AT&T Navigator: First Look

Good navigation app with traffic information and large POI database, but it comes with a hefty monthly fee

AT&T was one of the first iPhone navigation applications providing turn-by turn directions. Its appropriately named Navigator, already available for other mobile phones, is very similar to software we have previously tested on phones such as the Samsung Blackjack II (AT&T provider) and the LG Scoop (Alltel provider).

AT&T Navigator uses a server-based approach for navigation, meaning that maps and POI data are dynamically loaded to the device each time the application is used, rather than being preinstalled as they are on most PNDs and some iPhone applications from Navigon and XRoad (G-Map). This method has its pros and cons.

Unlike users of portable navigation devices (PNDs) with built in maps and a POI menu, users get a dynamic database with data that is routinely updated with all the latest roads, restaurants, and more. On the downside, if wireless data coverage is lost, a user will not be able to navigate, and in areas where there is no 3G, downloading maps and recalculating routes can be slow. AT&T doesn't say specifically what map coverage is included, but its Web site suggests that it includes North America. Our experience indicates that map coverage includes the United States and Puerto Rico, but not Canada.

We tested version 1.4i which is free to download but requires either a $10 monthly fee or an annual fee of $69.99 for turn by turn navigation.

Key features include:

• Text to speech
• Real-time traffic reporting
• Gas price information
• Voice control for address entry
• Continuously updated maps and POI information included
• Large POI menu
• iPod Integration

Initial impressions

The AT&T Navigator has a simple user interface, making navigating menus and entering destinations easy. Another plus is that text to speech is included. This handy feature, which identifies streets by name, is now standard on most PNDs, but still absent from some GPS applications for the iPhone.

Using a server-based method keeps the file size down, which can be a benefit when using a mobile device (especially for downloading and syncing). Another advantage is that AT&T Navigator is one of the few iPhone GPS applications we've tested that provides integrated real-time traffic reporting, and is the first to provide gas prices.

Another unique feature is the way that its voice control for address entry works. Rather than using a built-in feature as is normally the case on PNDs, AT&T Navigator makes a phone call to a voice-recognition service that prompts a user to speak the address of the desired destination.

The map screen has a nice, clean presentation, with tab bars at the bottom for quick and easy access to functions such as direction lists or POI search. AT&T Navigator switches smoothly from navigation to telephone mode for incoming calls, and automatically restarts and resumes the route with no need to touch the screen after a call is ended.

On the downside, the $10 monthly fee adds up quickly. Like all navigation apps we have seen for the iPhone, the AT&T Navigator is hampered by the phone's poor voice quality and insufficient volume, the smallish screen size in comparison to PNDs, on-screen buttons that also can feel small, and a lack of included mounting hardware and car charger. The GPS accuracy is adequate but not on par with PNDs, and as with other iPhone GPS apps, we saw unnecessary recalculations and delayed routing instructions. Manufacturers have now begun to provide solutions to these common complaints with a "Car Kit."  Specifically TomTom and Magellan are providing mounts that also include a GPS chip and an external speaker.  This can aid is GPS reception, sound quality, hands free calling, as well as providing a mounting and charging solution.

AT&T Navigator lacks some features commonly found on PNDs and other GPS applications, including reality view, lane assistance, multidestination routing, detour method, road exclusion, coordinate entry, and even the commonly found ability to avoid toll roads. While not having those doesn't render the application useless, it does take away from its overall appeal. More of a concern is that its server-based operation requires that a user be in an area that has cell and data coverage to navigate, as maps are downloaded rather than preinstalled.

The AT&T Navigator has improved on its iPhone integration. Version 1.4i, it handles incoming calls well, provides contact integration for entering addresses, and allows the software to operate in both portrait and landscape mode. A user can also play music with the ability to select or change songs. It provides common controls such as pause, play, previous and next with a display of artist, song title and music timeline. The music is faded when a navigation instruction is given.

CR's take
The AT&T Navigator does what it advertises, but comes with a hefty monthly fee. It navigates on par with other GPS solutions, but lacks some of the latest features. The only real advantages it brings over other iPhone navigation apps are integrated traffic reports, gas price information, a larger POI database, and included map updates.

While users of standalone PNDs might be willing to pay for those connected features, iPhone users already have access to that information and more from the Internet. To pay an extra $10 a month to bundle those services with navigation might not be worth it for most users, especially when other navigation apps are available free.

All in all, we still find stand-alone PNDs to be a more accurate and less expensive option for most users over the long term. PNDs also don't rely on a cell signal to work. If you'd still prefer to carry one less device, you might be better off considering other solutions for the iPhone, especially those from TomTom, Magellan, and Navigon. PNDs from these manufacturers have done well in our Ratings, and their iPhone apps are designed to look and work the way its standalone devices do.

For more information on portable GPS navigation systems, see our special section with Ratings (available to subscribers) and buying advice. Discuss GPS with other shoppers and owners in the forums.