10/28, 6:35pm
Google Maps helps GPS maker stock crash
Shares of GPS device makers Garmin and TomTom plummeted today through a combination of their quarterly results and the launch of Google Maps Navigation. Following both low guidance for Garmin's next quarter as well as poor results from TomTom, shares for the two fell 16.4 percent and 20.8 percent respectively and remained low through the entire trading day after news of Google's free, turn-by-turn mapping service became public.
more
10/28, 3:50pm
Possibility hinted at in earlier statement
The combination of the TomTom iPhone Car Kit and its corresponding navigation app will not be compatible with the iPod touch or original iPhone, officials from the company now say. The Kit's product page has for a time said that while it can hold all iPhones, the matching app is only compatible with the iPhone 3G and 3GS. Regardless, a spokesman at one point claimed that company had simply not made any "public announcements" regarding the possibility of support through a software update.
more
10/21, 5:40pm
Accessory adds built-in GPS antenna, speaker
Apple has added the TomTom Car Kit for iPhone to its US online store. The accessory provides an iPhone dock and an adjustable mount that can be attached to the windshield or dashboard. A built-in GPS receiver helps to improve accuracy compared to using the iPhone alone, while an integrated speaker and volume controls can be used to amplify the turn-by-turn instructions or hands-free calling.
more
10/20, 7:35am
TomTom GO I-90 appears
TomTom this morning changed its usual formula with the launch of an installable in-dash GPS unit. The GO I-90 occupies two DIN slots in any car and provides a large touchscreen with both TomTom's staple GPS as well as media features the company normally has no reason to use. Owners of iPods can plug the Apple devices into a USB port to both play and charge their devices; the unit also has generic MP3 player support and its own FM radio tuner.
more
10/13, 4:40pm
TomTom adds XL 335S with text to speech
TomTom on Tuesday released specs of its upcoming portable navigation device, the XL 335S. It sports a 4.3-inch touchscreen, text to speech capability that reads out street names and TomTom’s IQ Routes technology. This feature uses the data collected from fellow TomTom users and other sources to not only gauge the distance but the speed of flowing traffic as well. The device contains maps for the US and Canada, along with some 7 million points of interest.
more
10/06, 1:30pm
TomTom Start GPS lets users customize its look
TomTom on Tuesday has announced the upcoming release of an entry-level GPS automotive navigator for European markets, the Start. The device is customizable through the use of a choice of skins of different colors, as well as downloadable opening screens. The device is meant for users who rarely drive, or those who have not previously used a navigation device.
more
09/28, 11:05am
TomTom XL 340S LIVE uses AT&T
TomTom added its first true mid-range GPS device with an Internet connection. The XL 340S LIVE updates the earlier 340S with live data pulled over AT&T's cellular network: like the more advanced models, it uses the link to get updated traffic information as well as Google Local Search and relevant data like gas prices and weather. The traffic data in particular helps with TomTom's IQ Routes to gauge the quickest routes based on historical traffic patterns.
more
09/25, 12:00pm
Kit sold apart from GPS iPhone app
TomTom has announced official pricing for its upcoming iPhone car kit, which complements the company's GPS app. The accessory will be available for 100 EUR overseas or $120 in the US market. The price does not include the TomTom app, which is available with US and Canadian base maps for $100.
more
09/14, 10:55am
TomTom XXL GPS debuts
TomTom today chose the US as the venue for its first large-format GPS units. Both the XXL 530S and XXL 540S have 5-inch touchscreens that are easier to read from further away. They logically have the more advanced features of most TomTom mapping units with Map Share for user-created data, a newer UI and IQ Routes that change the route based on past traffic behavior.
more
09/08, 12:15pm
TomTom intros open-source PND technology
GPS navigator maker TomTom on Tuesday announced it has developed a new, open-source standard that would ideally bring real-time weather, traffic and other key information on navigation devices from many manufacturers as well as map data from various types of vendors. Called OpenLR, the technology promises to eat up little bandwidth and decrease users' commuting times thanks to its integration with traffic information systems and ability to offer route guidance that takes into account up-to-the-minute data such as construction or accidents.
