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IGO (software)
IGO (software)
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iGO Navigation
DeveloperNNG LLC
Stable release
iGO My way 2009 / August 3, 2009; 16 years ago (2009-08-03)
Operating systemAndroid, iOS, Windows CE, Windows Mobile
TypeGPS navigation software
Websitenng.com/products/nng-igo Edit this on Wikidata

The iGO Navigation Engine, developed by Hungary-based NNG LLC (formerly Nav N Go) is a GPS navigation software package. NNG sells some versions of the software directly to users, as well as to device manufacturers, auto makers, network operators and professional transport specialists. Products based on iGO are available in brands including Becker, Clarion, Pioneer, Samsung and Vodafone.[1]

Product history

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iGO My way 2006 was the first GPS navigation software package by Nav N Go (now NNG) for PDA/PNA devices, introduced in 2005 at CeBIT, Hannover.[2] Due to the new map compression technology, the product fits on a 1GB SD card. An improved version was iGO My way 2006 Plus, announced in 2006.

NNG's iGO 8 (for PDA/PNA devices) was released in April 2008. It offered high-definition 3D navigation maps of terrain, road elevation, landmarks and 3D buildings.[3]

iGO amigo (for PNDs) was launched at CeBIT 2009 in Hannover.[4] iGO amigo was the first in a new software series, and employed changes aimed at simplifying the user interface. Since iGO amigo was a streamlined release, it had fewer features than its predecessor iGO 8.[5]

iGO My Way 2009 (for iOS devices) was released for North America and Western Europe and was then rolled out to all of Europe in 2010.[6]

iGO Primo (for Apple iOS, PND/PNA devices), introduced in 2010, is as of 2015 the primary product of the iGO Navigation range.[7] Version 6 was introduced at the end of 2012, with Google Local search, green routing,[clarification needed] extras through in-app purchase, real-time traffic monitoring, TTS Pro speech synthesis, and 3D display of junctions.[8]

iGO Primo app for iOS devices was introduced at CeBIT Hannover, 2011. Running on the iGO primo software engine, the refreshed application covers 115 countries with location-based search, green routing and improved junction views. Android and Windows Mobile versions are available to smartphone manufacturers and network providers, but not for retail sale.

iGO Primo Nextgen was introduced in 2015.

[edit]

Naviextras.com, NNG's map and content update portal, provides updates for iGO 8, iGO amigo and iGO primo. The portal typically releases map updates four times a year. Maps and updates are available for over 90 countries and regions, including countries from Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Middle East, Asia, and Oceania. In 2013, the portal supports 5.200 devices and counts close to 1.8 million registered users globally.[9]

As NNG is an independent map provider, it works with several map suppliers in different geographical regions. There are different versions of maps running on the iGO Navigation software for the same country or region made by different map suppliers, including TomTom, HERE, Sensis and regional providers.

Partnerships

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In 2013, NNG partnered with Logicom [fr], with an intention to provide the iGO navigation software services to the latter's mappy PNDs.[10][11]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
iGO is a modular GPS developed by NNG Software Developing and Commercial LLC, a Hungarian company founded in 2004 by Israeli businessmen David Wiernik and Kobi Halperin alongside Hungarian technical professionals, designed to provide offline and connected solutions for mobile devices, automotive systems, and embedded applications across over 190 countries and 50 languages. Originally launched in 2006 at the trade fair with full European coverage on a compact 1 GB , iGO pioneered innovations such as the industry's first 3D navigation interface between 2006 and 2008, evolving from (PDA) software to a comprehensive platform adopted by automotive manufacturers worldwide under the "Navigation for All" initiated in 2009-2010. The software's flexible allows customization for branded experiences, including intelligent routing based on driver behavior and vehicle type, real-time traffic integration, and over-the-air map updates, with a particular emphasis on (EV) support featuring range prediction and eco-routing. NNG's iGO has achieved significant , with over 30 million licenses sold and more than 4 million registered users, powering in vehicles from brands like Hyundai, , and Alpine, while earning accolades such as Deloitte's Technology Fast 50 awards in 2008 and 2009, and recognition as Europe's fastest-growing technology company in 2014. Its offline capabilities, reduced storage requirements, and advanced visualization continue to make it a leading solution for global mobility, supporting both consumer apps on Android and platforms and professional embedded systems.

