Navigation engine (destinator) experiences and feedback - Page 2

bigbadwolf · August 6th, 2009, 10:43 AM

Back on topic... I don't find Destinator horrendous like some do. Sure it's lacking in a few areas and the word "pretty" sure as hell doesn't fit into a description for it but it does work.

My biggest complaints are that it sucks for creating custom POIs, driving to another state in some areas because some states are in confusing map files and the maps seem a bit outdated.

HiJack · August 6th, 2009, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigbadwolf

Back on topic... I don't find Destinator horrendous like some do. Sure it's lacking in a few areas and the word "pretty" sure as hell doesn't fit into a description for it but it does work.

My biggest complaints are that it sucks for creating custom POIs, driving to another state in some areas because some states are in confusing map files and the maps seem a bit outdated.

It is the same here. I actually love Destinators GUI, and the way it works. Only issue with it, is the bad routing, and out dated maps. I have stated a few times that Flux should just drop Destinator all together and shift focus onto offering another solution like a bundle deal where you buy CF Standard, with a option to also buy the latest iGuidance with it. I am sure that FLUX can strike a deal with an online store, like Semsons.com to achieve this method. Say for example if I buy CF w/ iG 2k9, part of the money goes to Flux, and another part goes to Semsons, and we are allowed to download both. If FLUX can at least get us new maps, I would kind of be happy, but not fully because the routing would still be an issue. As far as the POI, I never use it, so I cant comment.

Reagan, has FLUX thought about a strategy, which I have mentioned above? I honestly think this Destinator issue is really going to turn alot of people away from CF3. I am having to do alot of battles over in the MP3Car forums to justify why Flux decided to keep Destinator, but even though they do understand, they turn a blind eye and are still complaining. All this complaining turns off other people that are interested in jumping into the Car PC hobby, and they end up looking into RR and even $h!+ Deck. I really really urge you guys to reconsider this move to leave it in.

PS: If CF uses the above method, CF would be $79.99 w/ iGuidance being about $89.99. That brings it to a total of 169.98. Thats a savings of about $80.02, compared to the $250.00 dollar price of CF2 with Nav. Alot of people trust iGuidance and know it will be supported. Also I heard that iG can be skinned, so I am sure people (I know I will try) to get it to make it look like it belongs in CF.

chris4851 · August 6th, 2009, 12:43 PM

I will be upgrading to the standard version and purchasing IGuidance seperatly. I will not deal with Destinator. However I would gladly buy IG2009 through Flux if it was offered this way.

HiJack · August 6th, 2009, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris4851

I will be upgrading to the standard version and purchasing IGuidance seperatly. I will not deal with Destinator. However I would gladly buy IG2009 through Flux if it was offered this way.

I think alot of people would. Flux wouldn't have to worry about Volume licenses. Basically FLUX would buy each copy of iGuidance full price and pass it on to the customer. They wouldn't have to buy anything in advance. I am really sure this is doable, and maybe what ever site, is willing to give discounts for a certain amount of copies that Flux sells. Destinator was layed to rest by the company that made it, a long time ago, Flux needs to do the same thing for business sake.

PS: I have dealt with Semsons in the past. I think I am going to email them and see if it of any intrest to them.

strikeback03 · August 6th, 2009, 01:30 PM

I'm guessing the reason they didn't want to do something like that is that they have no control over what iGuidance looks like. My biggest problems with iG4 (and they don't appear to be fixed in any newer version) is that the interface contains entirely too much white for nighttime use and it is very poorly laid out for widescreen use.

I have stopped using Destinator though, as I have had no reason to trust that it will get me where I need to go in any reasonable period of time. Seems to be about impossible to search for POIs more than 50 miles away, routing is inconsistant, and the maps in my area at least contain errors from who knows how long ago (it once instructed me to take a road that has not existed for at least the past 10 years).