more
09/03, 12:10pm
GPS navigators with live data built-in
TomTom on Thursday announced it will soon release a new flagship series of navigation devices, the GO x50 LIVE. Made up of the GO 950 LIVE, GO 750 LIVE and GO 550 LIVE, the data-connected devices can get live traffic information in the form of its LIVE Services. This includes fuel prices and real-time updates of any congestion or traffic accidents on a given route. New features include a frequent destinations menu that calculates the fastest and most efficient route to a frequently visited location. There is also an Eco Route option that chooses the most fuel efficient way to reach a destination.
more
08/17, 9:30am
TomTom app in N. America
After a release in other regions this weekend, TomTom at last debuted the North American version of its iPhone GPS app. The title mimics the turn-by-turn navigation of a dedicated GPS unit, displaying directions on a quasi-3D view alongside other information such as the estimated travel times. The North American edition covers "99.9 percent" of the US and Canada, including Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
more
08/16, 11:35pm
TomTom app ships in NZ
The TomTom iPhone application has been made available from both the New Zealand and Australian App Stores, according to iPhoneclub. The app offers four separate maps for purchase: U.S. and Canada, Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Despite the software release in both New Zealand and Austraia, the app has not been made available elsewhere and no firm release date has been announced by TomTom.
more
07/29, 4:15pm
GPS Smartphones to top 77m
Smartphones from Apple and others should help the number of GPS-aware smartphones surge this year, according to a Strategy Analytics study. Shipments of the devices should spike a large 34 percent to 77 million phones and are chiefly credited to rapidly growing sales of devices like the iPhone, Nokia N97 or BlackBerry Tour. Many often have stronger mapping tools like BlackBerry Maps, Google Maps and Nokia Maps built-in, encouraging GPS use right away.
more
06/12, 10:35am
Apple TomTom Buy In Rumor
Dutch shares of native GPS device maker TomTom spiked on Friday morning after speculation rose that Apple is mulling getting a stake in the company. Following Apple's WWDC presentation Monday that saw TomTom introduce an iPhone GPS app and a matching car kit, some investors claim to have heard that TomTom being singled out and its tight integration of software with the iPhone are advance evidence of Apple wanting to invest a minority amount in the European firm. The rumor is not universal, however, and some openly doubt the likelihood of such a deal.
more
06/09, 9:40am
NAVIGON iPhone GPS App
NAVIGON today signaled its intent to compete against TomTom's iPhone app with software of its own. A version of MobileNavigator will use iPhone OS 3.0's support of turn-by-turn GPS to provide the same driving directions as many of its dedicated GPS units, including its Reality View, lane and speed assists, and its notification of road signs. Owners can play music from their device's existing library, plot routes based on contacts' addresses and auto-resume navigation after taking a call.
more
06/08, 3:20pm
TomTom on iPhone
While Apple announced a variety of new iPhone apps at the WWDC event on Monday, one of the notable additions integrates TomTom navigation. The app will provide many of the same features as standalone GPS systems, such as turn-by-turn directions, voice prompts and route planning. Users will be able to choose routes based on the fastest traffic flow in certain areas at specific times of the day.
more
05/21, 1:20pm
TomTom XL LIVE debuts
TomTom has announced a new GPS unit, the XL LIVE. The device is notable mainly for carrying LIVE services over to XL models, the option having previously been limited to the GO line. Through LIVE users have access to real-time camera and traffic data, as well as figures on fuel prices. A Google search function translates results into destination points.
more
05/08, 11:15am
TomTom Hire for iPhone GPS
TomTom may be stepping up its efforts to produce turn-by-turn iPhone GPS through a low-key recruitment effort. A job listing for an iPhone app developer doesn't mention the company but asks for someone to develop navigation software in Amsterdam, the location of TomTom's headquarters. The term would start in May or June and last for at least six months.
more
05/04, 11:25am
NAVIGON Exits GPS in NAmer
NAVIGON today said it would quit its GPS device business in North America but may offer its software on the iPhone and other platforms in return. The company doesn't tell GPS Business News how quickly it expects to leave but says the decision stems from too-stiff competition at the low end of the GPS business. Where its business had been comfortable as long as large rivals like Garmin and TomTom kept their navigator prices higher, the push down to as low as $99 (for a TomTom ONE) has left NAVIGON with little way to differentiate itself.
