TomTom helps iPod touch users find their way, finally

David Swan
Wednesday, 27 January 2010 07:41

Your IT - Entertainment

TomTom Australia today finally announced the release of the TomTom car kit for iPod Touch, available now for $129.

The TomTom car kit for iPod Touch, in combination with the TomTom navigation app, activates an in-car navigation solution previously only available to iPhone users. iPod Touch users wanting TomTom functionality will have to buy the car kit and software, which adds up to $229, a figure similar to buying a traditional standalone GPS, if not more expensive.

The car kit comes months after the initial release of the TomTom Navigation software, and owners of iPod Touches can now finally 'keep up with the Joneses', or iPhone owning Joneses, anyway.

Despite its price, the TomTom navigation app has been a high seller around the world, and includes a featureset akin to a standalone TomTom unit, including IQ Routes, Advanced Lane Guidance, spoken street names, among others.
 
“We are finding more and more users rely on GPS for their daily driving needs,” said Nick Saisanas, TomTom Marketing Communications Manager, Australia and New Zealand.

“By offering a navigation solution for the iPod Touch, we are able to offer users the accessibility of the same easy-to-use and intuitive interface, as well as premium features such as spoken street names and TomTom’s unique IQ Routes and Advance Lane Guidance technology.”

Version 1.2 of the TomTom navigation app is available now from the iTunes App Store: http://www.tomtom.com/tomtom-app.

    * Version 1.2 is available for free to existing TomTom app customers
    * Version 1.2 is available for $99.99 to new TomTom app customers
    * The TomTom navigation app is available for download for $99.99
    * The TomTom car kit for iPod Touch is available for $129.00

Requirements for use on the iPhone 3G or 3GS include phone installation of OS3.0 and installation of iTunes on the PC or Mac.

I'll personally stick to my standalone TomTom unit, although I'm sure some users will appreciate another new use for their all-in-one iPod Touch.