the complete list. FREE! iPad Only App - Designed for the iPad Released: 2011-10-05 :: Category: Finance Tweet Speaker – Listen to Twitter Since Twitter and Apple are getting cosy in soon-to-be-released iOS 5, this app might well be renamed tweetPod even if neither giant is behind it. Tweet Speaker is Twitter out loud, ideal for times when not only hands, but eyes, are occupied. The app reads feeds, has Tweet Marker support, Airplay and a really nice interface reminiscent of an older dial radio. $0.99 $1.99 Released: 2011-10-06 :: Category: Social Networking Toca Store Turn an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad into a virtual playset with the newest Toca Boca digital toy for children. Kids learn basic cooperation skills along with a little math and even resource management playing with 28 saleable objects. Kids set Read More

The App Store is stacked with navigation apps for the iPhone, with prices ranging from absolutely nothing to really quite a lot.  If you’re confused by the sheer volume of choice, they we’ve gathered together a collection of ten top GPS apps for your iOS device, making sure we cover all the bases at the same time – so you’ll find free apps, pay apps, web apps and versions specific to both the US and UK, plus international editions too. Here we go! If you’re looking for a free alternative to Google Maps then this is a great choice, as it has voice guided directions, search, live traffic reports and the choice of walking or driving directions.  Free. The first of several international navigation options, with a wide variety of apps available covering the USA and Canada, Europe and several more specific editions for individual countries.  Everything from voice-guided directions to speed camera warnings are included, as are detailed maps for on or offline use.  Prices vary considerably, and some features such as text to speech and live traffic require further in-app purchases.  International. One of the most recognized names in GPS navigation also produces a wealth of navigation apps for the iPhone.  All the usual features are there – voice-guidance, a search function, traffic reports and so on – plus you can personalize the experience with departure reminders, navigate-to-contact’s addresses and even download celebrity voices for the navigation!  Like CoPilot, the prices vary and you’ll also need to subscribe via in-app purchase for further updates after a year.  International. Our third collection of international GPS apps comes from Navigon, and like the previous two they’re big files with all the maps for on or offline use, plus turn-by-turn navigation, 2D or 3D maps, signposts, voice-guidance and in my opinion, one of the very best user interfaces and overall ‘look’ out of the majority of GPS apps.  Prices vary depending on the area you choose, plus there are several in-app purchases for services such as live US traffic reports and a 3D panoramic viewpoint.  International. The app is free to download but you’ll need to pay a subscription fee to use it, however this will appear on your AT&T bill rather than as an in-app purchase.  Expect voice-guidance, real-time traffic reports, iPod music support and the option to download regional maps for offline use.  US-Only. A well-reviewed and reasonably priced alternative Read More

AT&T announced its Mobile Barcode Services, which allow businesses to create, publish and manage 1D (UPC) and 2D (QR and Data Matrix) barcodes. On the other hand, end users get to access additional information by simply pointing their smartphone to a barcode. The solution consists of two parts: Both the AT&T Code Scanner and AT&T Code Management Platform are compatible with all three standard types of mobile barcodes, UPC (1D), QR (2D) and Data Matrix (2D), and use technology provided by Mobile Tag… Dusan has been using smartphones since their introduction and is now following the latest trends in the industry. The "convergence" is what he's most excited about, and writing about it is the next logical thing to do. He thinks that using a smartphone is what everyone who cares about their time should do. In addition to his interests in mobile phones, Dusan also loves to experiment with the latest web and mobile 2.0 services. The idea of accessing and managing your information from any device no matter where you are simply amazes him. Whether it's an online to-do list, note taking service or a video sharing social network, he's there to try it out. He admits though, he's still searching for the ultimate web-based organizational tool, which "sings" perfectly with the mobile PIM application. Dusan used to run SymbianWatch.com which later became part of IntoMobile. He lives in Serbia, South-East Europe, from where he edits the site on a daily basis. Read More

By Leanna Lofte, Tuesday, Jun 7, 2011 | Every day, TiPb gets flooded with announcements for new and updated iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad apps and games. So every day we pick just a few of the most interesting, the most notable, and simply the most awesome to share with you! Find my iPhone: Now you will be notified when an offline device you are trying to find comes online. [Free - iTunes link] iCan ABC: An app to help kids learn the letters of the alphabet. [$0.99 for iPhone - iTunes link] [$2.99 for iPad - iTunes link] AT&T Navigator: Now a universal application for iPhone and iPad! [Free, with AT&T Navigator subscription -iTunes link] SCRABBLE: Now featuring Origin – an easy new way to find and connect with friends playing SCRABBLE. [$2.99 - iTunes link] Tweetings for Twitter: Now you can add color groups to users to accent the timeline. [$2.99 - iTunes link] Any other big apps or game releases or updates today? If you pick any of these up, let us know what you think! Read More