more
04/01, 3:00pm
TomTom GO 740 LIVE in US
TomTom announced on Wednesday that its first Internet-connected navigation device, the 4.3-inch touchscreen GO 740 LIVE, is now available in the US. The device can deliver real-time traffic information that includes accident reporting and road closures, fuel prices, weather information and a Local Search powered by Google that lets users find local businesses and shops. In addition, the device uses TomTom's IQ Routes technology that uses historical data collected from other TomTom users to gauge more realistic transit times, taking into account traffic patterns at different times of the day, traffic lights and more. When a problem is detected, the unit automatically offers users an alternate route.
more
03/30, 8:20pm
TomTom and MS Settlement
Microsoft and TomTom today said they have reached a settlement regarding their patent dispute that will put an end to their mutual lawsuits over GPS technology. The agreement sees TomTom get "coverage" from Microsoft for 3 patents that reportedly still meet TomTom's requirements for its GPL v2 license. In exchange, TomTom must remove the features related to two FAT file system patents within the next two years.
more
03/23, 4:20pm
TomTom Licenses Linux
GPS device maker TomTom on Monday took defensive measures against Microsoft's patent lawsuit by officially licensing Linux from the Open Invention Network. The move gives TomTom access to OIN's patents and puts it under a "shielded" ecosystem where it can use the open-source OS with less risk of legal threats. TomTom isn't required to pay royalties but also promises not to use any of its own patents against Linux as a whole.
more
03/19, 11:55pm
TomTom sues Microsoft
TomTom has decided to fight back against Microsoft with a countersuit claiming infringement on several of its own patents, according to PC World. The company accuses Microsoft of infringing on four patents relating to Microsoft Streets and Trips, a mapping software that can be used in conjunction with a GPS receiver attached to a laptop. Triple damages are sought due to willful infringement, as TomTom claims to have previously alerted Microsoft to the issues.
more
03/10, 12:15pm
HP Exiting GPS Business
HP may be exiting the business of dedicated GPS devices if evidence collected by GPS Review bears out. An unnamed contact from HP has said that the company is dropping all its iPAQ devices where navigation has been a central feature, such as the iPAQ 310 Travel Companion. The statement is reportedly backed up by a support document that claims HP is shutting down its iPAQ website, where users go to register and update their navigation hardware; as of press time, the site remains active and points to the shutdown notice as premature.
more
02/26, 11:50am
TomTom to fight Microsoft
After being sued on Wednesday by Microsoft over a patent lawsuit, navigation systems maker TomTom responded on Thursday saying it has not breached any patents and "will vigorously defend" themselves in court, according to a Thursday report. Microsoft was hoping to have TomTom settle and has announced it remains open to a quick resolution if TomTom agrees to an IP licensing agreement, something the two companies have not been able to accomplish in more than a year of negotiations.
more
02/25, 6:15pm
Microsoft sues TomTom
Microsoft on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against TomTom, accusing the navigation company of infringing on a number of patents. The dispute involves eight individual patents, with three relating to the use of a Linux kernel. Microsoft claims to have engaged the Dutch company for more than a year, attempting to negotiate a licensing agreement for the technology that has "been licensed by many others."
more
02/11, 4:30pm
CSR buys SiRF for $136M
England's Bluetooth chip group CSR on Tuesday announced it is buying California-based GPS chip specialistSiRF for $136 million. The deal is expected to complete in the second quarter, after approval by SiRF and CSR shareholders as well as government approval. The buy-out sum represents a 91-percent premium on SiRF's shares after Monday's markets closed.
more
01/09, 4:45pm
TomTom GO 740 LIVE in US
TomTom at CES brought out an Americanized version of the GO 740 LIVE, its first real-time aware GPS navigator. It earns its name from a constantly updated GPRS data link that automatically determines the best route based on short- and long-term traffic information. Updates on drive times and accidents are delivered every few minutes and give an immediate option to reroute if conditions delay the optimal route; route histories are also collected over the long term to predict the quickest route based on traffic on particular days or at different times.
