Telenav Brings Turn-by-Turn Directions to Android with Scout App

Telenav has kept true to its word about releasing an Android version of its location-based navigation and discovery app, announcing that Scout for Android 1.2 is now available, bringing Car Connect premium functionality and AppLink to its users.

Similar to the iteration for iPhone, the app focuses on the driver's needs, allowing users to create favorite places, pull up real-time traffic and ETAs and check weather, all with the sound of their voice. Upon launching the app, a "My Dashboard" screen appears, which shows commute time estimates for preset home and work addresses, destination shortcuts and weather. After a destination is chosen from the "My Places" or "My Favorites" list, turn-by-turn GPS navigation directions are given via spoken instructions.

Many of the app's functions can be accessed by simple voice commands, such as "Drive Home," with users also being able to perform local searches. While the Scout app and service is free, Telenav is also offering a premium version for $24.99 per year or $4.99 per month, which provides features such as Premium Traffic data, Red Light Camera and Speed Trap alerts, and Lane Assist, which displays a graphic indicating what lanes area available for a chosen route when approaching freeway exchanges.

The Ford Connection

The premium app also grants access to Car Connect, allowing users to Connect Scout to Ford Sync AppLink to take advantage of the in-car display and speakers available on select Ford vehicles. The Android app will be the first to house this feature, as the AppLink connection isn't compatible yet with the iPhone version of the app. Though not to fret iOS users, Telenav promises that an update of Scout for iPhone is in the works.

Scout for Android is currently available from Google Play and is compatible with Verizon, Sprint, and AT&T handsets, with the T-Mobile variant currently going through the certification process. While the premium version calls for a monthly or annual payment, curious users can get a free 30-day trial of service, after which an in-app subscription will be needed.