By Leanna Lofte, Thursday, May 26, 2011 | Every day, TiPb gets flooded with announcements for new and updated iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad apps and games. So every day we pick just a few of the most interesting, the most notable, and simply the most awesome to share with you! Stealth Vision: Uses the latest advances in real-time image processing to help you see what you’ve been missing using 1 of 16 live night vision effects! [$0.99 - iTunes link] TRAFFIQ Media Calculator: Enables media planners and buyers to solve for CPM deals, impressions and contract value, as well as perform KPI and net-versus-gross analysis, all while on the go. [Free - iTunes link] Text Candy: Send creative pictures of movie characters, animals and even fun holiday text pictures to your friends. [$1.99 - iTunes link] Demolition Dash: Take control of the tiny monster Zilla and annihilate everything in sight: wipe out SWAT teams, blow up cars and leave only rubble behind on your way through eight famous cities. [$0.99 for iPhone - iTunes link] [$1.99 for iPad - iTunes link] AT&T Mark the Spot: Now you can submit a report of SPAM received on your iPhone. [Free - iTunes link] Any other big apps or game releases or updates today? If you pick any of these up, let us know what you think! Read More

By Leanna Lofte, Wednesday, Feb 23, 2011 | Every day, TiPb gets flooded with announcements for new and updated iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad apps and games. So every day we pick just a few of the most interesting, the most notable, and simply the most awesome to share with you! Sand Slides: Another app to add to your collection of addictive puzzle games! [Free - iTunes link] Photogene for iPad: Get 11 additional frames or GO-PRO mode (extra tools) via in-app purchase. [$2.99, with in-app purchases - iTunes link] 2Do: Tasks Done in Style: Update gives recurring tasks the option to have an end date and priority mapping with Toodledo has been revised. [$6.99 - iTunes link] myAT&T: Previously myWireless, myAT&T now supports both wireless and AT&T U-verse account management. [Free - iTunes link] Doodle Jump: This update brings a super-secret early Easter present! [Free - iTunes link] Any other big apps or game releases or updates today? If you pick any of these up, let us know what you think! Read More

By Rene Ritchie, Monday, Feb 7, 2011 | Switching from Droid or another Android device like the Samsung Facinate to the iPhone — maybe the new Verizon iPhone? — and curious which are the best, most must-have apps you need to make yourself feel at home? Well read on for TiPb’s top 5 most recommended, most must-have apps to get your Android experience maximized on iPhone. Unlike Android, iPhone doesn’t (yet) have broad and deeply integrated voice features in iOS. While there’s some Voice Control commands for making calls and playing music, that’s about it. Enter Google Mobile which not only adds voice search but also bundles in Google Goggles functionality. From location and maps to contacts and the web to most anything you can say or point your iPhone 4 camera at, Google Mobile gets you answers and fast. [Free - iTunes link] Also check out: Yes Google Voice is finally available for the iPhone. MInd you, it’s still US only but if you want the app you probably have an account already. It’s not as deeply integrated as Android but it has all the features you know and love, including push notifications for new SMS text and voicemail messages, listen and/or read voicemail, Google Voice number displayed as Caller ID, access to your iPhone contacts, and it will run in the background under iOS 4 or later. [Free - iTunes link] Also check out: You can access your Gmail account via IMAP or with full push via ActiveSync right from Apple’s built-in Mail app and while you’ll get unified inbox and threaded messages you won’t get Stars and you won’t get labels. Likewise Gmail.com won’t give you the ability to access contacts or view attachments. Enter Mailroom, essential the Gmail.com webapp inside a native iPhone app wrapper that gives you most of the best of both worlds. (See our tip on using Mailroom for a better iPhone Gmail experience.) [$2.99 - iTunes link] Also check out: Google hasn’t yet made a version of their free Google Navigation app for iPhone but Waze provides a free crowd-sourced alternative. It’s full on voice, turn-by-turn directions that learns as you drive and will even let you munch tokens and reward you for your contributions. Yes, it’s navigation gone social. [Free - iTunes link] Also check out: Apple’s iTunes App Store is curated and Steve Jobs says that’s to protect you from porn. Read More

Posted 02/07/2011 at 6:02am | by J.R. Bookwalter Verizon iPhone 4 owners, welcome to the App Store! On the heels of the carrier’s own free My Verizon Mobile and VZ Transfer apps released last week, GPS developer TeleNav has announced that Verizon customers will be getting their own “Big Red” flavor navigation in the style of the AT&T Navigator app. TUAW is reporting that TeleNav GPS will soon be releasing a Verizon Wireless-specific navigation app, similar to their current AT&T Navigator offering. Like the AT&T version, the app will be free to download from the App Store and use for the first 30 days, then you’ll pay $2.99 per month or $21.99 per year. “As with many navigation apps for the iPhone, TeleNav GPS for the Verizon iPhone provides spoken turn-by-turn directions with street names as well as 2D or 3D moving maps,” TUAW explains. “The app updates routes if you miss a turn or a street is closed, and map updates are automatic.” Perhaps the most notable thing about the Verizon TeleNav GPS app is the price -- the AT&T-branded version is considerably more expensive at $9.99 per month ($69.99 per year). It will be interesting to see if AT&T bows to the pricing pressure and drops their price as well, since the carriers thus far seem to be matching each other in most other ways. Verizon’s TeleNav GPS isn’t available just yet, but is expected shortly after the iPhone 4 arrives in their stores on Thursday, February 10. In the meantime, you can check out the promo video embedded below and then go sign up on their website to be notified when it’s actually available. Follow this article’s author, J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter(Image and video courtesy of TUAW) Tags: Read More