TomTom Brings Homer Simpson Voice Guidance to iPhone

[MacRumors]

GPS navigation firm TomTom today announced that it has brought its Homer Simpson celebrity voice for turn-by-turn directions to its U.S. iPhone applications, appearing as a $5.99 in-app purchase.

Developed in partnership with Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products (FCP), The Gracie Films Worldwide Brand Division and Locutio Voice Technologies, the original Homer Simpson voice (recorded by Dan Castellaneta), for TomTom's range of personal navigation devices is now available for $5.99 for use on your TomTom App for iPhone in the U.S., marking the first time a celebrity voice has ever been available for mobile phone based GPS.

The original Homer Simpson voice for the TomTom App for iPhone comes with all the latest maps (TomTom version 1.7), which means drivers not only receive Homer's own special words of wisdom, such as "Woo Hoo! You have reached your destination, and you can hold your head up high, because you are a genius!" but also the latest TomTom map store on board their iPhone.

The Homer Simpson voice has been available on TomTom's standalone GPS devices for several years, but is only just now appearing as an option on the iPhone.

TomTom U.S.A is currently priced at $49.99 in the App Store.

Article Link: TomTom Brings Homer Simpson Voice Guidance to iPhone

 

[jp02]

Doh!

 

[Vundu]

Wohoo!

Hope it comes to the UK soon.

 

[alphaod]

Ah, so they've finally figured out how to milk their existing customers for more money.

 

[mrzippy]

Sure it will be useless as it will not be able to speak road names etc. if you select a 'real' voice.

 

[GoodWatch]

Ah, so they've finally figured out how to milk their existing customers for more money.

You mean, this is akin to Apple bringing out the iPad 2 with features that could have been in the first iPad? Now I understand!

 

[alphaod]

You mean, this is akin to Apple bringing out the iPad 2 with features that could have been in the first iPad? Now I understand!

No, that's not the same; if Apple told folks with first generation iPad they needed to pay $6 for AirPlay or something, then it would be comparable.

 

[b11051973]

I'll be spending the $6 tonight I think.

 

[Terry W]

D'oh

What about Snoop!?!? Don't get me wrong, Homer is amazing, but gots ta get me some shizzle bizzle!

 

[fluffer]

No, that's not the same; if Apple told folks with first generation iPad they needed to pay $6 for AirPlay or something, then it would be comparable.

It's just the same, just as Apple's been doing since the introduction of the 1st iPhone...... I'll probably still get it as soon as it;s in the UK though!

 

[GoodWatch]

No, that's not the same; if Apple told folks with first generation iPad they needed to pay $6 for AirPlay or something, then it would be comparable.

I see, so TomTom is forcing their customers to purchase that Homer voice? I missed that. Thanks for putting that right!

 

[Eduardo1971]

What about Snoop!?!? Don't get me wrong, Homer is amazing, but gots ta get me some shizzle bizzle!

Now that I would pay extra for!

 

[Tastannin]

What about Snoop!?!? Don't get me wrong, Homer is amazing, but gots ta get me some shizzle bizzle!

Now that I would pay extra for!

If Homer takes off, your wish may be granted - TomTom already has Snoop's voice for their standalone GPS devices, so it's not a far reach to see others coming.

Now, if I could hear, I'd look forward to Darth Vader giving me directions on my iPhone.

My youngest daughter probably would be more thrilled with Dora the Explorer. There's many more including James Bond (Roger Moore), KITT, etc.

 

[Baumi]

Distracting?

I've never tried these "funny" voice, so I'm wondering if they're not distracting and/or annoying when you're actually trying to concentrate on getting from A to B.

Is everyone here who tired any kind of special voice for their GPS happy with the concept, or did some go back to regular voices?

 

[techweenie]

My preference would be an imitation of Jerry Lewis' Nutty Professor.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DUkGjWVOlc

Not surprisingly the inspiration for the Simpsons' nerdy professor character...

 

[Big D 51]

Cool

 

[kuebby]

That's awesome, I hate those canned voices that come with GPSs. It's definitely worth $6 to me to pick a new voice to hear, especially if it's going to be funny.

 

[jeffereyj]

?

the thing is, these "celebrity voices" i'm sure don't speak all the street names, like the "normal" voice does.....

so how does it work? is it like

[Homer's voice] "Woohoo! Turn left on"


[Normal voice] "Main Street"

 

[jayducharme]

A few years ago, Doonesbury did a parody of celebrities negotiating for the rights to do GPS voice-overs (DeNiro, Streep, etc...). Like so much in this country, parody has turned into reality.

http://www.gocomics.com/doonesbury/2009/11/12/

 

[Tech198]

Homer

Bring this one to Australia.... I'll get it

 

[fluffer]

the thing is, these "celebrity voices" i'm sure don't speak all the street names, like the "normal" voice does.....

so how does it work? is it like

[Homer's voice] "Woohoo! Turn left on"


[Normal voice] "Main Street"

I reck it'd be like before text-to-speech where street names weren't given, they'll just be ommitted.

The write-up states celeb voices for the first time. My TomTom app has had Yoda's voice for sale for ages...... are they suggesting Yoda's not a celeb..... how dare they..... libelous!!!

 

[hellomoto4]

Bring this one to Australia.... I'll get it

It's here, check your updates (v1.7)

 

[Ted13]

Instead of wasting your time with Homer, how about a native iPad version, TomTom?

 

[batchtaster]

Instead of wasting your time with Homer, how about a native iPad version, TomTom?

The iPad version requires an accessory kit consisting of a person sitting in your passenger seat to hold it up for you with both hands. This is tricky as the accessory needs to be both "shotgun"-compliant and legally mounted. Needless to say, development time is longer.

 

[fluffer]

the ipad version requires an accessory kit consisting of a person sitting in your passenger seat to hold it up for you with both hands. This is tricky as the accessory needs to be both "shotgun"-compliant and legally mounted. Needless to say, development time is longer.

lol