Mar/April 2009

The unusual Smartnav dynamic satellite navigation system from Trafficmaster is now available on mobile phones. This is the system that delivers personalised, reactive routing information to users on the basis of current traffic conditions.

Smartnav Mobile, as the new service is called, uses real-time traffic data to keep drivers on the best available route, and delivers an alternative to the user's the phone if traffic conditions change. Routes may also be varied according to time of day.

To supply a destination, the user simply enters an address or postcode on the phone's screen, and Trafficmaster says the route will be loaded within a minute, ready to provide spoken and visual directions.

It's a subscription-based service, and is currently limited to Windows-based GPS-enabled mobile phones. Charges are £4.95 per month or £49.95 per year, and you can also request live calls from 'personal assistants' at up to 59p per minute. Currently users taking out a monthly or annual subscription get 30 days' free trial.