Part of free software update

The TomTom navigation app for the iPhone will soon receive a major software update, the company says. Some planned changes include the addition of text-to-speech, a feature common to most dedicated GPS devices, providing an audio description of directions for busy drivers. Also new is lane guidance, showing necessary switches at difficult intersections.

Users will also be able control music playback from within the app, and access a Help menu showing emergency contacts and directions. Updated maps are being bundled at no extra cost, complete with a new safety camera database. The latter can now trigger audio warnings whenever a camera is approaching, or a car is simply over the speed limit.

TomTom says it has already submitted the update to the App Store, where it is waiting for approval by Apple. The update will be free for existing app owners, but still $100 to new buyers. It is not clear how the upgrade process will be handled.

by MacNN Staff