CoPilot adds CommuteMe in big v9.6 upgrade

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ALK has announced a multi-platform update to is commercial GPS navigation suite, CoPilot. The main improvement for v9.6 is 'CommuteMe', a somewhat terrible name for a function which is, arguably, already in HERE Drive+ on the platform for free. However, CoPilot does add smarter and better POI searching and, so far, better voice commands while navigating. See below for the changelog.

Version 9.5 was covered here, from the end of last year. Six months on, we have this post from ALK:

...a new update for its family of CoPilot mobile GPS navigation apps, available to all 10-million CoPilot users worldwide. CoPilot v9.6 introduces CommuteMe™ to reduce driver commute times, a new easy to use drag-and-drop trip planning tool and enhanced Point-of-Interest (POI) search along your route.

New features in CoPilot v9.6 include:

CommuteMe

CommuteMe takes the hassle out of the daily drive by intelligently learning a driver’s preferred route to and from work. It then automatically scans the route for traffic to avoid delays and provide an accurate arrival time. If a driver starts to prefer a new route, CommuteMe recognizes the change and proactively adapts.

Drag-and-Drop Trip Planning

CoPilot v9.6 makes planning multiple stop trips easy with a new drag-and-drop trip editing tool. CoPilot’s unique trip optimization technology can also automatically re-sequence stops into the most efficient route.

Intelligent POI Search On Your Route

CoPilot’s new smarter POI search finds all the useful places you need on the road ahead, based on your route and the direction you’re traveling, rather than by simple geographic proximity. It avoids unnecessary detours to places off-route or behind you, saving time and fuel.

Windows Phone 8 Voice Command Support

For Windows Phone 8 users only. CoPilot now responds to voice commands for hands-free control. Just say, “CoPilot, take me home,” or “CoPilot, take me to work,” and the app will do just that.

The CoPilot North America apps also now include the complete street-level map of Puerto Rico for reliable offline routing and guidance.

CoPilot v9.6 is available immediately as a free update for existing iOS, Android and Windows Phone 8 users. CoPilot GPS is a free download from the Windows Phone Store. A 14 day free tial of voice navigation is also included, with an in-app payment allowing you to upgrade to unlimited voice guided navigation.

The company also expanded a little on CommuteMe:

We all know a certain way we like to take to and from work. But even our favorite route can be tricky. If you leave one minute too late, you can be stuck in traffic for what feels like forever.

With our new feature CommuteMe™, we learned your preferred route and we’re giving you traffic data* and the ETA before you start the long drive to a long work day. Take our word for it – you won’t have to stress until after you’ve sat at your desk and read your email. Check out how to set up CommuteMe in your CoPilot.

DrivingToWork-Device-Wireframes

CoPilot is an application that we've never reviewed here on AAWP, mainly because of the inherent cost and duplication of Nokia's built-in navigation suite, but comments welcome as to its efficacy. Or shout if you have been using this for a while and fancy attempting a full review!

Source / Credit: ALK