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More Details on 'TomTom for iPhone' Emerge

The new competitor of Navigon is...

IGo just released its GPS software today on the AppStore. The provider of the maps is the same as for Navigon (Navteq), but the software looks very different. The demo video is very nice, but a demo is always nice...
If someone tried it, could he give us some information about it ?

With 2 such big competitors (and there is also G-Map), if I was TomTom I wouldn't release my product on Iphone except if I had something really unique to propose. TomTom, what will you offer that your competitors don't ? It's time to communicate with something else than a basic video...
 
Tiffy said:
With 2 such big competitors (and there is also G-Map), if I was TomTom I wouldn't release my product on Iphone except if I had something really unique to propose. TomTom, what will you offer that your competitors don't ? It's time to communicate with something else than a basic video...
Click to expand...

The biggest difference is going to be their GPS antenna and Bluetooth dock, IMHO. That's going to help separate them from the other apps, as the TomTom device will have a separate antenna that's much better/faster at obtaining the initial GPS lock, as well as helping keep their app locked onto the GPS signals. Unfortunately, as it's been noted, it's not going to be inexpensive, and you probably can't use any type of bulky case.

FWIW, I've not had the annoying problems with the GPS signal lock/acquisition or have the signal drop while using Navigon. I use a suction cup window mount (that allows for cases, but I don't use a case currently). The mount keeps the iPhone about 4" from the windshield, and gives the iPhone an unobstructed view to the sky.
 
Actually, TomTom have IQ Routes etc.

What strikes me is that the initial shipment to a shop had been delayed.
 
m3coolpix said:
The biggest difference is going to be their GPS antenna and Bluetooth dock, IMHO.
Click to expand...

Hi Coolpix,

Some people on this forum told that Apple had asked TomTom to make its hardware compatible with other GPS applications. If it's true (is it ?), then TomTom will have to offer great software functionalities to attract the customers. IQRoutes is something interesting but for example around Paris in France it is useless because there is not enough TomTom users to allow the app to know the traffic on small roads. So the GPS unit can direct you to roads that are worst that the one it wants to avoid... I already have Navigon, and I wouldn't spend again the same price just to have IQRoutes. Regarding the GPS antenna, with the Iphone positioned near the windshield (and a reboot of the Iphone :D) I almost never loose the GPS signal.

I think TomTom has only 2 options now : either they propose their app at a very competitive price, or they propose a very high-end solution, far better than the existing apps. But this second option is doubtful as the existing apps are already very good.
 
if you look at the Handtec site it says price is still TBC
So essentially they are simply speculating what the price will be in order to drum up some interest. No doubt when/if TomTom do make an announcement handtec will adjust their site to match.
 
0B1 said:
if you look at the Handtec site it says price is still TBC
So essentially they are simply speculating what the price will be in order to drum up some interest. No doubt when/if TomTom do make an announcement handtec will adjust their site to match.
Click to expand...

Correct, how their support said:

In regards to this all we can suggest is checking out our website weekly to see if or when this becomes available, however in a couple of weeks our site will have a feature allowing you to receive emails regarding items such as this one,
Click to expand...

but before:

I'm very sorry but at this time we do not have a specific date for when this item is coming into stock. An order has been placed with our suppliers however the shipment dates have been delayed and we cannot estimate a specific date as of yet.
Click to expand...
 
Tiffy said:
Hi Coolpix,

Some people on this forum told that Apple had asked TomTom to make its hardware compatible with other GPS applications.
Click to expand...

I've heard this too. That would be interesting. There's also a separate dock accessory now available for this functionality for the other GPS apps:

Orange Gadgets

$75.00 plus shipping, and that's just for the external GPS antenna capability (no bluetooth, no cradle like the TomTom). Also requires JB'ing your iPhone currently to load an extension to make it compatible with other software.

But, using a window mount, and even with my iPhone in a case (SwitchEasy Capsule Neo), I have no major GPS signal issues, at start up or with it dropping during use. I can tell that with the SwitchEasy case, Navigon takes a bit longer for initial lock, but never more than 30 seconds. It's almost immediate with the iPhone naked and in the window mount.
 
ct2k7 said:
That's a WCS for me.
Click to expand...

Yep. I already think £113 is too much for the App and Dock. Only reason I'm waiting is for the dock, or I else I would have purchased the Navigon by now. Plus I'm in no rush in getting a TBT app.
 
Chi 1080 said:
Yep. I already think £113 is too much for the App and Dock. Only reason I'm waiting is for the dock, or I else I would have purchased the Navigon by now. Plus I'm in no rush in getting a TBT app.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I understand. It does look interesting.
 
1. At that price thats a definite thanks but no thanks.

2. The dock not having a 30 pin plug is short sighted as it negates video output from iTunes and YouTube

3. Not having video output available for all apps is just frustrating though that is an Apple constraint even though the API functionality is blatantly there albeit hidden, not documented and not available to use for mainstream release though it can be used for application development using the xCode tools. Come on Apple.....why why why

4. So imagine if your GPS application - google maps, Tom Tom or other was ALLOWED to output video to your car LCD monitor....I just don't get it.....
 
nik911sc said:
1. At that price thats a definite thanks but no thanks.

2. The dock not having a 30 pin plug is short sighted as it negates video output from iTunes and YouTube

3. Not having video output available for all apps is just frustrating though that is an Apple constraint even though the API functionality is blatantly there albeit hidden, not documented and not available to use for mainstream release though it can be used for application development using the xCode tools. Come on Apple.....why why why

4. So imagine if your GPS application - google maps, Tom Tom or other was ALLOWED to output video to your car LCD monitor....I just don't get it.....
Click to expand...

The iPhone already has a screen, why output a video signal to a monitor? And if you already have an LCD screen inside the car, it probably also already has GPS. Not to mention, there is a VAST array of resolutions and screen sizes to support, which is the reason why it doesn't.
 
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