Motion-X GPS for iPhone

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Motion-X GPS reminds me of a simple map-less handheld Garmin eTrex I once used for running and hiking. The eTrex kept track of my distance and average speed, functioned as a compass when I was moving, and could store waypoints and tracks. Handy, but an extra thing to carry and a little awkward to use.

Motion-X GPS is designed to fill a similar role, but it does so much more. Like the eTrex, the compass lets me navigate to a known waypoint. The eTrex essentially needed a computer to add waypoints, unless you were standing on the spot you wanted to mark. Motion-X has Google Maps built in and you can double-tap a spot to drop a waypoint in. Views include road, satellite and contour maps.

The user interface is one of Motion-X’s main strengths. Functions are laid out in pages, with arrow buttons to slide through the rotation. A very Apple-like function: Hold down an arrow button and a list appears allowing you to jump directly to a page. There are separate pages for maps, compass view, waypoint and track lists, a stopwatch, and GPS status.

There’s a well-designed interface for sharing waypoints, tracks, and photos via Twitter, Email, or Facebook. The application can access your iPhone contacts too.

Motion-X takes advantage of a new iPhone API - adding iTunes controls right inside the application. No need to stop the app (and tracking) to change your playlist. A recent update taps into the iPhone 3GS magnetometer for the compass. There’s still an option to use a GPS-based compass while in motion.

Looking for a GPS application for your car? While Motion-X isn’t intended to provide directions it can still function as a trip computer, providing information like an ETA, average speed, and distance-to-destination.

Like my old eTrex, this application is better applied to outdoor use: biking, hiking, running. You could mark your starting point in a strange city, then wander around adding waypoints for places you’d like to revisit. You can even take photos within the app and store them with waypoints or a track.

Others have already given Motion-X a full review, I’ll leave the details to them. But here are some of my favorite features:

• Great interface including customization options
• Built-in access to iTunes
• Ability to add a waypoint on a map
• Magnetic compass support on iPhone 3GS
• Smart interface for sharing via Twitter, Email or Facebook
• Can store 101 tracks and 303 waypoints
• Comprehensive Google Map integration

There’s a free lite version of Motion-X (iTunes link) that lets you see the features but restricts waypoint storage. It’s well worth a look. The full version (iTunes link) is currently available in the app store for $2.99.

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