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TomTom vs. Navigon

Which iPhone GPS App do you prefer - iOS4 versions only !!!

  • Total voters
    360
Tomtom announces iPhone app 1.5

CONCORD, Mass., Sep 02, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- TomTom, the world's leading provider of location and navigation solutions, announces that a new update to the TomTom App for iPhone is coming soon. The new update demonstrates TomTom's commitment to provide continued innovations and an enhanced navigation experience. Now, TomTom users will have a new way to enter destinations using photos, turning their photo gallery into an address book. Additionally, iPhone 4 users will experience faster and more-responsive navigation, and with support for retina display, will enjoy enhanced graphics. The TomTom App for iPhone version 1.5 will feature:
-- Navigate-to-photo - Users can easily navigate to a location by selecting a photo stored in the iPhone gallery. Locations are identified by geo-tags.
-- Optimization for iPhone 4 - Takes full advantage of the capabilities of Apple's latest iOS device, the App now delivers high resolution graphics, sharper maps, more-responsive menus and improved positioning even in areas with limited GPS reception.
-- Latest, most up-to-date maps* - TomTom maps include 1 million more miles of roads in the US than competitive maps and have been rated highest in quality and reliability. No mobile signal or data plan is required to browse the map and navigate to a destination.
"With over 45 million drivers worldwide relying on TomTom navigation, we have the expertise to deliver iPhone and iPod touch users the smartest and easiest-to-use navigation experience available," said Tom Murray, senior vice president of market development for TomTom Inc. "As we build upon TomTom's expertise and refine it for the iPhone, we are focused on meeting consumers' needs through our continued product innovations and support of Apple's advancements."
With the latest update to the App, users will continue to benefit from TomTom's industry-leading navigation features, including:
-- IQ Routes(TM) - Only TomTom uses actual speed data collected from millions of users to accurately calculate the travel time of your route. It allows for rush hour, traffic lights... even shopping crowds. So no matter what time it is, you can rely on IQ Routes to tell you when you'll get there!
-- Announces Street Names - Provides turn-by-turn spoken directions.
-- Advanced Lane Guidance - Extra clarity when navigating difficult junctions by showing the user which lane to take for an upcoming exit.
-- Local Search - Allows a user to locate and route to countless points of interest (POIs) by tapping into the latest local Google listings from within the TomTom App.
-- Multitasking Functionality** - Allows a user to receive turn-by-turn directions while the iPhone is running other applications.
Availability and Price
The TomTom App for iPhone is available for purchase via the App Store. Continental and regional versions of the TomTom App are available today for iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G and iPod touch users at iTunes Store.
Pricing varies by market. TomTom U.S.A. and U.S. & Canada apps are currently available at the discounted prices of $39.99 and $49.99, respectively.
TomTom App for iPhone runs on OS 3.0 and iOS 4, however users should upgrade to iOS 4 to be able to take full advantage of the application's features.
*All maps updated with the exception of Argentina and Chile
**Available on iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS & iPod touch 3rd Gen. running iOS4
Click to expand...


Sounds like we're getting an updated app icon and updated maps.

No mention of fixing the traffic bug. No mention of adding side-of-road information for destinations. No mention of fixing the voice settings not sticking. No mention of advanced route planning.

Yawn.
 
comatose81 said:
Sounds like we're getting an updated app icon and updated maps.

No mention of fixing the traffic bug. No mention of adding side-of-road information for destinations. No mention of fixing the voice settings not sticking. No mention of advanced route planning.

Yawn.
Click to expand...

This is just a press release focusing in geotags and iPhone4 enhancements, not a change log. What you listed are bug fixes or minor enhancements to the UI. Nothing that would deserve a bullet at this stage. I would expect the bugs to be addressed regardless. Wait until there is some real information before complaining.
 
C0bra K0mmander said:
I hoping one of them goes on sale for this upcoming labor day weekend!
Click to expand...

So on the TomTom page in the app store it says...
"Buy the app now at a discount and get a free update to the new version!"

Does this mean if I wait the few days for TomTom 1.5 to be released, it will cost more the $39.99?

