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Turn by Turn GPS for iPhone Coming?
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My buddy has this and it works very nice. It even transmits the song info through RDS.
You still have the cost of the updated maps from Tom Tom if they are selected and that will be almost the initial cost of a new iphone. Tom Tom currently charges $149 to update to new road maps for my Tom Tom one.
I would love to see some competition in this arena just to bring these ridiculous map charges down.
Also Tom Tom software update procedure due to the way they lock their devices down can be a real pain in the duppa!
It will be real interesting to see how they accomplish this on the iphone, that is of course if Apple allows the Tom Tom software on the iphone!I really think all of the "no TBT directions" is because of licensing agreements surrounding the map data IP.
The quoted part of the Developer's License Agreement about no turn-by-turn directions is included because Apple is using Google Maps. Their usage agreement states that their maps cannot be used for turn-by-turn directions, so that bit falls down. A possible reason that Google Maps can't do the TBT is that Google is licensing their maps from Navteq. Google gets its maps cheap but for reference only. TBT directions would require higher licensing fees.
TomTom purchased map maker TeleAtlas in June of this year. And now since TomTom owns the maps they can do whatever they want with them. So TomTom is not breaking any licensing agreements because they will probably use their own map data, not Navteq+GoogleMaps.
Id like to see TomTom do it rather than Apple + Google because TomTom has experience. Its another area I don't thin Apple wants to get into. Part of Apple's strength is realizing where it is weak, and partnering with much stronger companies.
Having said that:
Google = more licensing fees. Whether they pass it on or not has yet to be seen.
I think Apple might help out, but maybe not. And with the cost of licensing the map data (how much is an upgraded map DVD) it probably won't be "free". Nokia Maps TBT is not free. Garmin, TomTom, Telenav are also not free.
Because they'd have to be the ones to do all the work, and incur associated costs. They'll leave it to someone who knows better.
As a large developer, I highly doubt TomTom will support the jailbreak scene. They'll go the legit route and sell in the App Store.
The quoted part of the Developer's License Agreement about no turn-by-turn directions is included because Apple is using Google Maps. Their usage agreement states that their maps cannot be used for turn-by-turn directions, so that bit falls down. A possible reason that Google Maps can't do the TBT is that Google is licensing their maps from Navteq. Google gets its maps cheap but for reference only. TBT directions would require higher licensing fees.
TomTom purchased map maker TeleAtlas in June of this year. And now since TomTom owns the maps they can do whatever they want with them. So TomTom is not breaking any licensing agreements because they will probably use their own map data, not Navteq+GoogleMaps.
Id like to see TomTom do it rather than Apple + Google because TomTom has experience. Its another area I don't thin Apple wants to get into. Part of Apple's strength is realizing where it is weak, and partnering with much stronger companies.
Having said that:
Google = more licensing fees. Whether they pass it on or not has yet to be seen.
I think Apple might help out, but maybe not. And with the cost of licensing the map data (how much is an upgraded map DVD) it probably won't be "free". Nokia Maps TBT is not free. Garmin, TomTom, Telenav are also not free.
Why wouldn't you want this to come to fruition FROM?
You'd rather see a vendor do it?
Because they'd have to be the ones to do all the work, and incur associated costs. They'll leave it to someone who knows better.
As a large developer, I highly doubt TomTom will support the jailbreak scene. They'll go the legit route and sell in the App Store.
I have NEWS for you mapping charges will not be FREE!
IM speaking of future map updates and there's only a few companies out there that do this type of service. Sooner or later you will want new maps due to many road changes that will occur and POI's!
It could be much more fun if the voice is Samuel L. Jackson. Imagine what it would say if you missed a turn - "What in the ______ are you doing? Did I tell you to go ______ straight? Didn't you _______ hear me tell you to make that ______ right turn back there? You need to turn this _______ car around right now."
I really don't understand why this is such a difficult thing for Apple to get done. Hell, my friends cheapo $20 Sprint Phone does voice turn by turn directions via GPS. Hell, iPhone 1.0 should have been able to do this. They make it seem like it's so hard to get GPS turn by turn on a phone, The iPhone is supposed to be one of the most advanced phones out there, yet some of the cheapest phones out there have these capabilities, very strange.
i would too... but the battery issue for me gets in the way.... Things were great when the iPhone 1G was more focused on calls and being an iPod... but the battery drain issue for the future of the iPhone 2G makes it clear that interchangeable batts will be needed.
