just to let you know

Wayfinder UIQ version 5 is out

After downloading and installing the latest Wayfinder software on my P910i, it seems that the moving maps are the biggest improvement. Apart from this, a lot of the buttons have changed - not always to their advantage, I must admit. Some buttons were harder to read while driving, I found. The full list of improvements for version 5 is here:

• New graphical user interface


• Improved traffic information visualisation




• Traffic disturbances are visualized in the map with an icon
• Click on the traffic information icon and get more information about the traffic disturbance, e.g. type of disturbance, duration, traffic fluidity etc




• Audio and visual speed camera warnings




• Wayfinder indicate with beep as well as a visual symbol when you are approaching an area with speed cameras


• Visual speed camera warning in include in the map view and guide view




• Save route functionality




• Save frequently used routes in advance and load the route when needed


• Simulate routes
  
  
  
  • Calculate a route and follow the route "live" on your mobile phone display
  
  
  • Show your friends and family that mobile GPS navigation works! You can demonstrate navigation with voice instructions in the living room, without any GPS connection
  
  
  
  
• New user interaction in map view




• An improved cursor. Drag and drop the cursor to point on a location in the map


• Move the map by dragging the cursor to the edge of the screen




• Street names, points of interest names etc are displayed in a new section of the map, when following a route or using the cursor to point on the map

However, one feature I was waiting and hoping for has still not been implemented: using your contacts as start or destination for a route - can this be so difficult? Another one would be a button to calculate alternative routes (a bit like choosing between distance, time with / without traffic info. At least that's how I do it, but do you want to try changing your settings whilst driving?) - a bit more tricky, granted. But the latter is standard functionality in most SatNav systems these days...

More soon.

Posted by Michael at October 25, 2005 11:32 PM