/Me scratches head.
 
TomTom all the way... there is a cydia app that can send directions from the maps app (it creates a button) when selecting a pin it gives you a new option to send it to TomTom and it gives you directions to the place (in the tomtom app) you found in the maps app! Also if you know how to edit, you can hack it to load more voices like any other tomtom equipment (2 ways of doing it: the correct and the simpler way)! I laugh at my Darth Vader (official voice recorded for TomTom) & Stewie (Family Guy) guides voices all the time. Not only that, you can also add more POI and other cool things once you unlock the app! That's why for me TomTom wins!!
 
SeeHole said:
So on the TomTom page in the app store it says...
"Buy the app now at a discount and get a free update to the new version!"

Does this mean if I wait the few days for TomTom 1.5 to be released, it will cost more the $39.99?

/Me scratches head.
Click to expand...

Hopefully if the price is increasing, it means that this is a substantial upgrade.
BTW - Those looking for a good free Nav app. MapQuest4 was updated today to include the map rotating to the direction of travel. While it still needs work on the UI, It's really becoming a compelling lightweight navigation option.
 
err404 said:
Hopefully if the price is increasing, it means that this is a substantial upgrade.
BTW - Those looking for a good free Nav app. MapQuest4 was updated today to include the map rotating to the direction of travel. While it still needs work on the UI, It's really becoming a compelling lightweight navigation option.
Click to expand...

I dunno, I found mapquest to be almost useful until the GPS had a blip and lost where I was for a second. And then when I was found again (I know the GPS got a lock on my location again cause the map showed me on the highway which was where I was), sme reason the UI couldn't comprehend that and kept trying to get me on the highway from random side roads until it finally gave me a, "I give up" message. And I mean the GPS only glitched for a second on losing my location.

If losing my location just once confuses mapquest that easily, even for free I can't find it as too useful.
 
tigress666 said:
I dunno, I found mapquest to be almost useful until the GPS had a blip and lost where I was for a second. And then when I was found again (I know the GPS got a lock on my location again cause the map showed me on the highway which was where I was), sme reason the UI couldn't comprehend that and kept trying to get me on the highway from random side roads until it finally gave me a, "I give up" message. And I mean the GPS only glitched for a second on losing my location.

If losing my location just once confuses mapquest that easily, even for free I can't find it as too useful.
Click to expand...

I haven't seen that myself, but I admit I only used it briefly. GPS signal was good and rerouting seamed to work well. Did you try the version that was released this morning?
 
I have the navigon app for when driving which is working great but I also have mapquest app for walking around.
 
Navigon has been much better with its releases. The company recently had a sale on all services/modules and does it regularly. TT has been much slower with updates/services/discounts.

Very, very happy with Navigon.
 
jps1012 said:
Are there any cheaper options for a car mount then the $100 tom tom car kit?
Click to expand...

Dozens. Check the iPhone Accessories forum; a search there will turn up dozens of threads, since this topic comes up every couple of days.

I personally have a universal Arkon vent mount ($12) that I use with Navigon on my iPhone 4. Paired that with a generic car charger and I've got a good basic setup that's up near eye level for easy viewing. I also added a Motorola T505 Bluetooth speakerphone/FM transmitter (about $50) that works very well to transmit both the iPod and Navigon's instructions through the car stereo.
 
I don't like either of them

I own both Tom-Tom and Navigon for iPHone. I don't like either of them. I also have two GPSs on my motorcycle, a built in Nav in my car and a portable Garvin Nuvi. I love GPS in general. It's the best thing since the microwave in my opinion. But I was disappointed in the GPS software for the iPhone. I found the software (both the ones under consideration here) buggy and clumsy, so much so that, even though I dropped several coins on these most expensive apps, I don't bother with them anymore. If I am going to use a Nav system, it's going to be a Garmin of some model. Give me a real GPS any day over these two sorry attempts at GPS for iPhone. I know others are thrilled with one or the other or both; I was not.
 
ericruff said:
I own both Tom-Tom and Navigon for iPHone. I don't like either of them. I also have two GPSs on my motorcycle, a built in Nav in my car and a portable Garvin Nuvi. I love GPS in general. It's the best thing since the microwave in my opinion. But I was disappointed in the GPS software for the iPhone. I found the software (both the ones under consideration here) buggy and clumsy, so much so that, even though I dropped several coins on these most expensive apps, I don't bother with them anymore. If I am going to use a Nav system, it's going to be a Garmin of some model. Give me a real GPS any day over these two sorry attempts at GPS for iPhone. I know others are thrilled with one or the other or both; I was not.
Click to expand...

