Navigon Turn-by-turn Navigation App To Feature On Samsung Galaxy Tab

German GPS Navigation company Navigon has announced this week that a version of its turn-by-turn navigation software will be pre-loaded and free on all Australian versions of the iPad-rivaling Samsung Galaxy Tab.

While the Galaxy Tab's Android operation system offers Google Maps and Navigation as standard, Google has so far only made the Maps feature available in Australia - with no word yet on a local version of its Navigation features.

Enter Navigon, teaming up with Samsung in the Australian market to give local travellers the ability to use turn-by-turn navigation, with a pedestrian mode and voice directions.

Both 2D and 3D views are featured with the Navigon GPS software, along with photo-realistic displays of exits, automatic day/night mode and integration with phone contacts.

The app comes loaded with on-board NAVTEQ maps of both Australia and New Zealand. The app relies on the devices’ GPS receiver as well as the pre-loaded maps, providing full-function navigation capabilities without the need for a mobile signal.

Of course, Navigon is in the business of making money, and providing an entirely free app isn't the end of plan. Users can extend the feature-set of their Navigon app by adding packages, listed below.

• The Safety & Relax Package ($12.95) provides Lane Assistant Pro, Speed & Red Light Camera Warnings, School Zones and Speed Warner.
• The Traffic Live Package ($19.95) delivers real-time traffic information and routes drivers around congested roads, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The traffic information is provided by Suna Traffic.
• The Sound & Fun Package ($9.95) adds text-to-speech, announcing street names in addition to directions, and International Voices with different dialects, to lighten up the journey.

The Galaxy Tab is the first Android-powered device in Australia to feature Navigon's software, although other Android devices are expected to be added to the list in the future.

(note: article image is a TMR mockup only)