The Daily App: Turn by Turn Navigation

Why spend $100 or more to equip field workers with GPS navigation systems for their vehicles when they can be using a smartphone app? Today's daily app is Turn by Turn Navigation, a highly rated $4.99 app for Windows Phone 7.5 that speaks directions to the driver, just like dedicated GPS appliances do.

Developed by GPS Tuner LLC, which makes similar navigational apps for Android and iOS, Turn by Turn Navigation accepts input by touching points of interest on a map found after address or name searches. A data connection is required; off-line versions also are available. In addition, the tool can navigate directly to addresses in the Windows address book.

Other features include automatic map rotation based on heading, the ability to save favorites and points of interest, real-time traffic reports and rerouting, automatic rerouting for missed turns or in-route course changes, map pre-loading and automatic volume control based on travel speed. Turn by Turn Navigation also provides text-based travel itineraries, walking directions, U.S. and metric distance units, and has the ability to avoid toll roads. It supports 13 languages including Greek, Polish and Portuguese. A free trial version can plan trips as far as 12 miles.