While I understand the preference of using dedicated devices, what problems have you found with the apps? I have not seen any significant bugs that affect core functionality in either app. The apps compare very favorably to the entry to mid level dedicated devices in features, UI and accuracy.

Or do you just prefer Garmin over TomTom and Navigon (regardless of whether its and app or dedicated device)?
 
ericruff said:
I own both Tom-Tom and Navigon for iPHone. I don't like either of them. I also have two GPSs on my motorcycle, a built in Nav in my car and a portable Garvin Nuvi. I love GPS in general. It's the best thing since the microwave in my opinion. But I was disappointed in the GPS software for the iPhone. I found the software (both the ones under consideration here) buggy and clumsy, so much so that, even though I dropped several coins on these most expensive apps, I don't bother with them anymore. If I am going to use a Nav system, it's going to be a Garmin of some model. Give me a real GPS any day over these two sorry attempts at GPS for iPhone. I know others are thrilled with one or the other or both; I was not.
Click to expand...

Question, which iphone do you own?

I personally have a hard time seeing the 3G (my previous one) making a good GPS cause it's GPS took a long time to get a signal plus it lost signal a lot. So I could see software like Navi or TomTom not working so well with it when the GPS constantly is losing its place or deciding you are far from where you really are.

But my iPhone 4 has a much improved GPS (I noticed it before even being told they changed the GPS chip). It picks up very quickly and very rarely loses signal and is usually very accurate.

I've found Navigon anyways to be pretty useful (save not having many POI's, I had to download YellowPages to make up for that lack). I know my mom put Navigon on her iphone 4 (she already has a Garmin GPS) and quickly has stopped using her Garmin cause she much prefers Navigon's software.
 
Both have their shortcomings

I didn't know which to vote for as they both serve a purpose but both have some major shortcomings.

I initially purchased Navigon MobileNavigator North America, and Europe, as well as the 3D maps for North America and Europe, and traffic for North America. So I've given them my money. Overall it works fine and I like the look of it more than TomTom. I also like the "scenic routes" option a lot as it really does seem to work and puts me on some great drives without really sacrificing too much time.

However, I have a few MAJOR beefs with Navigon:

1. If your GPS signal loses ANY accuracy, i.e. even if it's accurate to within 5 metres, Navigon will stop giving you directions. This is really dumb; if it knows where you are within 5 metres, it should still give you a best guess. This means that if you don't have a perfect GPS fix, Navigon is completely useless. End of story. TomTom will warn you that the GPS signal is degraded, but will continue to work. Major win for TomTom.

2. Navigon doesn't work properly on an iPad. The menus don't show up unless you scroll down and back up again. This is stupid, it's been like this for months, and they haven't fixed it.

3. Navigon goes out of their way to not be reached. This is unconscionable in my opinion, as these are expensive apps. For the money I've given them, I expect to be able to provide feedback of bugs and other issues. The only place they offer feedback is on road problems. I told them about the iPad issue by hiding it in a comment about a street they have wrong. I never heard back about either issue. Very very disappointing.

4. Navigon can't navigate as far as TomTom. I tried navigating from the Netherlands to Switzerland; Navigon couldn't do this in one go (~800km) while TomTom could.

5. Navigon is SSSSLLLOOOWWWW on an iPhone 3G. TomTom is much faster. It was slow in iOS 3, literally unusably slow in iOS 4.0 and has gone back to being slow but usable in iOS 4.1. TomTom, on the other hand, worked in iOS 4.0 even though it too was slow.

