Longtime GPS navigation leader Garmin is expanding its app portfolio with its newly-announced navigation title, Viago. The maps company hopes to compete with free navigation apps such as Apple Maps by offering Viago with an affordable price tag and a robust set of core navigation features.

garmin-viago
Viago sets itself apart from the competition with a set of standard navigation features that are not usually available in free apps, such as lane assist, speed limit display, weather information, photo-realistic junction views and more. Customers who want more than these base features can opt to purchase advanced options a la carte via in-app purchases. Additional paid features include real-time traffic with automatic rerouting, urban navigation with public transportation, downloadable maps and more.

“Garmin víago offers the best navigation technology available from Garmin, helping drivers to reduce stress and save time on the road,” said Joern Watzke, vice president world-wide mobile business at Garmin Wuerzburg GmbH. ”The comprehensive feature set goes far beyond simple turn-by-turn directions and assists drivers like no other navigation app. Premium in app purchase options allow users to fully customize their navigation experience and only choose the features they want.“

The app also features Garmin Real Directions (in-app purchase), which allows the driver to receive descriptive driving directions that include notable landmarks, traffic signs and traffic light status that make it easier to drive an unfamiliar route. Viago also is compatible with Garmin HUD, a standalone Bluetooth device that projects driving directions into the driver's line of sight using a transparent film on the car windshield or an attached reflector lens.

Garmin Viago [Direct Link] is available now at a launch price of $0.99 (normally $1.99) until July 13, 2014. In-app purchase packages range from $4.99 to $19.99 with Maps to Go and Traffic Live now discounted 50 percent during this promotional period.

Top Rated Comments

stockcerts Avatar
114 months ago
I have never seen speed limit on any apps except for WAZE (owned by Google). If I use navigation via any app, I place my device over my speedometer which is not always good. So, have a speed limit with the app would be helpful. I know Moves tracks your average speed limit when you drive, so it might just be a matter of coding that factor into the app. Sounds simple enough.

AS for paying for Garmin, I will pass. I know some guys that work there in the Salem, Oregon location, but I don't need to pay for something I can get for free. Just like music subscription services.

Navigon (owned by Garmin) does show the speed. Free isn't always the best, and for a nominal amount of money sometimes you get a much better experience.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Lapidus Avatar
114 months ago
I'll stick with my Navigon app. I've been a happy customer for 4 years now. Hope they can make their app carplay-friendly.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
stockcerts Avatar
114 months ago
I'm a fan of Navigon, but doesn't Garmin own Navigon? I wonder how they differ?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
avanpelt Avatar
114 months ago
This page has all the details on the features...

http://sites.garmin.com/viago/

Thanks for the link. The fact that they had to create a site to explain to people what the various IAP options give the end-user tells me that Garmin doesn't understand the psychology of how IAPs should work for the end-user.

They need another lesson on the KISS principle, it seems. If I have to visit a website in order to understand why I should consider giving them more money via IAP, it is extremely unlikely that I am going to be giving them more money via IAP.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dude-x Avatar
114 months ago
Brief review

I went to a local grocery store in my area using the app; Here are some thoughts, where I compare it to Waze and Google Maps, without buying any in-app options:
1) Searching for a place to go is just like the Garmin Nuvi, you have to either have a specific address, or find it in the point of interest; I prefer Google/Waze's way of just searching the closest thing you mean; this means playing around with the different categories to find the place you're looking for by name.
2) Waze is pretty nice when you're in a parking lot, it can route you intelligently out of a parking lot, the garmin was okay once i was on a major roadway.
3) The voice directions were not satisfactory; it just says turn left, or turn right, keep right; without stating the street name; Waze at least says the street name or sign post info. Looks like you have to spend 20 bucks to get "Maps on the Go" and "Real directions".
4) Speed limit indicator is nice but like on the Nuvi I used, usually wrong by 5mph; but that's okay; it's helpful when there are no speed limit signs
5) Nice iOS 7 design in the app; feels intuitive to use.
6) The lane symbols are nice in Viago; Waze doesn't have this.
7) Options are similar to a Nuvi, so you can customize the display; it's a nice touch
8) You can plan routes, which I really like if you want to go through an unconventional path or plan multiple destinations.

