TomTom, one of the navigation apps available on the iPhone has just released an updated version.
The new version v1.2 of TomTom's iPhone app offers quite a lot of interesting features and one that is most interesting is its support for iPod touch and the first generation iPhones.
The TomTom iPhone app was released back in August of this year and is now among the top 20 navigation apps on the App Store. With the new version, iPod touch users may convert their iPods into navigational tools with the help of TomTom. Also, the navigation app which was hitherto available only for iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS users can now be used on first generation iPhones as well. However, users of first gen iPhones and iPod touch users must additionally purchase the TomTom car kit for $119.95 since these devices do not come integrated with a GPS receiver.
Version 1.2 of TomTom also offers the following features and upgrades
Map: The map has been updated from v8.30 to v8.35
IQ Routes: The IQ Routes database has been updated to include millions of new measurements
Advanced Lane Guidance: Available in both landscape and portrait modes
Help Me! : Provides immediate access to emergency numbers and also the directions to the emergency providers
Text-to-Speech: Available in English US, English UK, English Australia, French Canada, Spanish Latin America
This apart, the new version also includes improved search functionalities along with updated route summary screens and points of interest database. The TomTom app retails at $99.99 on the iPhone App Store though these new upgrades shall be offered free of charge to existing users.
We are eager to know from our readers how good the new updates to the map and route summary screens are compared to the old version. If you are an iPod Touch or first generation iPhone user, please do let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
[via AppleInsider]
Got it yesterday. Took me ages to figure out how to get Text-To-Speech (TTS). You have to go to settings, voice, and choose one that says (computer) after it. Only then will it tell you road names/numbers – and it works on demo mode,so you can test it without having to go anywhere.
Lane guidance is, I think, a small icon in the bottom left of the screen. Could be useful at times.
Unless you only drive around your small town or neighborhood, and nobody needs navigation for that, this is useless without live traffic information.
I think it's a clever business move now when Google has announced that their app for voice navigation will be free on the android. This will keep some custormers on the Ipod/Iphone platform instead of they have to buy an android mobile for navigation.
But still good luck against Google
)
Clever, clever move by Tom Tom: the installed base of iPod Touch and 1st Gen iPhone owners is massive, and in one fell swoop they get a GPS receiver and SatNav capability. These are users that cannot avail themselves of any future Google freebie SatNav app solutions (unless Tom Tom opens up its car kit for use by 3rd parties, which may make business sense).
3G & 3G S users get enhanced GPS functionality if they buy the car kit, but are free to purchase the app and use whatever car kit solution they prefer.
This is a traditional SatNav vendor covering its bases and preparing for Google's inevitable onslaught on their market sector. Wise…
Having updated to the new build I'm still not impressed at it's core capabilities. While the feature rollup and tweaks were a huge plus – ipod control and lane guidance in particular – underlying accuracy still doesn't seem to be up to speed with other iPhone nav options. Testing it in the NY area Navigon Mobile Navigator outperformed the TomTom app _with a car kit_ in my '08 Prius. I want to love this app as much as my physical TomTom, but it doesn't seem to have the chops to take its place yet.
Ok, I don't understand this. Version 1.0 and 1.1 recognized State Hwy 220 in Orange Park, Fl but version 1.2 doesn't. I like the new software update but the new map update forgot where hwy 220 is. Weird
The Tom Tom Car kit helps any GPS enabled app. Perhaps the app does a better job of taking advantage of it… but every thing I've read, and my own experience, is that the car kit improves all GPS accuracy.
There are still more feature rich turn by turn apps in the store. Magellan just came out with an app that has all the features most Tom Tom users have been wanting. Also Magellan has a car kit coming out that does all the Tom Tom kit does plus one more: you can use the Magellan kit with your iPhone in just about any iPhone case. The TomTom kit requires you to insert the iPhone without any cover.
I myself am currently using Gokivo for turn by turn. The appeal to me is $3.99 price for 30 days of live traffic and most current maps available. Since I don't venture from my home area too often, I can simply pay $3.99 before going on any trip where I might need it. That would probably be 3 or 4 times a year (at most). That's about 20% the cost of the Tom Tom app.
But the Magellan app is very appealing and so far it seems to have hit a home run with version 1.0 – something Tom Tom failed at.