more
12/17, 4:35pm
O2 Germany Xda Guide
Wireless provider O2 Germany has introduced the O2 Xda Guide smartphone on Wednesday, which will replaced the company's current Xda Orbit 2. The 2.8-inch 320x240 touchscreen device features a design exclusive to O2 and is running on Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional. The smartphone supports GSM, GPRS and EDGE data networks as well as UMTS, HSDPA and HSUPA. O2 is bundling the handset with a 1GB microSD card that contains TomTom Navigator 7 software along with map information for Germany, Austria and Switzerland to work in conjunction with its GPS sensor.
more
11/26, 5:10pm
Black Friday GPS deals
A variety of GPS models from different manufacturers are being drastically reduced for Black Friday. Starting at $99.95 is the TomTom ONE clamshell portable navigation system, regularly priced at $179.95 at 6ave.com. Next up for $189.99 is the Garmin nuvi 260w GPS, regularly priced at $299.99 at BestBuy.com. The TomTom ONE 130S GPS is available at RadioShack.com for $199.99 after $50 in instant savings. Lastly is the Garmin nuvi 265WT GPS navigator priced at $249.99, a price cut of $100 off the original price of $349.99 at CircuitCity.com.
more
11/24, 4:15pm
TomTom Eclipse AVN4430
While it has not yet officially been revealed to the public, a new car stereo and navigation system combination developed in collaboration with TomTom and Eclipse has been spotted thanks to an award the device will win at the 2009 CES show. While no official specifications on the AVN4430 have been revealed, it is likely to share many with the current ACN2210p unit. One visible upgrade is the larger 4.3-inch widescreen of the removable TomTom personal navigation unit compared to the current one's 3.5-inch screen as well as a slightly revised control layout on the host Eclipse unit's face plate.
more
11/11, 1:30pm
TomTom GO 630 GPS
A new TomTom personal navigation device, the GO 630 GPS, is available exclusively at electronics retail chain Radio Shack. The device features complete map coverage of the US and Canada, along with compatibility with TomTom's MapShare software that lets users update or customize their own maps or download ones from other users via TomTom HOME. This access also lets users get traffic updates on their PCs.
more
10/10, 9:45am
Gadget of the Year iPod
Apple has, for the second time this month, won "Gadget of the Year" in a British awards competition. T3's second-annual T3 Gadget Awards ceremony was held on Thursday evening, and included awards chosen by both readers and T3. Readers cast over 54,000 votes to pick 11 of the prizes, which included the Gadget of the Year award, won by Apple's iPod touch.
more
09/23, 4:25pm
TomTom ONE XL II unveiled
Portable GPS device manufacturer TomTom will soon release a new GPS system, if a filing with the Federal Communications Commission is to be taken as an indication. The new model, expected to be called the ONE XL II, should add Bluetooth functionality for hands-free cellphone use to specifications and features otherwise shared by the existing ONE XL-S. In the process, the XL II becomes the first navigation device from the ONE line to include Bluetooth.
more
08/28, 9:30am
TomTom GO x40 LIVE
TomTom used the prelude to the IFA expo to introduce an update to its GO GPS units. While cosmetically similar to earlier models, the GO x40 LIVE series is billed as the first to have an extremely detailed history of the travel times for roads in its coverage area, letting its IQ Routes feature automatically pick the best route to avoid traffic congestion at rush hour regardless of the actual street. The upgrade also adds HD Traffic support for European maps that TomTom claims is the most accurate of its type and which can catch unusual spikes in traffic that IQ Routes may miss.
more
07/02, 12:45pm
Nokia/NAVTEQ deal OK'd
The European Commission has approved an acquisition of map maker NAVTEQ, Nokia has announced. With this validation in hand, the company says it has met all regulatory concerns, and plans to complete the buyout within a matter of five days. "NAVTEQ will play a key role in our Internet services strategy," reads a statement from Nokia CEO Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo. The acquisition will also likely save the company money on licensing, as it has previously had to pay companies like NAVTEQ for each use of a map on a phone.
more
06/13, 10:35am
TomTom on iPhone software
TomTom has in fact produced real-time navigation software for the iPhone, according to one of the company's French representatives. Yann Lafargue denies allegations from other sources, which first said that Apple's SDK license forbids real-time navigation, and then that TomTom itself had no internal prototypes. "Since the SDK became available," Lafargue observes, "some of our engineers tried to put Navigator on the iPhone. And the first tests showed that it worked well for the most part."
more
06/12, 10:45am
No TomTom iPhone app?