Development and History

Origins and Founding

Nav N Go was founded in 2004 in , , by two Israeli businessmen, David Wiernik and Kobi Halperin, alongside several Hungarian technical professionals, with the aim of developing user-friendly GPS navigation software to make navigation easy and enjoyable for everyday users. The company emerged from a startup project focused on creating accessible location-based solutions, initially targeting the growing market for devices. As a Hungarian-based firm, Nav N Go specialized in GPS navigation software, leveraging local technical expertise to build innovative products for the emerging personal navigation sector. From its inception, Nav N Go concentrated on offline-capable navigation software tailored for personal digital assistants (PDAs) and portable navigation appliances (PNAs), prioritizing compact design and reliability without requiring real-time . This approach addressed the limitations of early mobile hardware, enabling seamless performance on resource-constrained devices while delivering essential and mapping functions. The development emphasized intuitive interfaces and efficient algorithms to ensure broad usability across . The breakthrough came with the launch of iGO My way 2006 at in Hannover in 2006, marking Nav N Go's first commercial GPS navigation software package for PDA and PNA devices. This version offered full European coverage and utilized advanced map compression technology to fit the entire package onto a 1 GB , a significant achievement for storage-limited mobile platforms at the time. Early iGO releases relied on maps from key suppliers such as TeleAtlas (now part of ) and (now HERE), which provided high-quality digital for and other regions, supplemented by local providers for Eastern European countries. In 2010, the company rebranded to NNG LLC to align with its expanding global operations and focus on embedded navigation solutions.

Key Milestones and Versions

The development of iGO navigation software began with the release of iGO 8 in April 2008, which introduced high-definition 3D maps featuring terrain visualization, road elevation, and 3D representations of buildings and landmarks. In March 2009, at the trade fair in Hannover, NNG launched iGO amigo as a simplified variant targeted at first-time users and portable navigation devices. iGO My Way 2009 followed later that year, debuting on August 4, 2009, for devices with initial support for , , and select other regions; it expanded coverage to full European maps with the iGO My Way 2010 edition in early 2010. NNG introduced iGO Primo in 2010 as a comprehensive solution for , personal navigation assistants, and embedded systems, which evolved to become the company's primary product line by 2015 through successive enhancements. Version 6 of iGO Primo, released in late 2012, incorporated integrations such as Local Search for online point-of-interest queries, green routing options prioritizing fuel-efficient paths, advanced text-to-speech (TTS Pro) for dynamic voice guidance, and real-time traffic updates via TMC services. Building on this foundation, iGO Primo Nextgen debuted in 2015 for integration into new automotive models, emphasizing adaptive human-machine interfaces, enhanced connectivity, and improved usability for original equipment manufacturers. In July 2022, NNG launched iGO.Live as an EV-first, cloud-based mobility platform designed from the ground up to address needs, including real-time map data delivery and hybrid onboard-connected functionality. This platform also introduced optional features like iGO.AHEAD, a scalable ADAS data delivery solution that reduces data bandwidth by up to 90% through technologies such as NDS.Live for and map-matching, with advancements highlighted in 2023. In July 2024, NNG integrated (OSM)-based maps into its iGO navigation for and vehicles in Europe, enabling cost-effective, community-driven updates with further regional expansions planned from 2025. Recent advancements in the iGO ecosystem include over-the-air (OTA) update capabilities, enabling seamless delivery of map and content revisions for country, region, or home zone schedules, particularly in 64-bit editions supporting the latest Android architectures.