Must be way old. The current SirfStar 3, MTK, GlobalLocate chip sets don't have that problem anymore and haven't in a long time.
BTW those of you that have used dedicated GPS systems know they don't tend to have super long battery life. But somehow I bet when this is available for the iPhone people will be upset when it doesn't last uncharged for a 10 hr road trip.
Well, the dedicated One I have has a battery life of about 2 hrs. Just enough to pre-plan a route at the desk and carry it to the car. You can maximize battery life by dimming the screen and turning down the volume.
The phone+GPS (as pictured upthread) lasts about 2 days with regular usage, and 4 hours as GPS with a dimmed screen.
But in both cases, yes, plugging it into the car's outlet is recommended. The phone even more so if you still want to get some other use out of once you reach your destination.
Google gets their mapping data from the same companies that provide it to TomTom et al. I'm sure their pricing is dependent on their data not being used to compete with the TBT guys.
Petition for a change to the laws of physics, have they?
Yay
I'd love for my Blackberry, my ipod, and my TomTom navigation system to be integrated all into one unit.
Obviously, for your car, you'd need to get some kind of mount. Which is fine I suppose.
TomTom's customer service sucks. Its next to impossible to download maps and install them from their website. I've been trying for years. I would recommend avoiding TomTom if possible.
They're GPS unit is fine, its just hell trying to get maps off of their website, especially since they cost like 50 Euros.
I'd love for my Blackberry, my ipod, and my TomTom navigation system to be integrated all into one unit.
Obviously, for your car, you'd need to get some kind of mount. Which is fine I suppose.
TomTom's customer service sucks. Its next to impossible to download maps and install them from their website. I've been trying for years. I would recommend avoiding TomTom if possible.
They're GPS unit is fine, its just hell trying to get maps off of their website, especially since they cost like 50 Euros.
Adding $0.02 for downloadable maps
I'm putting my lot in with those here who say any GPS solution for iPhone should come with pre-loaded maps. I have a Garmin IIIc from 1999 that has a massive 1.4 megabytes of memory -- but still has enough room for all highways and major streets in the US and Canada. You'd think there'd be some sort of maps available on a 16 gigabyte iPhone drive.
I'm putting my lot in with those here who say any GPS solution for iPhone should come with pre-loaded maps. I have a Garmin IIIc from 1999 that has a massive 1.4 megabytes of memory -- but still has enough room for all highways and major streets in the US and Canada. You'd think there'd be some sort of maps available on a 16 gigabyte iPhone drive.
Of course it can. GPS navigation means iPhone used in a driving car. Two tons of metal running at 70 miles per hour. At that point, a stupid error in the software could kill lives. And someone _will_ get sued. This is not a business for amateurs.
If there is GPS navigation on the iPhone, it will be made by a company with a proven record and the know-how to handle the risks that come with it. And with pockets deep enough that Apple doesn't have to carry any risk.
I think you will find the rules for TomTom are different from the rules for you and me. For example, the current shop model wouldn't allow you to download individual new maps (you can only download complete applications; there is no way right now to download additions to an application you have); I am sure Apple would make software changes if necessary to get TomTom on board. GPS software made by a competent company is something that _sells_ iPhones. Just like AT&T does everything Apple wants because iPhones sell AT&T contracts, Apple will do everything to help TomTom because TomTom would sell iPhones.
BTW those of you that have used dedicated GPS systems know they don't tend to have super long battery life. But somehow I bet when this is available for the iPhone people will be upset when it doesn't last uncharged for a 10 hr road trip.
I agree! For any serious trip external power is a must. Im speaking of long trips, not short ones! Heck, maybe even short ones depending on traffic slowing ya down.
Bet you've never seen stickers "not suitable for drying pets" on microwaves or tumble dryers either
I think that sticker is the minimum they have to do, just to avoid liability when an accident is caused by pure user stupidity. I don't think it would protect hundred percent if an accident is caused by malfunction of the software.
Exactly!!! Have had the same experience here for years! And some here think Apple are control freaks! I think Tom Tom is a lot worse!
Like you, I love their unit but getting new updated maps and installing them is a pain!