ROUTE 66 is another GPS navigation services provider that used the Mobile World Congress to announce its mobile app offering. Called ROUTE 66 Maps + Navigation, it relies on TomTom’s maps and location content to deliver navigation solution for both drivers and pedestrians around the globe.
Aside from “classic” features found in pretty much any decent navigation app out there — including 2D and 3D maps, huge database of points of interest, local weather — the new ROUTE 66 app also comes with optional live-services like Real Time Traffic and Speed Camera. But wait, there’s more and this is where ROUTE 66’s app is cooler than its competitors’ apps.
The so called “Follow Me” feature adds augmented reality twist to the mix, showing video of the street in front of you. It does that by using the camera of the phone or tablet while adding a virtual 3D car driving in front of you. Indicator lights flash to tell you where to turn left or right. Looks cool from what I can tell, even though I haven’t been able to test it out yet.
ROUTE 66 Maps + Navigation will hit the Android Market soon. And while we don’t have the exact date, we do know it will be available as a free app that can be upgraded (paid for) to include turn-by-turn navigation and other services. Navigation licenses will be available for 30 days, one year and lifetime, with each user getting a month of free navigation just for downloading the app.