Core Features and Technologies

iGO's and functions are built on an offline-first design, enabling reliable guidance without constant connectivity. This approach utilizes pre-downloaded map data covering 190 countries, supporting over 50 languages for voice and interface customization to accommodate global users. The core engine processes routes using high-quality vector maps, ensuring accurate turn-by-turn directions even in remote areas. Intelligent routing in iGO optimizes paths based on multiple factors, including driver behavior patterns, fuel or charge consumption estimates, and vehicle powertrain types such as internal combustion, hybrid, or electric. For electric vehicles, it incorporates EV-specific range prediction to mitigate range anxiety with real-time estimation and visualization. Real-time traffic integration allows dynamic rerouting to avoid delays, while green routing options prioritize eco-efficient paths to minimize emissions and fuel use. Points of interest (POI) data is embedded in the offline maps, enabling location-based searches for nearby services like gas stations or restaurants without online dependency. Recent updates to iGO applications have enhanced route calculation efficiency, with accelerated processing speeds that reduce computation time for complex itineraries and optimized storage that uses approximately half the space of many other navigation apps. These improvements support faster recalculations during navigation, maintaining seamless performance on resource-constrained devices. As of 2025 Q2, updates include enhanced map data with improved stability and additional language support for voice guidance. Text-to-speech (TTS) Pro provides advanced voice guidance, converting standard instructions into natural, personalized announcements that include street names, traffic events, and route summaries in the user's selected language. Live alerts for weather disruptions and traffic incidents are delivered via TTS, enhancing safety with proactive warnings like speed camera notifications or danger zone alerts. These functions integrate briefly with 3D visualization enhancements, such as detailed junction views, to provide clearer previews of upcoming maneuvers during offline .

Advanced Visualization and Integrations

iGO employs advanced 3D visualization techniques to enhance user immersion during , rendering detailed landscapes, buildings, and points of interest in real-time. This feature creates a more intuitive driving experience by providing depth and context to the map view, such as elevated roads and urban landmarks. The software also supports customizable user interfaces, allowing manufacturers to tailor the display to brand-specific aesthetics while maintaining core functionality. Additionally, multi-display support enables seamless adaptation across multiple screens in modern vehicle cockpits, ensuring consistent navigation visuals on instrument clusters, head-up displays, and central systems. A key innovation is iGO.AR, launched in 2022, which introduces for lane-level guidance. This system overlays virtual arrows and indicators directly onto the live camera feed, achieving centimeter-accurate positioning through the fusion of high-definition maps and vehicle sensor data. By integrating data from vehicle cameras, iGO.AR enhances safety in complex urban environments, such as intersections or zones, where traditional GPS may falter. Complementing these visuals, iGO.AHEAD delivers advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) data via a cloud-based platform, focusing on path-streaming to minimize bandwidth usage by up to 90%. It supports features like (ISA), which advises drivers on speed limits using real-time location data to comply with regulatory requirements, such as those mandated in the from July 2024. This solution ensures timely delivery of horizon data for predictive alerts without overwhelming vehicle connectivity. Cloud integration forms the backbone of iGO's connected capabilities, enabling streamed s that update dynamically based on the user's route, with predictions for cellular coverage to switch seamlessly to offline mode when needed. Contextual services extend to optimization, including range estimation and integration with charging infrastructure data to reduce . Over-the-air (OTA) updates occur in the background, delivering only relevant and software changes to maintain . iGO's extensibility is bolstered by integrations with multiple map providers and over 60 content providers worldwide, facilitating feeds for , , and localized points of interest. This ecosystem allows for highly customized, market-specific deployments while ensuring compliance with global standards like for ADAS performance.

Platforms and Deployment

Consumer Applications

iGO Navigation is available as a standalone consumer application for personal mobile devices on both Android and platforms, designed for individual users seeking reliable offline GPS guidance. Developed by NNG Software Developing and Commercial LLC, the app is offered for free on the Store and Apple App Store, operating on a model where core software is accessible without cost, but regional maps and premium features require in-app purchases, such as $29.99 for North American coverage. The Android version has achieved over 1 million downloads and maintains a user rating of 2.9 out of 5 stars from approximately 23,000 reviews as of November 2025, highlighting its utility for everyday and adventure despite some interface critiques. The counterpart similarly rates 2.8 out of 5 stars from 36 reviews in the store, with global variations around 2.9 to 3.1, reflecting consistent performance across devices. These apps emphasize by including only essential tools, avoiding bloat to ensure smooth operation on smartphones. A hallmark of the consumer apps is their advanced offline capabilities, enabling full without cellular data or , which is ideal for remote travels or areas with poor connectivity. The apps require roughly half the storage of comparable tools—the version occupies about 380 MB—while delivering fast route calculations, 3D city views, points of interest search, and text-to-speech directions. Coverage spans over 100 countries, including major regions like , , and , supporting users in diverse global scenarios. The iOS app underwent notable expansion in 2011 with the introduction of the iGO Primo edition, which powered across extensive territories and incorporated green routing to prioritize eco-friendly paths with lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, alongside local search and enhanced junction visuals. This update marked a shift toward more sustainable and feature-rich mobile for users. Consumer adoption has been substantial, with millions of downloads across platforms contributing to NNG's broader of over 60 million device installations worldwide; map updates and content enhancements for these apps are facilitated through the Naviextras portal.

