Introducing CoPilot 7 for Windows Mobile
Ever since the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) system became available for public use, a whole new category of software became necessary, which is software systems that utilize GPS systems for navigation. This is good news for the end user, because it really would be difficult working out triangulated latitude and longitude coordinates in trigonometry while you're trying to drive.
Probably the best-known variety of this type of software is the CoPilot series. Produced by ALK Technologies, CoPilot is a complete GPS navigation system designed for all Bluetooth-based hand-held and mobile devices. The typical deployment is in a smartphone. This is the software famous for its voice-based interface, smoothly providing clear driving directions in an easily-understood automated voice.
Showpieces of the system include a library of 20 languages for the speech engine, mapping that includes points of interest, and themed maps.
CoPilot 7 has a lot going on, with a long list of exciting new features. The interface has had a make-over, with larger buttons and a more intuitive function. It gives both routing previews so you can watch the whole trip in advance, and alternate routing options where available. The 2D and 3D map views smoothly transition from one to the other at a touch.
The CoPilot system is a blessing, because all you have to do is enter in an address and it figures out the rest starting from where you are. You can also bookmark an address for multiple uses. The points of interest include commercial businesses, so you can find the nearest fuel station, restaurant, or hotel and even set it for a voice reminder when you get close.
The matter of 2D and 3D mapping views brings to mind a point: some people think better in 2D and some in 3D. The 2D crowd are probably the traditional navigators who are used to flat, paper maps. The 3D crowd are probably used to the concept of computer graphics drawn in perspective, from watching CGI effects in films and of course from video games. Whatever the preference, it's nice to see that either side is accommodated.
CoPilot 7 for Windows Mobile
