Sygic Incorporates Augmented Reality Into its GPS Navigation App - Inside GNSS - Global Navigation Satellite Systems Engineering, Policy, and Design

Sygic Incorporates Augmented Reality Into its GPS Navigation App

Sygic has added a new augmented reality (AR) feature to its advanced GPS navigation app. Photo source: Sygic.

Bratislava, Slovakia-based Sygic has added a new augmented reality (AR) feature to its advanced GPS navigation app. More than 200 million Sygic users worldwide can now engage with AR for an improved navigation experience on the road, the company said.

Sygic’s new AR feature uses a smartphone’s GPS and camera to implement an augmented reality-powered GPS navigation system. With the AR feature, drivers no longer need to follow a map on their phones. Instead, they’re guided by a virtual path on the smartphone camera preview.

Bratislava, Slovakia-based Sygic has added a new augmented reality (AR) feature to its advanced GPS navigation app. More than 200 million Sygic users worldwide can now engage with AR for an improved navigation experience on the road, the company said.

Sygic’s new AR feature uses a smartphone’s GPS and camera to implement an augmented reality-powered GPS navigation system. With the AR feature, drivers no longer need to follow a map on their phones. Instead, they’re guided by a virtual path on the smartphone camera preview.

In this, the AR feature is not only intuitive but it’s also safer than traditional navigation apps. Drivers can rest assured they won’t miss anything crucial on roads or highways, as the real-time camera preview enables them to check conditions on the screen without impacting driving safety.

“We are so pleased to make Sygic’s AR feature available to users around the world. We understand the value of bringing the latest technology features into Sygic GPS Navigation, and to bringing smart life to your device,” said Sygic CEO Michal Stencl. “However our new AR capability isn’t just a shiny new tool. Whether you’re in the car with your loved-ones, friends or by yourself, the AR feature is designed promote the highest form of road safety.”

Sygic is the first premium navigation app to take advantage of AR for user’s safety and offer an improved experience from navigation, according to the company. The AR feature called Real View Navigation is available for all Android and iOS users as an app purchase for $8.99 USD.  

Other Sygic features include real-time traffic and gas price updates, parking suggestions, daily warning of speeding cameras, and the ability to project navigation on one’s windshield at night.

According to a 2015 Pew Research Center study, 67 percent of smartphone users surveyed said they occasionally use their phones for turn-by-turn navigation while driving. Even more, 31 percent said they frequently use navigation apps.

Sygic GPS has gained more than 200 million downloads and boasts worldwide coverage of more than 200 countries in over 40 languages.

For a video demo, click here.  

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