CoPilot Premium (RATING: 6; iOS, Android, Windows Phone; regional map packs are $9.99 to $29.99) was historically seen as a clunkier navigation system, but it has evolved with the times into a capable GPS.
CoPilot also offers a free app (CoPilot GPS), but you're nickel-and-dimed on every little extra. Maps are sold on a regional basis (Europe is $30, for example), and voice navigation for the free app costs an extra $10. Live traffic runs $10 per year after a free first year. Map downloads are easy and pushed to you when first using the app. Unlike many competing apps, CoPilot splits U.S. maps up regionally instead of by state, so you get the whole west coast in one chunk, for example.
CoPilot includes a slightly odd POI search system, requiring you to pick a category (hotel, gas station, auto dealership) before searching CoPilot's database by keyword from there. If you want something more free-form, you'll need to search Google, Yelp, or Wikipedia(?) through CoPilot's integrated links—but obviously these three don't work if you're offline. It's a needlessly convoluted search system that unfortunately slows you down a lot. Searching by address requires a city or ZIP code first, then drilling down to street, then number—again, a slow process.
Once you're on the road, CoPilot performs well. The service now offers 2D and 3D maps, shows POIs on your route when you're not in motion, and recovers gracefully after detours. Voice nav is overly chatty (and is fond of telling you when something is "just ahead") but unfortunately doesn't announce street names. There's also an option to quickly switch CoPilot into walking mode if you're on foot.
Better search and more all-inclusive would improve CoPilot immeasurably, but even as it stands it's a worthwhile GPS tool.
Screenshot: Navigon
Like Navmii, Navigon (RATING: 5; iOS, Android, Windows Phone; North America app $50, plus substantial in-app purchases) has different app options corresponding to various regions, but unlike Navmii these don't come cheap. 50 bucks gets you North American coverage. $80 covers just the British Isles. From there, Navigon keeps piling on the fees. The numerous optional extras include 3D display ($11), live traffic ($20), and urban guidance ($5), which adds information on bus and train routes. Even getting map updates costs extra ($20 for eight updates over two years). Whew!
The price alone makes Navigon an also-ran, but otherwise the app is capable. Search is thorough, but it can be plodding. While POIs are included, they aren't comprehensive, and Navigon forces you to search through a cumbersome menu of nested choices to find what you need. Once you do find where you're going, though, Navigon tends to shine more brightly.
On the road, the dark color scheme can be a matter of personal taste, and naturally it looks better at night. The voice navigation is helpful and concise, and Navigon lets you simply tap on part of the screen if you need a repeat of your next turn. Street names are announced as well. Navigon offers multiple route options when you first create a route, and it recovers with reasonable grace during detours. Freebie extras include integrated Foursquare search, and a "reality scanner" augmented reality engine that lets you find nearby POIs via your camera.
All told, Navigon will get you where you need to go. Getting your wallet there with you is another matter.
