ALK Technologies announced that later this spring their CoPilot GPS app will be available as a free download for iPhone, iPad and Android devices. And we’re not talking about some basic app here — rather, the free CoPilot app will provide offline maps, millions of points of interest preinstalled, route planning with multi-stop trip optimizer, alternate routes support, driving directions, walking mode, social sharing and local content.
Of course, certain parts of the app won’t be free. Users looking to get additional features — including full voice-guided, turn-by-turn navigation, 3D map views, speed limit warnings and realistic ClearTurn display — will be able to upgrade at any time for $19.99 for lifetime use. In addition, there’s the ActiveTraffic option that for $9.99 for a 12-month subscription brings real-time traffic service that scans your route for delays and automatically provides a faster route if available.
We love to see market forces (i.e. Google and Nokia) working their magic, delivering goods that used to cost something for free. 😉