TomTom Navigation Software Coming to iPhone

[ddTaylor]

Let's face it, this metric thing will never catch on.. 🙄 😉

I like your style! Nice post...thanks.

I wish Metric WOULD catch on! It sure would make teaching my 4-year old math a LOT easier.

I am old (relative to most on these forums) and I would like the switch. When I was in school they toyed with the idea of metric but by the time I was in high-school that experiment was through. Although in college we used metric for everything (at least in my science courses) and it made corresponding with others in different countries MUCH easier.

D

Off-topic, I know - but I could not help myself.

 

[ddTaylor]

Heh... well GPS accuracy is within 3-10 feet so those numbers wouldn't make any sense anyway. And in the spirit of the woman who sued McDonalds for millions because her coffee was too hot, there'd probably be morons who would file lawsuits because they drove into a brick wall after the satnav instructed them to "turn left in 8 feet".

I get a mental image of Michael from The Office driving into a lake because the GPS TOLD him to! That goes down as my favorite Office moment next to the new HR lady being told Kevin is slow - all the while Kevin thinking he can score with her becuase she shows such an interest in him.

Great show! Anyway - yes we live a litigious world so you may not be far off!

D

 

[gyumilly]

I have a 1st Gen iPhone. What I'm looking for is an external (bluetooth) GPS support. The new BT driver will hopefully enable some additional functionality of BT (e.g. BT stereo headset, BT keyboard, BT GPS, etc).

As far as the price of tomtom goes, based on my experience in windows mobile, most of GPS applications are priced between $90-$150 and people don't seem to mind paying for it. Google map is nice, but turn-by-turn signal is the real deal imo. I would consider if it's below $100, but above... eh.

 

[UMHurricanes34]

Have always been a Garmin fan over TomTom but this is what I was hoping for yesterday, just done slicker by Apple. That was the biggest let down to me.

I'll hold out hope that Garmin does this as well to compete but if not, TomTom will do just fine.

I'll definitely be buying this app for my iPhone 3G.

 

[ltcol266845]

Google map is nice, but turn-by-turn signal is the real deal imo. I would consider if it's below $100, but above... eh.

Is Google Maps not capable of doing turn-by-turn? Is it unreasonable to think they would support it before the iPhone 3G comes out?

 

[UMHurricanes34]

Is Google Maps not capable of doing turn-by-turn? Is it unreasonable to think they would support it before the iPhone 3G comes out?

There is no voice guidance, but who knows with Google, they may pull out an AppStore app that acts as a plugin for Maps that has a more GPS-esque streetview with an arrow and some voice guidance.


It would take a lot of resources though, so thats why I expect GPS manufacturers like Garmin, TomTom, etc to port their existing platforms to the iPhone. The iPhone is more technically capable to run their software than the devices they put on the streets anyway...some are ridiculously slow.


As for the speed limit detector, my Garmin 760 had that feature. Great GPS, got stolen along with the rest of my stuff though.

 

[thestaton]

how much data is their nav going to take up?

The reason apple went with an assisted gps is to use the internet for the maps while using the gps for coordination. it takes up no space.

1.7 gigs for north america.

 

[ltcol266845]

1.7 gigs for north america.

Most def. Had to buy a new SD card for the new maps. The smaller versions are likely not to include POIs.

 

[roddenshaw]

Clearly metric makes more sense, but here in America and in England, it's just a clear combination of stubbornness/tradition and the fact that it would be extremely hard/expensive to convert everything over - especially in the extended rural areas where people are using tools that are generations old and couldn't afford to go replace their entire garage. Same reasons England doesn't use the Euro ...

Not to go too far off topic, but there are far more complex reasons why the UK does not use the Euro. Given that we revolutionised our currency back in 1971 through decimalisation -which was almost as complex as moving over to the Euro would be - we can make huge changes if necessary, even though many may not like it...

 

[djrobsd]

So does this mean that the Google Maps or whatever software they include will not already have turn by turn driving directions? Why would we need to buy another piece of software?

 

[ltcol266845]

So does this mean that the Google Maps or whatever software they include will not already have turn by turn driving directions? Why would we need to buy another piece of software?

Well, according to Apple.com:

Get directions.
Get directions to wherever from wherever. View turn-by-turn directions or watch your progress with live GPS tracking.

