Newly released in October 2018, the TZ iBoat application will now be TimeZero's spearhead. It is under this brand that MaxSea products are now marketed. This French IT developer (based in Bidart in the Basque Country) has always distinguished itself by its innovations. After routing for offshore runners, then mapping and sedimentology of the seabed for fishermen, they are now investing in the general public with the TZ iBoat application.
TimeZero received us to discover their product in situation. We were able to sail in Barcelona Bay with an iPad in hand. A good opportunity to validate the functionalities of this new product.
Frédéric Algalarondo presents the latest TZ iBoat at sea
An application to navigate simply
A few years ago, MaxSea had already developed an app for iPad, but without really promoting or maintaining it. This is no longer the case with the new TZ iBoat. This one uses the famous TimeZero graphics engine which allows very fast zooms, whatever the cartography used.
Indeed TZ iBoat works with raster maps, but also vector maps. The browser will be able to choose according to its habits. With this dual offer, the application can be used all over the world.
Intuitive operation
The use of TZ iBoat is totally intuitive. You place a point by clicking on the map, you move it naturally. The heading and distance to the point are immediately indicated. We can draw roads and follow the tides, monitor the weather...
This application benefits from PhotoFusion, an intelligent system that combines a satellite image with the marine chart. The layer of the satellite image is more or less transparent depending on the water depth. This allows you to see the rocks in very shallow depths. A very useful function for shaving stones or taking anchor. PhotoFusion seems so obvious when you use it that you get the impression that it has always existed. However, it is an exclusive TimeZero innovation.
A wahoo effect
The TimeZero graphics engine is highly efficient. Even on a mobile device like the iPad, it allows you to move around the map very quickly, without jerking around. It's fluid. In addition, the 3D function switches the map. We then see the relief "as if we were there". It's very impressive to discover. Not sure if this is very effective in navigation, but the effect bluffs the user.
For all iPads
TZ iBoat works only on iPad. Development on Android is not planned. The number of brands and tablet models under Android makes the test phases too complex. Indeed, TimeZero wants to offer stable software for its customers.
Downloading the application is free of charge with a map area offered for testing (the port of Miami). The maps are available in the awning (with worldwide coverage). Count about 50 € for a navigation area covering the coasts of France. This is an annual subscription that allows you to always have the latest version of the card with you. The renewal of the subscription in subsequent years is planned with a 50% discount.
Sharing with other users
TZ iboat opens a new era for TimeZero. Indeed, this developer wants to offer access to a Cloud to its users. They will then be able to share a navigation, save waypoints, exchange positions. TZ iBoat already offers the possibility to connect with other users to share their location in real time. A new possibility to follow your friends on the water?
