A lot of people have been trying to connect their TomTom SatNav devices to their new 3 SkypePhones to get traffic updates, and having problems. Crundy, who developed the SkypeIN / SkypeOUT workaround, has released details instructions on how to achieve this, which you can access in the rest of the article.
The latest TomTom devices (x20 range - 520, 720, 920) support custom cursors (custom vehicle icons) out of the box, but an earlier device upgraded with the same v7 software does not. Help is at hand…
The TomTom Link 300, or TomTom Work has just passed through the FCC. This device adds extra functions to a TomTom SatNav device by allowing you to read and select orders from your Head Office, exchange text messages with your Head Office, and register your working time and your breaks. The office can send delivery / pickup requests to the device, and the driver can send back status updates. In essence a range of functions useful to delivery drivers and anyone driving a vehicle for business purposes.
No pricing available as yet, and although it’s unlikely to be a piece of technology most of us will ever need, it’s a nice example of integration improving functionality. It will be interesting to see how simple or how advanced the Head Office systems needs to be to support this device.
If you are fed up with the car mount for your TomTom, Carcomm have a range of mounts for a variety of devices, but they include the new TomTom x20 range (520, 720, 920). This new mounts includes a TMC extension cable, allowing better positioning of the mount and the TMC antenna. PocketGPSWorld have reviewed this new mount here.
TomTom has announced a linkup with Google Maps. Users will be able to find destinations, and even plan complete routes in Google Maps, and then save these routes to your TomTom SatNav device (via TomTom Home). No availability date has been announced.
Further to our previous article, at the end of last week, Garmin withdraw it’s bid for TeleAtlas, although not until TomTom had increased their offer ($4.2m) above that of Garmin’s ($3.3m). Garmin, a long time Navteq user, announced at the same time that irrespective of Nokia buying Navteq, Garmin have guaranteed access to Navteq data until 2015.
The TomTom deal is set to be signed today.
Yesterday TomTom launched their new HD Traffic service in The Netherlands. This High Definition traffic service uses raw, anonymous GSM signalling data made available through the partnership between TomTom and Vodafone. This data is merged with existing traffic sources to deliver the world’s most advanced traffic data.
This unique new way of supplying customers with accurate and precise traffic information, using anonymous, aggregated mobile phone data, sets a new industry standard and revolutionises the way drivers plan their daily journeys. Users receive up to five times more traffic updates so they are better informed about the traffic situation on their route and receive more accurate travel and arrival times.
In addition, HD Traffic covers at least ten times more roads in the Netherlands, so drivers know in advance that the alternative route they take is actually a smarter option, thus avoiding any unnecessary delays. TomTom has entered into a partnership with mobile network operator Vodafone in The Netherlands and in the United Kingdom for the supply of the anonymous GSM signaling data. Vodafone’s international footprint, strong brand, innovative power and the best mobile network in the industry makes it a true and reliable partner for TomTom and its users.
The ONE XL HD Traffic comes with integrated HD Traffic, using a built-in SIM card to automatically set up a LIVE connection to the TomTom HD Traffic Centre. The TomTom ONE XL HD Traffic comes with a 12 month introductory subscription to HD Traffic included. After that, you decide if you want to subscribe at the fixed, low cost fee (€9.99 per month in NL, which includes the data connection as well as the traffic service). No hidden charges, no mobile tariffs and no nasty surprises.
TomTom expect to launch this HD Traffic service in the UK in 2008.
HTC has this week announced the Touch Cruise, combining the TouchFLO interface with a builtin GPS. The device includes Windows Mobile 6, HSDPA, WiFi, Bluetooth, a 3 megapixel camera, microSD expansion, and a 2.8-inch touch-screen. It should ship with TomTom Navigator 6 too.
TomTom announced today that it is now supplying selected TomTom SatNav devices with their latest (read fixed) RDS-TMC traffic receiver in the same box. Similar to Garmin, TomTom has added a “T” into the new product titles to indicate that the product is a bundle including traffic support.
More details of the models and prices in the rest of the article.
TomTom have now released the v7 software update for the x10 devices (510, 710, 910) providing the new functions that have been available on the x20 devices (520, 720) for a while now. To get this update, you may need to first update your TomTom HOME application, and then you should be able to get the update for your device.
This is also available for some of the TomTom ONE range too.
Earlier this year, TomTom announed it was going to make an offer for TeleAtlas. A few months later, Nokia announced it was actually making an offer for Navteq. This prompted TomTom to firm up it’s offer for TeleAtlas.
Today, Garmin has joined in and has also made an offer for TeleAtlas, which is an interesting move from Garmin, who have traditionally used Navteq maps worldwide.
There are other rumours flying around about companies wanting to buy TomTom, but nothing is confirmed yet.
Story from PocketGPSWorld.com
Although apparently not yet in the shops, TomTom are now shipping out replacement TMC traffic data receivers to people in the UK who have complained about performance problems (ie the previous ones didn’t work). These seem to being well received, and actually work in the UK.
So, with that sorted out, and with the new MapShare feature in their newer products, one has to wonder what Garmin will do next to try to ensure they hold their market share.
Picture courtesy of PocketGPSWorld