This is my initial impression so far. I may checkout the in app stuff later.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
2457282 Avatar
114 months ago
I used to own a GPS device for my car. I ended giving it away as I found that the iphone was good enough for my needs. Never even thought about downloading app. Having read this article, I do remember missing the spead alerts that told me when I was going to fast. The ability to download map for use when you can't connect is nice, but I doubt I would buy that unless I am going overseas where I will not have service.

All in all this looks nice and the company is well known and respected. However, I think I will stick to my iMaps for now.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iPhone 15 Pro Buttons CAD Leak

iPhone 15 Pro Leak Reveals Unified Volume Button and Mute Button

Monday March 20, 2023 8:33 am PDT by
As previously rumored, the next-generation iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will feature a unified volume button and a mute button, according to leaked CAD images shared in a video on the Chinese version of TikTok and posted to Twitter by ShrimpApplePro. Instead of separate buttons for volume up and volume down, the iPhone 15 Pro models are expected to have a single elongated button for...
original iphone auction

Factory-Sealed Original iPhone Sells for $55,000 at Auction

Friday March 17, 2023 1:08 pm PDT by
A first-generation iPhone still sealed inside its box sold for $54,904 at auction, which is more than $54,000 over the original $599 price tag of the device when it was released in 2007. The original iPhone was put up for sale by RR Auction on behalf of a former Apple employee who purchased it back when it first came out. Back in February, an original, sealed iPhone sold for over $63,000,...
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Feature

iPhone 12 Pro vs. 15 Pro: New Features to Expect if You've Waited to Upgrade

Friday March 17, 2023 10:29 am PDT by
While year-over-year iPhone upgrades are not always groundbreaking, new features can begin to stack up over multiple generations. For example, the iPhone 15 Pro will be a notable upgrade for those who still have a three-year-old iPhone 12 Pro. If you are still using an iPhone 12 Pro and are considering upgrading to the iPhone 15 Pro when it launches later this year, we have put together a...
top stories 18mar2023

Top Stories: iPhone 15 Pro Pricing, New iOS 16.4 Beta, Siri vs. ChatGPT, and More

Saturday March 18, 2023 6:00 am PDT by
Apple's high-end iPhone models have started at $999 in the U.S. since they first launched back in 2017 with the iPhone X, but could this finally be the year that starting price sees an increase? This week also saw some more rumors about Apple's upcoming headset and the company's explorations in the booming AI industry as well as the release of a new round of beta updates, so read on for all...
iPhone 15 Pro Mock Feature Buttonless

iPhone 15 Pro Max to 'Break Record' for Thinnest Bezels on a Smartphone

Friday March 17, 2023 2:59 am PDT by
The iPhone 15 Pro Max will have the thinnest bezels of any smartphone, beating the record currently held by the Xiaomi 13. That's according to the leaker known as "Ice Universe," who has divulged accurate information about Apple's plans in the past. Both iPhone 15 Pro models are expected to have thinner, curved bezels compared to the iPhone 14 Pro, potentially resulting in an Apple...
iphone 14 pro max deep purple feature purple

iPhone 15 Pro Launching This Year With These 11 New Features

Monday March 13, 2023 6:47 am PDT by
While the iPhone 15 lineup is around six months away, there have already been plenty of rumors about the devices. Many new features and changes are expected for the iPhone 15 Pro models in particular, including a titanium frame and more. Below, we have recapped 11 features rumored for iPhone 15 Pro models that are not expected to be available on the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus:A17...
iOS 16

iOS 16.4 for iPhone Nearing Launch With These 5 New Features

Monday March 20, 2023 11:50 am PDT by
Apple continues to test iOS 16.4, which includes a handful of new features and changes for the iPhone. Below, we have recapped five new features coming with the software update, including new emoji, push notifications from websites, and more. Apple says iOS 16.4 will be available in the spring, which begins today. In his newsletter this weekend, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said the update should ...