We were in Europe for about 5 weeks, and there were times when the issue with the GPS signal meant that we had no GPS. This is between trying it on a 3G iPad and an iPhone 3G. It got so bad that I just picked up TomTom's app and started using that instead. TomTom's app isn't as polished IMHO, but OTOH it actually works. In the end, I found myself still using Navigon when it worked, on the iPad, but keeping TomTom running on the iPhone so that we weren't stuck without navigation if/when Navigon on the iPad lost perfect GPS signal.

- Andrew.
 
AndrewClarke said:
1. If your GPS signal loses ANY accuracy, i.e. even if it's accurate to within 5 metres, Navigon will stop giving you directions..
Click to expand...

Ah, so that's what happens. Very occasionally I'll get the can't find you message (would you like to simulate the route). Usually if I wait it'll find me but sometimes it just won't.

So then I go to google maps to see if the GPS really is having a hard time finding me and google maps finds me right away (but I still can't get Navigon to work even after that). Luckily, the few times it did this I didn't really need turn by turn directions but was just seeing if the map program could tell me a better way to get there than I was thinking (I knew the routes but couldn't decide the best way or wasn't sure I wasn't forgetting a better way). So in those cases Google maps really was enough anyways. I'm sure if I waited a few minutes Navigon would start working but I'm usually pretty impatient and just want a recomended route (and will remember google can also give me directions, just not give me turn by turn instructions).
 
TomTom 1.5 was released this morning. It is supposed to fix the traffic issue. I'm downloading now and will confirm whether this is true or not.

I can say the icon looks great! ;-)
 
I just installed 1.5. It's a fair improvement over 1.4. The spoken directions are more clear vocally and contextually. Pronunciation of street names are much more clear and the tempo of what is said is more natural. The RD support is nice, but once mounted on the dash it hardly makes a difference.
Photo navigation is cool, and functionally works well. It's quick and accurate. Unfortunately I wasn't able to find any way to intelligently sort the photos. It ignores albums and just lists everything in chronological order. For me, this is nearly unusable since I have almost a thousand tagged photos on my phone. 1.5.1 needs to implement album support. I'd love to be able to create a "Contacts" album with pics of friends and places.
 
The maps look great! Not sure if this is true but seems to show more surrounding street name which i like. I hope it is fixed the traffic so u can see the incidents on route.
 
jps1012 said:
The maps look great! Not sure if this is true but seems to show more surrounding street name which i like. I hope it is fixed the traffic so u can see the incidents on route.
Click to expand...

I can confirm that traffic is fixed in this release. Also, it appears the voice options for spoken road names/numbers/etc is fixed as well.

I haven't played with the new features yet... I was just happy to have IQRoutes and live traffic visible again for my morning commute.

I do think the retina display support is great - much more readable overall in my opinion - even mounted on the windshield.
 
wombat94 said:
I can confirm that traffic is fixed in this release. Also, it appears the voice options for spoken road names/numbers/etc is fixed as well.

I haven't played with the new features yet... I was just happy to have IQRoutes and live traffic visible again for my morning commute.

I do think the retina display support is great - much more readable overall in my opinion - even mounted on the windshield.
Click to expand...

I second with the screen being more readable when mounted in the windshield.
 
I finally finished downloading TomTom 1.5 and I have to say they did a great job on the update. The menus seem way faster, the computerized voice options stick even if you create a new route or restart the app, and the traffic is finally fixed.

The icon and new maps look great. The map seems to update a little bit slower than before but it is worth it with how much crisper the map is and how much easier it is to read street names.

The only issue I've noticed so far is that there seems to be a noticeable "line" in the map... the bottom half is brighter, and the upper half is darker, and you can see a "line" halfway through the display that visibly marks the contrast difference. Not really a big deal, just something I noticed. My guess is it was there before, but the updated graphics make it more obvious now since everything is more clear.

The general map update has proven weak so far... an interstate near me was renamed over a year ago and it still has the old number.

Overall, great job and really took care of all the outstanding issues I had.
 
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