HiJack · August 6th, 2009, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strikeback03

I'm guessing the reason they didn't want to do something like that is that they have no control over what iGuidance looks like. My biggest problems with iG4 (and they don't appear to be fixed in any newer version) is that the interface contains entirely too much white for nighttime use and it is very poorly laid out for widescreen use.

I have stopped using Destinator though, as I have had no reason to trust that it will get me where I need to go in any reasonable period of time. Seems to be about impossible to search for POIs more than 50 miles away, routing is inconsistant, and the maps in my area at least contain errors from who knows how long ago (it once instructed me to take a road that has not existed for at least the past 10 years).

As stated before, I was reading that iG can be skinned. I am not sure if it is possible on the newer version, but I know editions 1 through 3 can be skinned. I think though you have to edit it directly in the program. I cant test till I buy a copy of iG 2K9.

LOL on the 10 year old road...... It also tries to make you do U-turns in the most odd places.

David · August 6th, 2009, 09:12 PM

Centrafuse 3.0 has a complete new User Interface look and feel, as well as skinning engine... It has integrated transitions/animations, feels a lot like an iPod, new List View's that have many improved features, and the entire interface is easier to use and improved in the main application, and in many of the plugins...

We also updated the Navigation UI, making it easier to enter addresses, search POI data, and show more of the map on the screen, and more small updates, but the same engine...

We many new interfaces as well, and will include everything in the final SDK 3.0, examples of making a Navigation plugin, other plugins, radio modules, and more... There is an interface that is open for Bluetooth, Radio, Voice Recognition, TTS, Sound Card devices, and Navigation engines, all making development much easier...

This will make it easier to integrate other navigation engines once we can make a deal with them, or once users get plugins working like the iGuidance plugin, but more integrated because of the new interface...

We will also be supporting other operating systems in 3.0, including more plugins in 3.0, and adding additional functionality...

The Beta 1.0 is being tested now, and we are working hard to get it released as soon as possible...

The upgrade price for 3.0 is for Centrafuse, not the Navigation engine... So if you purchased Standard or Navigation edition, the upgrade is the same low price, it is just to upgrade Centrafuse...

We will not have a Navigation upgrade until we either get a better version from Destinator or work with another Navigation company, so the Navigation does not have anything to do with the Centrafuse 3.0 core upgrade that we are working to get finished...

Hope this all makes sense, and we are working to do everything we think is best for the customer and that is in our control...

David

strikeback03 · August 7th, 2009, 09:10 AM

So is there going to be a Destinator plugin shipped with 3.0 then? So those with Nav versions of 2.0 will get a reskinned Destinator for 3.0?

I'm sure 3.0 will look nice (easier skinning will be a bonus) and will lay the groundwork for improved applications; but it is a bit disappointing that for me at least my three biggest complaints with CF2 are that Nav, Voice, and Phone integration all have limited to no functionality, and none look like they will be addressed in the initial 3.0 release. I was happy enough with the interface, while the voice command is the only of those three modules I can use on even a limited basis.

dangerous · August 7th, 2009, 11:47 AM

Erm all i want is better integration of other gps engines and better phone integration
Well thats my two penorth or two cents for my dear friends over the pond

In the mean time im gonna get a single din pop out touch screen dvd player with b/t phone integration and gps with camera alerts which is all a really want unless im off roading

HiJack · August 7th, 2009, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strikeback03

So is there going to be a Destinator plugin shipped with 3.0 then? So those with Nav versions of 2.0 will get a reskinned Destinator for 3.0?

I'm sure 3.0 will look nice (easier skinning will be a bonus) and will lay the groundwork for improved applications; but it is a bit disappointing that for me at least my three biggest complaints with CF2 are that Nav, Voice, and Phone integration all have limited to no functionality, and none look like they will be addressed in the initial 3.0 release. I was happy enough with the interface, while the voice command is the only of those three modules I can use on even a limited basis.

HUH? I thought phone and voice are being addressed? Phone works now in CF2, it doesnt do all the fancy bells and whistles like contacts and SMS, but I dont think Flux ever advertised that. Voice I read somewhere, was being revamped but I am not sure.