Navigon offer Postcode Support as in-app Purchase
This week saw an upgrade to my favourite GPS navigation system Navigon Navigator. You may remember I wrote a considerable review when it was first released last June (read it here if you don’t). My only real criticism of the first release of Navigator was the lack of UK postcode support although the system of searching for a city, and then street worked it is certainly slower than simply entering a 7 digit postcode.
The good news is this weeks release now offers postcode support via the much talked about in-app purchase route. Postcode support is just one of Navigon’s new in app purchase options along with Navigon Traffic Live. Having already paid a considerable amount for Navigon Navigator the additional £1.19 for postcode support is a no brainer.
Why is it a chargeable upgrade ?
Well before you jump to the conclusion it is Navigon making a few extra pounds from locked in customers I would suggest the additional cost is a licensing free as it is my understanding developers have to pay Royal Mail a license to use the to use the UK postcode system in their software.
Getting Going
Activation is simple, load up Navigon and click on the more options button on the bottom right of the screen and then the little shopping trolley. A list of the available in-app purchases that are available in your area will be displayed and click on the one you wish to purchase. The Navigon Traffic Live doesn’t seem to be available in my area.
Once you have clicked to purchase the postcode add-on you will be asked to enter your iTunes password and once the transaction as been confirmed activation is immediate.
The process is very simple and the addition of UK Postcode support really makes navigation easy. I would be really interested in hearing your opinions on in-app purchases both positive and negative. I personally think this one is very positive though.
More information on Navigon (iTunes Link)
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November 2, 2009 at 6:53 am | CodeWhiz
One In-App Purchase bonus I heard a commenter on a App Show discuss was how it would no longer require both a Free Lite version of an App and then a second App to be purchased in the App Store as an Upgrade.
The second App would be no longer in the App Store, clearing away the double versions of the Apps built on this model. And you’d also not have to delete and sync the Lite app once you upgrade anymore.
I’d say that’s a plus.
November 1, 2009 at 10:09 pm | David
I have purchased all the add-ons for RampChamp, reasonably priced and allow you to continue to support the developers, also you can pick and choose which ones to get. In-app purchasing exists on other platforms – e.g. on the PS3 we have Pain and you can pick and choose which extra levels/characters to buy.
November 1, 2009 at 9:43 pm | Harry Atkins
I don’t know how I feel about it, apart from the fact that a free app has no in-app purchases, a fact that I like very much. As long as the in-app purchases can’t happen by accident by a mis-interpreted touch, it’s a very clever way to have add-ons for apps.