Now not only can you let friends know what you're doing via frequent status updates; you can also let them know exactly where you are. Navigon is updating its popular app to add social networking Website integration, plus a few other niceties.

Last year, Navigon decided to exit the hardware market in North America, and focus all its effort outside of Europe on an application that users can download to a compatible device and use for turn-by-turn directions on-the-go. The resulting app for the iPhone and iPod Touch is called MobileNavigator, and sells for US$89.99 through the iTunes App Store.

With the revamped version of the app, users can broadcast their current position, destination, and estimated time of arrival, to Website feeds like Twitter and Facebook with a single button tap. Aside from boring "friends" with details they're not interested in, the feature could actually come in handy for co-ordinating meetings or routes: are you running late for a meeting, or is everyone else still en route?

In addition to the social networking Website tie-in, Navigon will also be offering a separate app download that adds panorama 3D views powered by NASA data to the equation. The 3D view depicts the surrounding environment, along with digital landscapes that include elevations, shadows, and geographic images.

An improved MyRoutes feature analyzes driving data, than intelligently designs custom routes based on this historical information. The driver is presented with three choices: one that's based on the aforementioned driving habits, along with the day of the week and time of travel, and the other two based on distance and speed.

Navigon's MobileNavigator app relies solely on the iPhone's GPS receiver, which means it works independent of a cellular or wireless signal. It includes Google Local Search, Reality View Pro, branded Points of Interest (POIs), a pedestrian mode, and live traffic. The app has recently also been made available for Windows Mobile and Android devices.

The revised app will be showcased at MacWorld, which takes place February 11-13, 2010 in San Francisco, CA. During the show and through to February 15, Navigon will offer the app on promotion for US$69.99, plus Traffic Live for US$19.99 (regularly $24.99). Panorama View 3D will sell for US$9.99.

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