G-Map U.S. East and G-Map U.S. West for the iPhone have returned to the App Store with version 1.3 and a higher price which is now $24.99 increased $5.

Adds Improved Interface and audio tone for turn-by-turn instructions. Also adds a feature for deactivating the auto-lock on iPhone as well as adding display total remaining time and distance to the destination while driving.

* Notice:
The routing map screen of version 1.3 is different from that of version 1.2. Please refer to the screen shots and ‘What’s new’ to check the changes. If you want to keep using the current map screen of version 1.2, please do not download the update.

Version 1.3 includes a local-based game in which the driver picks up a point or a random item while driving as indicated by the application. When you create the route and start driving, you would see the “?” box on the bar at the top of the screen which shows you the next street. The color of bar will gradually change when the driver approaches to certain distance. The “?” box will be opened when the color change hits the box. If you drive successfully as guided by the application, the bar color will get completely changed and you will get the item. But if you make a wrong way, you cannot the get the item in the box. I do not know if this is so compelling in a turn-by-turn mapping app.

What’s new:
- Provide game features in routing with new UIs (such as taking random game item and item gauge etc.)
- Provide mini map on the screen for next intersection preview while travelling
- Display total remaining time and distance to the destination while driving
- Add ‘Manage’ button in the recent search function
- Provide a feature deactivating auto-lock mode
- Previous route can be loaded when restart the G-map
- Fixing other bugs

G-Map comes with maps for U.S. East and U.S. West and sell for $24.99 each.

This is still the closest app for the iPhone for replacing a reason to carry your Garmin Nuvi or a TomTom GPS.

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