Review: Wayfinder Navigator 8

Wayfinder Navigator 8 is the latest version of the off-board navigation system for mobile phones. Rather than storing the maps locally on a memory card Wayfinder uses the phone’s data connection to download chunks of maps as and when you need it. It’s real advantage is that it makes keeping maps up to data so much easier. A potential disadvantage is that you need constant network coverage (and connection) in order to use it.

Wayfinder is compatible with a massive range of mobile phones, but version 8 has so far only been rolled out to more powerful models. We were testing it with the Nokia E71, with a built-in GPS receiver.

During navigation Wayfinder works pretty well. To choose a destination you need to type the whole thing in (whether address or postcode), and there’s no live searching for addresses as you would get on a dedicated system. Not that this was a problem on our qwerty-equipped smartphone, but might be on others.

The main map display, with choice of 2D or 3D, is clear and stripped down to the basic info. A lack of screen furniture might suggest a lack of features at first, but is actually refreshing when compared to other software that overloads the screen with so much information that you cannot make sense of any of it. With a quick tap of the d-pad you can switch to a safety screen that shows just an arrow indicating your next turn.

The voice instructions are also effective. The female voice is clear and very insistent, reminding you of your next turn enough times that there is no chance of missing it.

There is a big flaw, though, in that Wayfinder only allows A to B navigation. Multi-stop routes are not supported. This is a standard feature on many, if not most, other packages and its absence really inhibits the usability of this package. If you want to go via a particular destination you will need to plot a separate route.

We also noted that Wayfinder doesn’t seem to make use of its internet connection as thoroughly as it might. Have maps stored remotely does enable them to be updated far easier, but the same does not apply to the POI database. A search for local restaurants brought up the usual list of fast food outlets and not much more. A link up with a local directory could provide far more detailed results. Another curiosity is how some of the other added functions, such as weather information, did not use the GPS data to determine where you are or where you are going, but instead required you to punch in the name of a town.

Some of Wayfinder’s extras are useful, but do often feel like bolt-ons rather than part of a fully integrated system. And the really useful extras, it should be said, are subscription only. Speed cameras and traffic info included.

We had no problems with accessing the maps over the air. The process was fast, although network naturally comes and goes at times. If you are worried about coverage you can sign up for free at mywayfinder.com and download maps to a memory card. These are available by region: a good thing if you don’t need the whole country, but harder to download if you do. MyWayfinder also offers some other neat tricks including Google Earth integration.

The up to date maps, price and lack of storage requirements are all big selling points for Wayfinder, but the software has some way to go to match the all-round performance of its big name rivals. It is an inexpensive package, and if it isn’t a power user’s tool, as a more casual navigation aid it more than fits the bill.

Operating system: most mobile phones
Map coverage: UK & Ireland
Price: from £40
Web: www.wayfinder.com

Performance: 9
Design: 7
Features: 6
Value: 8

Overall verdict: 7

Review originally published in Smartphone & PDA Essentials magazine. Words by Andy Betts.

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