TeleNav goes beyond the phone: intros new Shotgun stand alone GPS

Posted November 10, 2008 at 09:01 AM by JG Mason

Section: Gadgets / Other, GPS/Navigation

TeleNav, the on-phone GPS provider that I rely on, announced this morning they are in the connected GPS game.  This news comes on the heels of Dash GPS announcing they were done making their stand along connected GPS device.  Let’s get to it: how good is this GPS device?

From the looks of it, pretty good.  A connected GPS device is the way to go.  Static data trapped in a box isn’t helpful.  What is helpful is a device that reaches out to get new info, expand its searches.  And that is what the TeleNav Shotgun is.

According to the company, here are the big features:

In-route traffic: The device will check on traffic for you every five minutes.  Accidents are unpredictable so knowing this info in-route is critical.  This service currently exists on their phone GPS programs and works well. Internet connected search:  I hate trying to find things on stand alone devices.  I have to keep thinking how long ago that Ikea was built, before or after I bought the GPS?  I hate that.  Having Internet accessed info isn’t always correct, but it is the best route. Updated maps:  It looks like this device will call in for maps and routes, just like their phone service (if out of range, the device relies on its on-board knowledge).  The maps will be updated every quarter so you are on a fresh map, not a stale one. Online planning:  Hate keying in info when you should be driving?  TeleNav offers a browser plug in to send addresses to your unit effortlessly.  I’ve used their website to plan trips before and that is great but a plug in to simply click a location to my device is even better. New stuff:  TeleNav has been working on building user-reviews into its database for things like restaurants into their service.  It is so-so for me living in the suburbs but in the city it may be better.  I liked that Dash used Yahoo! Local for their info and found it more reliable then a new in-network user base.  That looks to be coming in the future and they are leaving the door open to new stuff.  It is connected to the net, so why not?

The device is slim, just .75” thick with a 4.3” screen.  The unit speaks directions and pronounces street names.  Overall, I am excited about this device.  As I’ve mentioned, I am a fan of their on-phone GPS service and this extension might do them real well.  Connected GPS is the way to go.

The device sells for $299 with 3 months connectivity included free and after that period the monthly connectivity fee is $12.99.  Like Dash, the Shotgun can be used without the monthly service fee.

Product page: [TeleNav]