Embedded and Automotive Systems

iGO navigation software has been widely deployed in embedded systems, particularly those running older operating systems such as Windows CE and , which were common in portable navigation devices (PNDs) and early automotive hardware during the and . These platforms enabled iGO's core engine to operate efficiently on resource-constrained hardware, providing offline and 3D visualization without requiring constant connectivity. Compatibility with Windows CE-based embedded systems allowed iGO to integrate seamlessly into dedicated GPS units and in-vehicle systems, supporting features like real-time traffic avoidance and customizable user interfaces tailored to device limitations. Pre-installation of iGO has been a key aspect of its adoption in consumer and professional PNDs from major manufacturers, including , Clarion, Pioneer, , and devices. These partnerships enabled device makers to bundle iGO as the default navigation solution, leveraging its modular architecture for hardware-specific optimizations such as screen resolutions and input methods. For instance, iGO Primo variants were factory-loaded on Clarion NX-series units and Active models, ensuring reliable performance in standalone GPS hardware without additional user setup. In automotive contexts, iGO is optimized for software-defined (SDVs), where it supports flexible deployment across various operating systems without tying OEMs to a single platform, facilitating seamless updates and multi-screen interfaces. This design is particularly suited to unconnected or low-cost connected markets, with phone-based map update mechanisms allowing offline functionality while enabling periodic data refreshes via companion apps. iGO's embedded solutions, such as iGO., provide customizable APIs for integration into vehicle powertrains and systems, supporting both traditional internal engines and hybrid setups across 190 countries. For electric vehicles (EVs), iGO features EV-first adaptations with deep integration, calculating energy-efficient routes based on battery specifications, elevation profiles, and availability to mitigate . These capabilities are deployed in over 30 global vehicle brands, offering real-time range predictions and optimized charging stop recommendations through hybrid online-offline modes. Additionally, a 64-bit edition of iGO supports modern embedded hardware, compatible with 2025 map datasets from providers like HERE, ensuring high-resolution rendering and enhanced processing for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) in contemporary SDVs.

Services and Ecosystem

Map Updates and Naviextras

Naviextras, developed by NNG LLC, serves as the primary online portal for map and software updates within the iGO navigation ecosystem. Launched in 2008 as part of NNG's expansion of services, it has played a central role in maintaining the iGO software lineup since around 2009, coinciding with the introduction of products like iGO amigo for beginner users. The platform supports key iGO versions, including legacy versions such as iGO 8 (also known as iGO My way 8), iGO amigo, iGO Primo, and the current iGO Navigation. enabling users to access updates via the free Naviextras Toolbox application. Map updates through Naviextras are released quarterly, with a maximum of four major releases per year, allowing subscribers to download and install the latest versions for free during their subscription period. As of 2025, Naviextras provides coverage for nearly 200 countries worldwide, supporting a wide range of device models across various manufacturers and serving millions of users, building on an earlier base of 1.8 million registered users reported in 2013. Maps are sourced from reputable providers such as and HERE, with regional options like Sensis for areas including and , ensuring compatibility with iGO's routing engine. Key features include downloadable content such as points of interest (POIs) for categories like restaurants and fuel stations, as well as safety camera alerts to warn drivers of fixed and mobile enforcement locations. For seamless delivery, Naviextras supports over-the-air (OTA) updates on compatible devices via , alongside phone-based solutions where users can initiate background downloads through connected smartphones, reducing the need for manual PC connections. These capabilities integrate briefly with iGO's broader services, enhancing real-time navigation without disrupting core functionality.

