ALK has announced the forthcoming availability of a series of CoPilot GPS Navigation apps for Windows Phone 8. First developed for Microsoft's Pocket PC platform ALK's vehicle centric navigation solution has a long history, something that has led to the creation of a mature and refined product, one that is popular in both the consumer (PND) and enterprise space (fleet tracking and logistics). 

ALK is returning to Microsoft's mobile platform after skipping Windows Phone 7. Part of the reason for this is that Windows Phone 8 provides native code support, which has allowed ALK to more easily port its existing engine and related assets. 

ALK is planning to launch three apps for Windows Phone 8, which are expected to be available "by the summer of 2013":

• CoPilot Premium - a paid app which includes turn-by-turn navigation and 12 months ActiveTraffic
• CoPilot GPS - a free offline trip-planning and maps app with in-app purchase for turn-by turn navigation
• CoPilot Truck - for truck-specific GPS navigation.

Screenshots from CoPilot Truck (generic, not from WP8 app)

On Windows Phone ALK, which uses Nokia's (Navteq) map data, will be competing against Nokia Drive and a number of third party solutions (e.g. Navigon). Nokia Drive is provided free with all Lumia devices, and a free beta version is also available for non-Nokia devices in select markets. That makes for a tough competitive environment, especially in the consumer market.

However, ALK is likely seek to promote the strength of an experience that has been refined over many years and has more in common with the typical in-vehicle navigation device than most smartphone solutions. CoPilot's advanced feature should also find favour among frequent drivers and the idea that CoPilot can be seen as professional solution for the top end of the market (versus the mass market Nokia Drive) is not unreasonable.

In the enterprise market ALK is likely to seek to differentiate the product by providing integration with fleet logistics and vehicle tracking solutions. Moreover,  as a cross platform solution CoPilot may be more suitable for companies that have a mixed install base of device, but wish to maintain a single navigation solution (e.g. to minimise training and support costs).

Here's how CoPilot describe the product:

CoPilot brings dependable voice-guided GPS navigation to Windows Phone 8 handsets and Windows 8 devices. Designed as an alternative to traditional in-vehicle systems, the app provides a full range of advanced turn-by-turn guidance features, comprehensive trip planning and automotive-grade street maps stored on-board the device for offline use. Integral real-time 'Live' services include ActiveTraffic(TM), Yelp, Wikipedia and Google Search to keep drivers fully informed on the road.

In its press release ALK highlights to key advanced features that will be available in the CoPilot apps:

• Clear, non-distracting 3D map views with lane arrows and signpost display
• ActiveTraffic(TM) calculates the fastest routes and accurate arrival times, based on live traffic flow information
• CoPilot ClearTurn(TM) makes navigating complex junctions easy
• On-screen speed limit indicator and excess speed warnings
• Advanced trip planning with a choice of three routes and drag-and-drop route editing
• Comprehensive local search with integrated Yelp, Wikipedia and Google
• Global map regions available to purchase and store on the device as required

David Quin, head of consumer applications at ALK Technologies, said:

"We've always been fans of Microsoft's mobile solutions. CoPilot was originally developed for Microsoft's Pocket PC and pioneered mobile navigation on Windows Mobile, so we are delighted to announce a new app for Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8. The Windows family of mobile devices is rapidly gaining momentum as an alternative to Android and iOS, and provides an ideal platform for us to deliver a full-featured and driver friendly CoPilot navigation experience."

ALK will be demoing CoPilot for Windows Phone at MWC 2013. We'll bring you a hands-on report in due course.