MotionX GPS Drive iPhone GPS navigation app: Review

Slick, server-based navigation solution hasn’t yet achieved its potential

The MotionX GPS Drive app from FullPower is an attractive, well-produced navigation solution for iPhones running OS 3.0 or higher. It is a server-based application, downloading data as needed, rather than as a large, one-time file. This is similar in principle to the way AT&T Navigator works, though being an outsider to the cell-phone and portable navigation device (PND) industries, FullPower brings some welcomed innovation to this arena.

The major complaint about the server-based delivery method is that it relies on wireless data coverage to obtain the map and points of interest (POI) information. That can pose a problem in areas without data coverage, but MotionX GPS Drive automatically stores the latest map data that was downloaded to the phone. Further, the user can choose how much map area to download based on selected storage space (256MB, 512MB, 1GB, or 2GB). Also, a user can predownload a full route before navigating to ensure that guidance will continue even if data coverage is lost along the way.

A bright side of being a server-based application is having a dynamic database. With this content delivery method, maps and POI listings will always be as current as they are online. While Google is the common source for connected service data, the maps and POI searches are powered by Microsoft Bing, with coverage provided for the United States and Canada.

We paid $2.99 for version 2.6 and service for 30 days. A one-year subscription is $25. It uses 9.8 MB of memory.

Key features include:

• Pedestrian mode
• In-app music control
• Address-book integration
• Internet-based POI search
• No landscape view

Impressions

The MotionX Drive GPS stands out for its visually appealing graphic interface. The color choices and unique, crisp graphics make the app feel adventurous, complete with a compass and coordinate entry more akin to a handheld hiking device. The search interface places icons around a circular hub, making it feel like a natural extension of an iPod control dial. The controls are intuitive and the information is clear. The vivid map display provides distance to the next turn with a directional arrow, ETA, distance remaining, next road, time remaining, direction of travel, and a progress bar to indicate the proximity of the next maneuver.

The application is well integrated into the iPhone. For example, it allows a user to route to an address previously stored in the contact lists, and after a phone call, MotionX will restart and continue routing without your having to tap the screen.

Music playback has been a critical weakness on some competing applications, but here it is a true strength. The MotionX Drive GPS app allows users access to the music library with common controls of repeat, shuffle, previous track, and next track, all while providing the artist, song title, and time location of current song. MotionX also provides the ability to adjust mixing volume of music and navigation instructions. A user has the option to choose whether navigational instructions will pause music playback or fade music playback when instructions are given, adding polish to the integration. Further, the music can be controlled through a second window while directions are still displayed.

Overall, the MotionX Drive GPS performs well, but it does come up short on features that distinguish the better apps and PNDs. Essentially, MotionX Drive GPS approximates a "basic navigator," by lacking common features such as spoken street names, reality view, lane assistance, multidestination routing, detour function, and the ability to exclude a road from the current route. Also, the better apps work in landscape and portrait view; MotionX Drive GPS only operates in portrait mode. Of course, those features could be added in future updates, but they are notably absent on the tested version.

CR's take

MotionX Drive GPS provides a solid platform for iPhone navigation, with sharp graphics, intuitive controls, and good performance. But the application lacks some helpful features that are found in competing download-based apps.

MotionX Drive GPS makes the most sense for an infrequent user looking for affordable guidance. Consumers seeking a full-featured navigator for regular use, especially in busy metropolitan areas, would find better options from Magellan, Navigon, and TomTom. While their applications cost more, the products are worth it. Further, after using MotionX Drive GPS for two or three years, the price difference wouldn't seem as significant. MotionX Drive GPS has potential, but it hasn't achieved it, yet.

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