Content Management and Support

iGO's handles dynamic, live data streams essential for real-time navigation, integrating traffic updates, weather forecasts, and safety alerts through third-party APIs to deliver timely information without relying on static map files. This approach ensures users receive up-to-the-minute details on road conditions, , and hazards like accidents or , sourced from specialized providers to enhance route accuracy and safety. User tools within iGO emphasize personalization and convenience, featuring customizable scheduling for over-the-air updates that allow selection by country, region, or home zone to optimize data usage and timing. Additionally, in-app booking capabilities enable seamless reservations for fuel stations or charging points directly from the interface, integrating location data with service availability for efficient trip planning. The platform supports over 30 million licenses worldwide, including brandable solutions that permit partners to customize the interface and features for seamless integration into their devices or vehicles. This scalability facilitates white-label deployments, where automakers and device manufacturers can tailor iGO to align with their branding while leveraging its core navigation engine. Global content aggregation draws from more than 50 providers, encompassing diverse data types such as live services and points of interest across 190 countries, with 32 dedicated map providers contributing to comprehensive coverage. To maintain freshness, iGO employs cloud-based streaming and contextual updates, delivering incremental changes via on-demand phone connections rather than requiring complete file downloads, which minimizes bandwidth and storage demands. Troubleshooting and compatibility resources are available through official channels, including bases that address common issues like configuration errors or device integration, alongside for multi-display setups and support for both offline and connected environments. These tools ensure broad device compatibility, from smartphones to embedded automotive systems, with guidance on updates and log collection for diagnostics. Naviextras serves as the primary entry point for accessing these support elements and additional content.

Partnerships and Adoption

Collaborations with Device Makers

iGO's early collaborations focused on integrating its navigation software into portable navigation devices (PNDs) from prominent manufacturers. Key partnerships included , Clarion, Pioneer, , and , which embedded iGO-based products to deliver advanced GPS solutions to consumers. In the automotive sector, NNG has established long-term relationships with over 30 global vehicle brands, enabling pre-installation of iGO as white-label navigation systems directly from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). These integrations span entry-level to premium vehicles, supporting partnerships with seven of the top 10 car manufacturers worldwide. iGO benefits from collaborations with leading map suppliers such as and (formerly ), which provide high-quality, global mapping data essential for accurate and visualization. NNG aggregates content from over 50 such providers to ensure comprehensive coverage across more than 190 , enhancing the software's reliability through enriched datasets like and . Recent developments emphasize iGO's role in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and (EV) ecosystems within software-defined vehicles. Features like iGO.AHEAD deliver scalable ADAS data for (ISA) and (NCAP) compliance, reducing data usage by up to 90% while fusing map and sensor inputs for extended operational domains. For EVs, iGO.Live offers EV-first with real-time optimization, deep integration for charge planning, and hybrid online-offline capabilities tailored to software-defined architectures.

Market Reach and Installations

iGO Navigation software has achieved widespread global adoption, with installations on over 60 million devices worldwide as of recent reports. This extensive deployment underscores its role as a key player in the navigation industry, powering systems across personal devices, embedded automotive solutions, and mobile applications. The software supports presence in nearly 200 countries, enabling in diverse markets, including unconnected regions through robust offline functionality that minimizes reliance on connectivity. Over 30 million licenses have been signed, reflecting strong commercial traction, while the associated Naviextras portal has cultivated a community of several million registered users for map updates and . iGO's growth trajectory traces back to its origins in the early , when it primarily targeted personal digital assistants (PDAs) and portable navigation devices, evolving by 2025 into a frontrunner for (EV) routing and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) with features like real-time energy optimization and guidance. This expansion has been facilitated by key partnerships with over 150 entities since 2004, including more than 30 global vehicle brands. Commercially, iGO operates on a multifaceted model, licensing the software to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and operators for integration into vehicles and devices, while also offering access via standalone apps with in-app purchases for premium features and updates.

References

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