Winds of change
Upon opening the box we were happy to observe that the map included, completely covering Europe, is on a 2GB microSD card and both a miniSD and an SD adapter are supplied, so we can finally install the app on any possible device. The setup process is fast and is almost the same as in previous versions – as there is nothing to change on something that is already good. Unfortunately we are bound to have some unpleasant moments in the first couple of hours of use, but it is clear in the long run, that all changes are logical and well thought out, even though getting used to them is not effortless. Let’s begin with some customization: there is an advanced and a simple mode; the latter one being much better for learning the use of the software, this is when only the most necessary options are shown, thus avoiding confusion. The background is changeable, so we can keep looking at some lovely hearts if we would like to.
The whole user interface has been redesigned in a considerable manner. The whole thing has a new, much more modern look, it is now clear that besides functionality, the so-called “user experience” is also emphasized, as it is fashionable. Let’s begin with the main menu: the buttons in a circle are now gone and they are replaced by four huge icons (more like wall-paintings based on their size). The globe in the lower corner shows the map and we have a main switch too. The four icons are used for creating a new route, modifying one and opening up the options menu. Mostly icons are used to symbolize functions, which can be a real advantage compared to the “old” text menu, but sometimes the icons’ functions are only revealed only after clicking on them. There is a new kind of route-planner: besides the usual fastest, shortest and cheapest modes we now also have a “traceable” mode, in which the program tries to plan the least amount of twists and turns into the route, so I’d rather call this “blonde” mode, thus making target users find it easier…
There are lots of changes. There is band tracking at last, which is visible on-screen when we are driving on a road with many bands headed in different directions; “good” lanes are marked with yellow, others with white. Besides this the software doesn’t warn us, so taking a look at the screen is advised in some situations. It is another new feature that we can place a compass on top of the screen, but something even better is that we can not only see the next maneuver, but the one after that too, so we can prepare for more complicated turns. On our way from one place to another we might want to stop for refueling for example. This can be simply done by clicking the “detour” icon (always displayed); furthermore the software selects from nearby POIs, so we have to make the shortest detour to get to an ATM for example. There is the possibility of searching for POIs around the cursor or around the target, so we fully utilize the database. This is an element that has undergone huge development, there are tons of data at our disposal.
A cikk még nem ért véget, kérlek, lapozz!
