AT&T has announced today they are releasing a turn-by-turn GPS navigation application dubbed the AT&T Navigator. The app is currently available for $9.99 a month from Apple's App Store on the iPhone and iPod touch. AT&T is quoted below about their new product hitting the shelfs. 

 “AT&T Navigator has been one of our most popular and best-performing apps since we launched it last year,” said Mark Collins, vice president of voice and data products for AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “With the new iPhone OS 3.0 software, we’re expanding the advantages of true turn-by-turn navigation – both voice and on-screen directions – to millions more customers. We’re bringing greater convenience to drivers and travelers nationwide, including providing regular, automatic updates to map information at no charge so customers have the latest at their fingertips.”

 Looks to me AT&T is trying to beat other companies like Tom-Tom to the punch. With getting their own GPS out there in the loop first, they get an early jump on hungry GPS consumer base.  Also with it being an internal App, they give somewhat of a convenience to customers by adding the montly price tag of $9.99 to their current montly AT&T bill. Here are some little tidbits of what the AT&T Navigator will be offering. 

•  Automatic Content Updates: No manual updates required. The latest map and navigating details are automatically available to subscribers at no extra cost.

• Voice and On-Screen Turn-By-Turn Directions: Real-time voice and visual guidance, including street names, automatic re-routes, ETA and total mileage updates. Drivers can also choose among multiple route options, including ‘traffic optimized’; ‘fastest’; ‘prefer streets’; ‘prefer highways’ and ‘pedestrian mode’ to ensure the most customized navigation experience.
• Speech Recognition: Touch and talk capability for instant turn-by-turn directions to destination.
• Traffic Alerts: Real-time route monitoring and proactive searches every five minutes for traffic congestion or incident. Voice and on-screen alerts, plus faster route options provided.
• 3D Maps: Full-color 3D moving map brings navigation to life. Maps provide details on current location, plus streets and interstates within driving distance.
• Business Listings: One-touch access to more than 10 million business listings from YELLOWPAGES.COM. Plus, access to business ratings, phone numbers and one-touch dialing.
• In-Route Customization: Users have the advantage of finding convenient rest stops for gas, food and other needs along their current route – saving both time and mileage.
• Online Trip Planning: Preplan trips, save addresses and manage travel accounts online at www.navpreplan.com. Save locations and send directions straight to iPhone.