Speed round: TeleNav launches on the BlackBerry Storm, your first look
It’s no secret we’re pretty big fans of TeleNav around here (heck, we’d even venture and say that the carrier-branded versions like AT&T Navigator and Sprint Navigation are top-notch), so it should come as no surprise to you that we’ve been given a first look at their new version for the Verizon BlackBerry Storm. Let’s not beat around the bush: this thing is fantastic. While our Storms used to lay lifeless with no battery charge, we’re seriously considering just using one of them as a GPS unit. It’s that good. TeleNav Navigator has been brought up to OS 4.7-level compatibility and using the touch screen on here is a joy. It’s the most fun application to use on the Storm at this point. Any current user of TeleNav (or those carrier-branded versions we talked about above) will feel right at home. The menu structure is the same, but the application is super polished and extremely well thought out. The only thing we didn’t like was that when zooming in and out of the map, the zoom buttons were touch sensitive instead of utilizing the click screen. Oh well, it’s still one of the best GPS programs on the BlackBerry and for once, the Storm adds, not subtracts. We’ll post some more screenshots and a little walkthrough in a bit!
@ MaryBeth,
Have you used the current version of VZ Navigator? I have Telenav on my work blackberry 8310, and VZ Navigator on my Storm. I don’t notice a difference in the 3D maps.
Mary Beth, I have a corp phone and they don’t pay for VZ Nav. Can I purchase TeleNav myself, install it on the phone and use the AGPS?
VZ Navigator on the Storm has true moving 3D maps. While driving, the maps move. I was never trying to make this a VZ Nav vs. Telenav thing here, but trying to find out the true benefits of Telenav on the Storm over having VZ Nav on the Storm. I actually have Telenav on my 8310, and VZ Nav on my Storm. Truth be told, the only differences are VZ Nav uses AGPS and can be used indoors, whereas Telenav cannot. And Telenav offers Speech Recognition, whereas VZ Nav does not. Telenav offers one-click re-routing. VZ Nav offers re-routing too, but I’m not sure if it’s just one click. I was hoping the Telenav on the Storm would be an updated version using AGPS like VZ Nav, but really, none of Telenav’s products that I know of use AGPS.
Check out the Garmin for the Storm. Very nice!
@iphoneuser – we have changed the layout of TeleNav a bit for the Storm – try it out and then let me know what you think. I’ll share the feedback directly with our product team. Thanks!
@iphoneuser – TeleNav on Sprint and Alltel phones all use AGPS. Actually, on AT&T phones that now run AGPS, TeleNav uses that as well. Unfortunately, AGPS on Verizon for consumer use is locked – we cannot use it although we would very much like to. But like I said, for most consumers, this really isn’t a big issue.
I understand your preferences and do appreciate the questions.
@shaner – today we only launched our consumer application on the Storm – a corporate version using AGPS is not yet available. It is available on other Verizon smartphones though and I believe you have to purchase through Verizon.
@Mary Beth,
Will Do. Gonna try it out on both of my Storms, and I’ll letcha know. Thanks again.
Locking the AGPS is a crime when it is YOU the consumer paying for the hardware! Someone should start an embarrassing petition online to address VZW crippling devices!
@iphoneuser – no problem – although maybe you should be “stormuser” instead?
@Mary Beth,
“TeleNav on Sprint and Alltel phones all use AGPS. Actually, on AT&T phones that now run AGPS, TeleNav uses that as well. Unfortunately, AGPS on Verizon for consumer use is locked – we cannot use it although we would very much like to. But like I said, for most consumers, this really isn’t a big issue. ”
I see, I had only used Telenav on ATT blackberries, and they don’t use AGPS, so I thought it was a telenav thing, but I see from what you are saying, it’s based on the carrier and the device. That’s very informative. Thanks.
@ Mary Beth,
LOL, yeah, I use an Iphone, Blackberry 8310, and Blackberry Storm. I’m just a phone junkie.
@Mary Beth
Anything planned for iPhone 3G?
Yes, I’d like to know about anything planned for the Iphone 3G as well. It just uses Google Maps with GPS which sucks compared to Garmin, VZ Navigator, and Telenav.
yes, we’ve announced that we’re developing an app for the iphone but I don’t have an update on a launch date yet. Be sure to follow us on Twitter (@telenav) or follow our blog fo updates. Of course, I’m sure BGR we’ll also be one the first to post the news too
Chiming in late here, considering moving from my Palm Treo to a BB partly for the aGPS/GPS for my business account – does TeleNav still use Navteq maps? I live in the Portland OR Metro area and IMO Teleatlas maps have so many holes in them around here they’re almost worthless at times (partly why my TomTom sits on a shelf most of the time).
I do have a backup plan, I use an ATTWS broadband card and can use the SIM in a PDA and a TeleNav plan, but I’d rather take advantage of VZW’s better coverage in the PNW.
Why should I pay for a subscription to telenav or VZ nav on my storm when for a 99 dollar flat fee I can buy outright the garmin for blackberry software?
@ shaner: Telenav with aGPS for the 8130/8330/8830 is only available on Corporate Accounts as it is billed directly on the Verizon bill.
@bonesb – we use both Tele Atlas and NAVTEQ
@chad – the biggest difference is that the Garmin maps/POIs will go out of date because you pay for the one time download. If you want any updated maps or business listings, you’ll have to spend another $99. Like a Garmin stand alone device, it goes out of date unless you pay to update it. With TeleNav, the maps, POIs, traffic, etc. are updated automatically.
this looks nice! can’t wait to try it…you guys should really start offering lifetime plans instead of these limited, monthly and yearly plans MaryBeth
Thank you, Mary Beth – I know that the carrier platforms use Teleatlas and during a trial on ATT was guided into two dead ends and one retaining wall for roads that haven’t existed in awhile. I’ll try out your service when I get a device that works for me.
@Chad – you’re paying about the same amount for both devices when you think about it. A Washington gets you the device, and that amount gets you new maps in a year. TomTom’s updates for cost $79 per quarter (don’t have to update every quarter, but they don’t tell you what the changes are and their software updates often don’t work with their map updates). Then you add the cost for traffic – $60 per year for the TomTom…. I’ll have a GO 910 up for sale soon.
I just purchased an HTC Touch Pro and I’m on the Verizon network. While I’m not displeased with the VZ Navigator, I really hate that I’m the proud owner of a crippled phone.
I was doing some research online and discovered that someone has created a hack that will allow me to unlock the phone’s GPS feature (voiding my warranty in the process). My question: is this unlock really for the aGPS? According to comments on this board, TeleNav (and any other GPS app for that matter) WILL work with the GPS on my phone, just not the aGPS.
Through my research, it just looks like you get a lot more for your 9.99/month with TeleNav. But like iphoneuser, I really like using this indoors.
@ TouchProUser: If you can wait for a month or two, you can use the official carrier-branded firmware update that unlocks standalone GPS.
@Verizon Guy:
Thanks. I’ve never considered loading an unofficial, untested program onto my phone before. However, this GPS limitation on an otherwise wonderful device is really discouraging. Until this firmware update becomes available, is it true that I can’t use any other programs that take advantage of the GPS?
@MaryBeth – VZ Navigator does in fact offer preplanning via http://vznavigator.vzw.com; the site also allows users to send place messages to phones or email addresses.
Thanks, everyone, for the feedback – we’ll keep your comments in mind for future VZ Navigator updates. Feel free to give VZ Navigator a shot – we’re offering a one-month FREE TRIAL. Details are available at http://vznavigator.vzw.com.
I know this is way off topic, but when will telenav be on the tmobile g1. If ny ones I would be very thank you