MapQuest goes native on iPhone

MapQuest already has an optimized-for-iPhone website and now it’s “native time.” The popular mapping service released a dedicated application in the AppStore called MapQuest 4 Mobile.

From what we’ve heard, it’s a worthy challenger to built-in Google (NSDQ: GOOG) Maps, though I’m having a hard time envisioning majority of iPhone users switching overnight.

The good thing you’ll notice is the synchronization between the web-based MapQuest.com and the iPhone app, allowing users to plan their routes from their computer and later access them while on the go, from their shiny device.

Moreover, MapQuest makes finding of local businesses easier thanks to an array of different icons used for different types of businesses. For example, there’s a separate icon for gas stations, which is kinda neat.

Now if MapQuest would enable offline access — i.e. caching of maps — I would instantly switch when travelling to save some cash on data. There’s an idea!

[Via: textually.org, ReadWriteWeb]