PDA

View Full Version : TomTom mount has its own GPS chip



kdarling
Jun 10, 2009, 11:53 AM
Interesting article from a GPS fan who talked to TomTom:

TomTom mount has its own GPS chip and antenna for better reception (http://gps.about.com/b/2009/06/10/more-details-on-tomtom-for-iphone-mount-has-its-own-gps-chip.htm), although it will work without it.

The article also talks about how maps will be bundled.


iGary
Jun 10, 2009, 11:56 AM
Interesting article from a GPS fan who talked to TomTom:

TomTom mount has its own GPS chip and antenna for better reception (http://gps.about.com/b/2009/06/10/more-details-on-tomtom-for-iphone-mount-has-its-own-gps-chip.htm), although it will work without it.

The article also talks about how maps will be bundled.

I'm anxious to find out how much TomTom is going to jack us for the maps and the mount. My guess is about the same price as a new GPS. :rolleyes:
chrmjenkins
Jun 10, 2009, 11:57 AM
If it's not <50, it defeats the purpose IMO.
kdarling
Jun 10, 2009, 11:59 AM
Hey... if this is true... dock mount with its own GPS..

Then couldn't even the original iPhone run TomTom while docked in it ???!!

Is the dock available to apps on the original?
iGary
Jun 10, 2009, 11:59 AM
If it's not <50, it defeats the purpose IMO.

I'd pay upwards of $100 for the app and the mount. That's what I am guessing, personally.

How much is TomTom on other mobile platforms?
t0mat0
Jun 10, 2009, 12:02 PM
Darn shame they can't do one that uses FM to transmit the music, as that would be pretty near the perfect dock
- charges
- music through any stero
- GPS chip in dock and antenna gives better signal
bbotte
Jun 10, 2009, 12:03 PM
I like the fact that the iPhone will use the mounts GPS. Maybe it will have an effect on draining the battery. When I have been using my iPhone on trips using google map and the GPS tracking me on the map, My car charger would not charge my phone. The charger would slow the rate of discharge though. I would arrive and my battery would be half full. So maybe now I can have a fully charged phone when I get to my destination.
DavieBoy
Jun 10, 2009, 12:04 PM
Darn shame they can't do one that uses FM to transmit the music, as that would be pretty near the perfect dock
- charges
- music through any stero
- GPS chip in dock and antenna gives better signal

I thought they said it was going to play music through the stereo
bbotte
Jun 10, 2009, 12:04 PM
Darn shame they can't do one that uses FM to transmit the music, as that would be pretty near the perfect dock
- charges
- music through any stero
- GPS chip in dock and antenna gives better signal

I have never heard a FM wireless transmitter that didn't have static or sound like crap.
1Zach1
Jun 10, 2009, 12:08 PM
Wonder if this means someone will make a GPS only accessory with a topographic map App for hiking/camping.
OllyW
Jun 10, 2009, 12:11 PM
I have never heard a FM wireless transmitter that didn't have static or sound like crap.

I have. :p
chrmjenkins
Jun 10, 2009, 12:33 PM
I'd pay upwards of $100 for the app and the mount. That's what I am guessing, personally.

How much is TomTom on other mobile platforms?

You're getting into dedicated GPS territory. Why pay near that to restrict phone usage in the car?
t0mat0
Jun 10, 2009, 12:44 PM
I thought they said it was going to play music through the stereo

via a audio in 3.5mm headphone jack it seems.
mtbright
Jun 10, 2009, 01:31 PM
since the iphone isnt supporting background processes, I wonder how the programming intends to handle incoming calls, texts etc while navigating.. any ideas?
chrmjenkins
Jun 10, 2009, 01:42 PM
since the iphone isnt supporting background processes, I wonder how the programming intends to handle incoming calls, texts etc while navigating.. any ideas?

I thought a news story came out where Apple said that they are looking into it as a limited thing. I think it makes sense for this and things like pandora/lastfm. I shouldn't have to stop my music to answer a text.
dejo
Jun 10, 2009, 01:54 PM
since the iphone isnt supporting background processes, I wonder how the programming intends to handle incoming calls, texts etc while navigating.. any ideas?
The iPhone does support background processes, just in a limited way. Those things will be handled in the same way they currently are. That is, incoming calls will temporarily suspend the running app and return when ended and texts will appear as pop-ups.
chrmjenkins
Jun 10, 2009, 01:56 PM
The iPhone does support background processes, just in a limited way. Those things will be handled in the same way they currently are. That is, incoming calls will temporarily suspend the running app and return when ended and texts will appear as pop-ups.

I think what he is referring to is that the developers have no control over whether or not their app can run in the background.
kdarling
Jun 10, 2009, 02:47 PM
since the iphone isnt supporting background processes, I wonder how the programming intends to handle incoming calls, texts etc while navigating.. any ideas?

Unless Apple makes an exception for TomTom, you'd have to restart it after taking the call.

Of course, you could miss a turn during the time you're fumbling to do this.

So it all depends on how silly Apple is willing to look, compared to other phones.