Looks like Google Maps is capable of turn-by-turn directions. Wether or not that includes voice direction, we'll know soon enough I guess. If it doesn't that not a big deal for me at all.

 

[dr_lha]

So does this mean that the Google Maps or whatever software they include will not already have turn by turn driving directions? Why would we need to buy another piece of software?

All depends on how good Google Maps is for driving. If its anything like what we have now, its only useful if the passenger is reading the data. I certainly wouldn't want to rely on it while driving myself. TomTom have real time updating 3D displays showing the upcoming roads, and spoken commands (e.g. "In 200 yards, turn left, then turn right") which I'm guessing Google Maps doesn't do.

We'll see though, Google could easily beef up Google Maps to be a full in-car solution, but perhaps they don't want to tread on the toes of in-car GPS manufacturers too much. Its also possible their license with the map providers won't allow that sort of use.

 

[thingamajigidid]

Not sure if this has been posted (I've done a search)

Just read on engadget that TomTom already has navigation software to run on the iPhone:

That sound you hear is the not-yet-released nüvifone trembling in fear, as TomTom has just announced that an iPhone-ready version of its famed navigation software is practically ready to rock 'n roll. More specifically, a TomTom spokesman was quoted as saying that its "navigation system runs on the iPhone already," and he made the statement hot on the heels of the iPhone 3G announcement. Sadly, he wouldn't disclose an estimated release date for the software, but it's safe to say that the TomTom touch could make Apple's darling a formidable nüvifone opponent.

Link: http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/09/tomtom-already-has-iphone-navigation-software-ready-to-roll/

Thoughts?

sorry confused.
why would I want tom tom on my phone? its like having windows media player on my iphone next to my itunes to play the same my itunes.
I thought Google map was good, it tells you were you are.. it moves with you now with gps support!!! and it tells you were to go, what else do you need?
I am so sure after we see what googlemaps has instore we might not need tomtom. it might be part of the iphone already.

 

[robbieduncan]

sorry confused.
why would I want tom tom on my phone? its like having windows media player on my iphone next to my itunes to play the same my itunes.
I thought Google map was good, it tells you were you are.. it moves with you now with gps support!!! and it tells you were to go, what else do you need?
I am so sure after we see what googlemaps has instore we might not need tomtom. it might be part of the iphone already.

Can it tell me (vocally) where to go? Does it have lane-level instructions as well as turn level (for example my Tom Tom will tell me things like "in 1 mile keep left")? Does it tell me where the fixed speed cameras are (my Tom Tom does)?

 

[specops]

does anybody have any idea on if the GPS function will be free? or does it cost monthly? or pay as you go type? does anybody know?

 

[kdarling]

My comments and summaries:

GPS Cost: No mention of ATT charging for access to its server assistance as yet. As long as the aGPS is of the handset based type, it can operate without the assistance if need be.

Mistakes following GPS maps: already happens a lot. Trucks turning down roads with limited bridges. Many people turn up the wrong way on four-lane highways, because they simply followed the "turn left" instruction. Users need to be aware.

Navigation vs Google: Real navigation has a windshield view, optional voice instructions, and the ability to recalculate on the fly. Google's turn-by-turn instructions are just a list. My personal guess is that Google's contracts with their map providers prevent Google from doing a realtime navigation app.

Navigation app cost: As mentioned before, $100-$150 for the software and a country's database is the usual for PDAs and smartphones.

Navigation multitasking: My question still stands... what will happen if a call comes in while you're using a navigation program? Apple's rules say it must exit. That would make it rough to use, compared to other phones that continue the nav.

That said, O2 Germany is supposedly going to include TomTom 7 with the new HTC Diamond. Reports say TomTom is tired of piracy and would rather make OEM deals. Alas, Apple hasn't even let TomTom into the developer program yet.

 

[MillieWales]

You're not seriously suggesting basic math to me, are you?

We're well aware of how long a yard is. But in the US no one thinks in terms of yards. It doesn't bother me, but it bothers my wife. She would prefer feet, not yards.

Just a light hearted comment, sorry that it offended you.

In the UK systems are even more mixed up, you are educated in one, we live by another, you get used to a satnav system telling you how many yards to the next turning even though we talk in feet or meters (usually a combination of the two!)


