TomTom iPhone Navigation Car Kit To Cost Over $130, App Not Included

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.