SOS ANDROID

COPILOT LIVE is a software of navigation little by little edited by the society which is based on cards Tele Atlas. For version 8, offer is available on smartphones Windows Mobile of version 5 - 6.5, ANDROID and . He will be soon available on . We made the choice to test software on HTC MAGIC endowed with Android 1.6 Donut (ROM LUO) on a 250 km course.

The available offer of cards varies from a country to the other one. There is 3 in France with Europe, Benelux and France. On the blind Englishman, there are 8 offered distinct cards. During downloading, do not make it since the motive but a computer. Indeed, he can have Go to 2,1 there to be downloaded. Difficult via network operator there 3G. Prices go from 30 to 70 .

The test

Interface makes us leave straightaway the world ANDROID to enter that of autonomous GPS. It is entirely devoted to this type of use and requires one therefore baby training without being dramatic. An acquired time, to use software becomes easy.

• Given functionality is very complete:
• navigation by address, place, POI or co-ordinated GPS
• recalcul of route in flight
• different views of cards (Plan, 3D, next intersection, direction said also security driver)
• vocal synthesis
• detour imposed for personal reasons or not (do not pass by the place of friendship to Paris for example)
• view of forced or automatic day / night
• research of a temporary break point
• regulating of the mode of trip (car, motorbike, pedestrian, cyclist, camping because)
• regulating of the type of route
• personalization of information shown in the course of navigation
• mode portrait / landscape with support of the acc l rom tre
• show the raw data of GPS
• updated REMOVED (cards, POI, radars)
• play again made route (via d mo mode)
• and more still

Navigation is made in a very clear and clear way. Indication vocal are definite (even if we had the right to 2 errors, seen in the video of test in Paris). Software is very definite as for indication of speed limits and arrival on zones of control radar known. When they show too much, a sound alert blared. The ultimate test is to go in the wrong direction voluntarily. Software does not throw of  Made half turn as soon as possible  but re-calculates the route immediately to take into account change. The recalcul is made in 15 / 20 seconds. Here is by what to diminish tension in some cars when the driver is a bit distracted.

We appreciated the level of information given to the screen: speed limit, the hour estimated of arrival, mileage, remaining distance, speed GPS, current road, the closest city, etc Only the indication of border of speed at the place where they are is not rather legible so that it is perfect. We also tested mode Motorbike without seeing big difference in comparison with mode Auto.

Services LIVE are available according to countries. The weather forecast works in France but not information traffic. Damage, it is the most useful. It is also possible to safeguard the common position to return there later or to send this one not SMS to a contact. These 2 operations are to accomplish order not to take risk.

Conclusion

Software is complete and introduces a nice alternative in comparison with apparatus devoted for a lower price. The only defect of use on smartphone is during accepted calls: some BONES cut ongoing application when you answer. They do not phone in the steering wheel will say to me Alone you the case of a very intensive use will justify the devoted apparatus because in most cases, your smartphone will make as well.

The question which settles is: what will happen with Maps Navigation? In Europe, he will not arrive right away. It allows to the societies to adapt their offer to remain competitive.

COPILOT LIVE is to support completely Android 1.6 and 2.0 (for us 1.6 QVGA and WVGA works well) and the new sizes of screen (). An useful functionality will be the import of personal PEAS via simple files CSV.

In short, we liked the simplicity of use, the wealth of functionality and the quality of guidance. We could recommend to the editor to improve some points. The keyboard must be supported in AZERTY and the native keyboard ANDROID would be one more. The limitations of speed are too small in the screen. It is possible to use the character always linked by smartphones (if the user wishes it) to cross information such as traffic, mobile radars on itinerary. So finally, it is possible to interact with the database of POI to suggest corrections, improvements or to add it, it will be able to be of benefit to all users. Add a vocal mode more itemised for navigation in motorbike with the apparatus in the pocket (and therefore the bolting of the screen).

Software is worth 70 according to us (Europe version). It is available on ANDROID Market and on site web of the society. Links Android Market: Europe version, (the same link, according to your region, will lead you towards the version of your country), North America version.

The online material of COPILOT LIVE

Below a video of presentation (separated in 2 parts available in HD) and some captures of screen

To go farther:

• Copilot Live 8 announces new compatibilities
• Birthday SOSANDROID: the results of competition Nexus One COPILOT LIVE Motorola
• Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 software of guidance GPS WISEPILOT
• Last hours to try to reach Nexus One and caskets COPILOT Live
• TomTom collapses in grant

Words-keys: ALK, COPILOT, COPILOT LIVE, GPS, Maps Navigation, Navigation, TomTom