How about recording your own voice? You can do that in the UK so instead of saying how many yards it tells you to say, convert it to feet and yell that at the mic, that would do the trick. I THINK thats available on all of the TomTom range as you just record it on your computer and it packages it all up for you.

 

[MillieWales]

sorry confused.
why would I want tom tom on my phone? its like having windows media player on my iphone next to my itunes to play the same my itunes.
I thought Google map was good, it tells you were you are.. it moves with you now with gps support!!! and it tells you were to go, what else do you need?
I am so sure after we see what googlemaps has instore we might not need tomtom. it might be part of the iphone already.

Maybe you haven't used a decent satnav system, as you would know that TomTom is nothing like Google maps. You get turn by turn directions, you get to see the road 'birds eye view' style, you get all the indicators around the screen (direction, current road name, next road name, distance to junction/feature. The two don't compare, maybe Google will enter the frame as a contender but for now, no challenge.

 

[dZp]

Don't all get too excited about this.
As posted by staff on Pocket GPS World:

And the official response from TomTom is:

We have made our software run on the iPhone as the reports have mentioned; it looks great and works very well. However there are currently no announcements yet, or a plan to create an announcement regarding navigation software for the iPhone. This means from our side there is no information on if or when this will be available.

 

[Diode]

1.7 gigs for north america.

Hmm maybe I will get a 16GB iPhone after all ...

 

[nbs2]

My TomTom is a cheaper model but it does not give directions suitable for foot traffic. I think that would be an upgrade to their current offerings (sidewalk maps 😉 ). I read that Google Maps is working with public transportation to offer directions suitable for using public transportation. It includes steps like "walk to the bus stop at x and y" and gives the bus schedules. It is pretty cool. I wonder if TomTom will add that functionality. Although I think that voice navigation isn't necessary when on foot.

Clearly you haven't used the abomination that is Google Transit. It's fine if you are in a closed system, but if you have multiple providers, you need each and every one of them to be assimilated. As it stands, Google transit believes that the fastest way for me to get home in the evening is to take a bus, wait 5 hours, take a train, wait and hour, take a train. It has me getting home at 8 am. And, it always will unless all of my local transit options are hooked into the Google system (and the system overlaps different carriers).

Reports say TomTom is tired of piracy and would rather make OEM deals. Alas, Apple hasn't even let TomTom into the developer program yet.

Fair enough, but if the FairPlay wrapper is any good, that should alleviate TTs fears - at least a little. Maybe. Hopefully. Until someone cracks it and scares them off.

 

[wizard]

A Good Question

how much data is their nav going to take up?

The reason apple went with an assisted gps is to use the internet for the maps while using the gps for coordination. it takes up no space.

I'M guessing a couple of giga bytes. Not that I really know plus you have the reality of several possible different configurations or chart sets installed.

This is one reason the lack of a 32 gigabyte iPhone kinda disappointed me. I believe many people will burn up a good portion of their storages space before any iTunes songs are counted. I still haven't decided to spring for the new iPhone or not, it has just about everything I need except for the issue of storage.

Oh by the way I'm willing to by the software if it meets my needs. One item that it will need to support is the installation of map data prior to leaving the industrialized world. In other words the map data needs to be stored locally. This simply because relying on the web or cell connections just doesn't make sense in the wild. Directions as you drive wouldn't be bad either, but I seldom use GPS in a car.

Dave

 

[icecavern]

Just wondering if anyone has considered what will happen if you get a call while using TomTom? Since you can't have TomTom running in the background, how will it tell you about the upcoming turn as you drive along? Can't use Push as Push will have no idea where you are.

Pete

 

[TPALTony]

Background operation is still not allowed. What will be possible in September is background notifications from a server: the app is still not allowed to run in the background...

Actually, it doesn't matter. The question of running in the background has never applied to the iPod, which DOES run in the background. So if you've started playing your music, and then go into GPS, you should be able to do both.

The specific example given of the phone is still valid as well, because you can go to the home page while in a call and into any of the apps, so you should be able to go into your GPS app too. The phone call runs in the background, not the GPS app.

 

[DaBrain]

For those interested in this thread utilizing tom tom software you may want to read this article just released. It's disappointing. They say the devil is in the details so here ya go:


http://www.electronista.com/articles/08/06/11/iphone.sdk..gps.nav/