GPS maker TomTom may not be developing iPhone software at all, allegations say. A source within the company claims that despite public statements that TomTom has developed iPhone software, and has plans to sell it, there are actually no software prototypes in existence. The source adds that an e-mail memo was circulated through TomTom on Wednesday, with the message that "we haven't officially announced anything, we're just commenting to the press on a 'reactive not proactive' basis."
more
06/11, 9:55am
iPhone SDK & GPS nav.
Apple may be attempting to block competition when it comes to GPS navigation on the iPhone, developers have observed. In the most recent version of the iPhone SDK, Section 3.3.7 of the license agreement tells users that "applications may not be designed or marketed for real time route guidance; automatic or autonomous control of vehicles, aircraft, or other mechanical devices; dispatch or fleet management; or emergency or life-saving purposes."
more
05/14, 4:30pm
TomTom OK to Buy TeleAtlas
European Commission officials today cleared GPS maker TomTom's plans to buy Tele Atlas. The government body says the buyout "would not significantly impede" competition in GPS navigators and attached no restrictions to the deal, which lets TomTom use an in-house source for its own maps. Although the possiblity exists for TomTom to artificially limit competition by blocking sales of Tele Atlas maps to outside companies, the existence of its rival Navteq makes that "unlikely," the Commission says.
more
05/06, 1:10pm
TomTom: No cellphones
TomTom, maker of GPS devices like the ONE and the ONE XL, has no plans to build its own cellphones, according to a report out of Taiwan. DigiTimes cites a "top executive" from TomTom Asia, who says that the company will continue to focus on in-car navigation units, and accompanying content and services. TomTom has been collaborating with ASUS and HTC on navigation features for their own handsets, using parts from still more companies.
more
04/29, 9:40am
TomTom ONE 130 and XL 330
TomTom this morning updated its long-serving ONE and XL lines to make them easier to carry. The 3.5-inch ONE 130 and the widescreen, 4.3-inch XL 330 use refinements in hardware to slim down their bodies considerably compared to the original GPS devices and are designed to be more easily removed from a car either for pedestrian use or for safety: a new mounting system dubbed EasyPort lets users keep the mount attached to the receiver for transport and can even slide into a pocket through a collapsible arm. Larger speakers on either-size map device improve direction notices in noisy situations.
more
04/24, 1:35pm
TomTom Rider 2nd edition
TomTom on Thursday launched its Rider 2nd Edition portable navigation system made for motorcycle riders. The systems utilize a Cardo scala-rider Bluetooth headset to relay instructions and allow for hands-free calling. The 2nd Edition was upgraded with more features from the company's in-car units, including Map Share that allows users to share voice messages, points of interest or even itineraries via Bluetooth. A new Help Me! button can either connect riders with or find the nearest emergency services and roadside assistance.
more
03/03, 12:25pm
TomTom GO 730 & 930
Navigation mainstay TomTom has announced two new GPS units, the GO 730 and 930. Successors to previous models, one upgrade comes in the form of graphics, which have alpha blending and a more elegant user interface; the software will now also display lanes for upcoming turns, and even sign posts or 3D renderings for potentially confusing intersections.
Each unit has further been enhanced with a technology called "IQ Routes," which takes into account the average speeds of a road at different times, and will thus give a more realistic sense of driving time. This is likewise used to find alternate routes which are nevertheless faster than linear ones.
more
02/11, 9:25am
HTC P3470 and Upgrades
HTC has taken its turn at Mobile World Congress to release one new phone and upgrade two of its crossover devices. Spotlighted in the show is the P3470; originally codenamed the Pharos, the touchscreen phone centers on GPS mapping and supports either TomTom or CoPilot software for its navigation. A navigation wheel also helps it navigate through large lists more quickly than possible with just a directional pad. HTC also delivers a 2-megapixel camera and microSD storage with the phone, which ships first to Europe later this month but will support quad-band GSM and EDGE data for a possible rollout in North America.
more
