TOMTOM has revealed this week that its iPhone window-mount car kit will retail in America for US$120 (AU$138), not including the AU$99.99 navigation app itself.
The window-mounting kit includes an integrated speaker and secondary GPS receiver to boost signal reception, and a charger to maintain the iPhone’s battery.
The cheapest dedicated in-car navigation device offered by Tomtom locally is the ONE Australia kit, retailing for $249.
The Tomtom iPhone GPS navigation app, first revealed at Apple’s WWDC event in early June and released in Australia last month, uses the iPhone’s in-built GPS chip to turn the phone into a fully-functioning navigation device.
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 in-car kit is scheduled to go on sale in the US from October, but so far no Australian dates have been announced.
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Biggest problem I see is most new cars these days have great blue tooth calling systems integrated in the car already, also proper iPod/iPhone connection plugs (not talking about the crappy 3.5 aux). See for most people they want to play their mp3’s through their iPhone on their car’s stereo with proper interface which a dedicated iPod plug offers. When using this cradle you lose that.
TOM TOM should have designed this cradle with the ability to also plug in your own cars iPod plug and also to disable hands free calling. Other than that looks good.
This is a joke. I can get a 3 party kit for the iphone for about 10 dollars from ebay. Yes, it does not look as good as the Tomtom one. But I am so disappointed for the GPS they built for iphone. Very laggy. The worst of worst. And it’s selling for the highest price. Looks like Tomtom is going on a one way road like Microsoft. If you want a GPS for your iphone. Get Syngic. 60 dollars, with Text to Speech. Fast navigation and covers Australia and new zeland. Sorry Tomtom, you used to be my favour but not anymore.
Where can these be purchased in Melbourne
they should have designed it so you can leave your cover on, taking the cover off everytime you get into the car is annoying…