TomTom announces navigation for iPhone

No sooner had Apple unveiled the new iPhone 3G S this week with GPS navigation, than personal navigation device makers began their own round of announcements as they scrambled to be the first with a turn-by-turn navigation application in the Apple store.

First up was TomTom, who introduced downloadable maps and navigation software, along with a mount to charge and securely hold the device to the windshield or dashboard on the road. The dock offers users the option of portrait or landscape view, and it features include a microphone and speaker to deliver audio comparable to stand alone PNDs. TomTom says the phone will navigate with or without the mount. When asked if the software will feature enhanced functionality for pedestrians, a representative said only that the application was intended for use in the car.

The representative explained that menus and screen views will mimic those of TomTom’s own navigators, and that the application will have a familiar look to TomTom users. Features include IQ routing, which uses historic traffic info when planning routes.

New features will include the option of routing to an address directly from the phone’s address book.

While the new iPhone features voice-command capability, it was unclear whether that feature would work with the navigation application. New features will be announced closer to the on-sale date later in the summer. TomTom says maps for the U.S and Europe will be available at launch. Prices have not been release. (Visit the TomTom iPhone site.)

—Jim Travers

For more information on portable automotive GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS devices in the forums.

Comments

[Carz]

GPS can only do so much. I just hope something is going to be done on the issue of privacy and reliability of these high-tech systems.

[Heymull]

Unhappy with my 1-yr old TomTom Go 720: the very latest firmware update caused the GPS to fail Bluetooth connection to my Nokia 6103. Always worked flawlessly till this update! Phone still works fine with other Bluetooth devices.

Anyone else seen this problem? Is it related to the GPS update for the iPhone?

[Randall Stross]

I wonder how smart is the IQ routing feature. You would think they would have to program some pretty good AI into it to make it truly useful.

[Garth Miles]

"... features include a ... speaker to deliver audio comparable to stand alone PNDs"

My guess as to what "PND" stands for, used in this context, is Personal Navigation Device?

[Benji]

My TomTom Go 720 works fine bluetooth-wise after the latest firmware update, must be your setup :(