THE PAST FEW MONTHS have seen the release of at least three iPhone GPS navigation apps of note: Sygic’s offering, Navigon’s MobileNavigator, and most recently, an app from navigation stalwart TomTom.

Now, ALK Technologies has thrown its hat into the iPhone ring with the launch of its CoPilot Live app in the iTunes App Store.

Currently available in UK and US versions only, ALK Technologies representative Mary Kelly told TMR this week that an Australian offering is on the way - although a date could not be confirmed.

Already available for Windows Mobile and other platforms, features in the CoPilot Live iPhone app include the ability to zoom in and out of maps in both 2D and 3D views, and live weather updates at your destination.

As with other GPS apps for the iPhone, CoPilot offers landscape and portrait views, and voice instructions - with a choice of male or female speakers - are available in multiple languages.

CoPilot Live offers a unique feature called LiveLink, allowing users to share favourite locations, or even share your current location in real time.

The US version of the app is priced at US$34.99 - better than half the price of TomTom’s app and almost exactly half that of Navigon’s MobileNavigator.

[iTunes App Store link]