TOMTOM AUSTRALIA has today announced the release of its iPhone GPS navigation app, first revealed at Apple’s WWDC event in early June.
Using maps provided by Sensis subsidiary WhereIs, the TomTom iPhone GPS app features an intelligent IQ Routes system to map out a path the software determines to be the “smartest, most efficient route” - as opposed to the shortest.
As with most GPS software, the TomTom iPhone app features speed camera location notifications and over-speed warnings.
The TomTom navigation app offers voice instructions, hands-free calling, and an on-screen interface that features larger buttons and text to improve usability without distracting drivers from the road.
To keep motorists safe from fines incurred for using their mobile phone while driving, TomTom has developed a cradle and window-mount for the iPhone, including an in-built car charger. Pricing and availability for the cradle has not yet been revealed.
TomTom’s GPS navigation app is available now in the iTunes Music Store for $99.99.
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The price for TOMTOM is $99.99 not $69.99
Regards
So it is, thanks C.Kennedy.
I was sitting on a bus last week (look, not my fault! It’s a long story!!) so I decided to try the GPS system on iPhone’s standard ‘maps’ App. The app couldn’t keep up with the bus, even with frequent stops. It wasn’t anything to do with loading the map, the problem was the update of the GPS location. So you’ve got to wonder how well this app will actually function. Perhaps updating the GPS location uses battery power, so it’s limited to certain time intervals as standard? Anyone know?
Now, if someone gets it, maybe they can write a review for TMR?
Luke, as I understand it, the Google Maps app uses the iPhone’s 3G signal to check your position, at certain intervals.
Apps like TomTom’s nav app, along with Navigon and Sygic, use the iPhone’s in-built GPS chip, which means it’s quicker, more accurate, and not reliant on you being in a 3G zone.
We’ve got a review of Navigon’s MobileNavigator app coming shortly, and hopefully one of TomTom’s app as well. Stay tuned!
I’ve been looking forward to this app but so far it seems the biggest thing that frustrates me with TomTom has not been addressed.
While Sygic will give you a picture of what lanes are coming up and which you should be in the TomTom preview pics do not seem to do this.
I will be waiting for some more thorough reviews or a friend to purchase this app before buying. To be honest, the cradle excites me more than this app now.
Mike, the in built Maps app does use the in built GPS chip. It first uses the location of mobile towers to triangulate a relative location of where you may be, represented by a large blue circle, then the GPS kicks in to get the exact location i.e. the blue pulsating dot. The reason why it appears to have trouble keeping up at speed is because Apple chose to code it in a way that it doesn’t track what direction the phone is heading in and how fast it is going at.
With the 3.0 update, they opened up more sophisticated GPS tracking which now allows manufacturer’s such as TomTom to develop turn-by-turn navigation. These apps will track much more accurately than the default Maps.
Tom Tom on the iphone will also be available with the Tom Tom cradle which has its own GPS sensor in it. I’m surprised that this hasn’t been announced with the app. It will work without it though …
Sounds like a useful app. No one is going to be buying GPS units anymore.
Do we know when we can expect to hear further details about the cradle and when it is likely to be available for purchase? I don’t really want to buy the app without the cradle.
It look great what about price?