In a totally not surprising announcement, Dutch GPS maker TomTom says that their navigation core already runs on the iPhone.

Since the new 3G iPhone comes equipped with GPS, this will turn the device into a full navigation system with turn by turn directions and (probably) online services comparable to their current devices (gas prices, TomTom buddies, traffic information).

Not much more was released, but I’d assume TomTom plan to sell the software through the Apple AppStore. The combination of a 3G enabled device with GPS and TomTom software will make for a very powerful device.

If I had to guess, I’d say that similar announcements will follow from most other GPS software companies in the coming days.

Source: Reuters

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Welcome to part 2 of my TomTom GO 930 review. Today I’m going to show off almost 75 screen captures from the interface. If you are on a slow connection, then I apologize in advance!

As you read in my previous review (Part 1 - the hardware), the GO 930 has a massive list of features. In part 3 (later this week), I’ll show the device actually in use on the road, and will attempt to show off the really cool features (lane assist, traffic IQ and destination entry).

I’ll show you most of the features the easy way; with screen captures.

The 8 preference menu screens:

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Today I’m going to give you a brief look at the newest GPS unit from TomTom. The GO 930 builds upon their successful 9XX series of devices, but adds some very powerful features.

Update: for part 2 (The Interface) click here.

If you were to put together a list of every feature you could think of for a GPS unit, then you’d probably be close to describing what the TomTom GO 930 has to offer:

• Bluetooth handsfree carkit
• Advanced Lane Guidance
• IQ routes (uses historical traffic information to determine the best route)
• Voice recognition
• Text to speech
• Bluetooth remote control
• Home docking station with desktop software
• Gas price downloads
• iPod connectivity (with optional interface cable)
• Integrated media player (audio/photos)
• Traffic information (through your mobile phone or optional RDS receiver)
• Maps of the USA, Canada and Europe
• Map Share (for creating, sharing and receiving user generated map updates)
• FM Transmitter
• Online services for weather, gas prices and device updates
• "Help Me"menu with first aid and car repair guides (in over 10 languages)

So, let’s take a look at the hardware portion of the TomTom GO 930 (tomorrow I’ll show you the software).

The TomTom GO 930 unit is housed inside a nice shiny black enclosure with a lightly rubberized back.

It has a bright 4.3" WVGA screen with automatic brightness settings (either based on the time, and through a light sensor). There is just one button on the unit (power), all other features are controlled through the touch screen.

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With prices like this you really no longer have an excuse to travel without a GPS unit. $109 gets you this TomTom device, with a 3.5" touch screen, access to the TomTom "home" service and of course pre-loaded US maps.

The unit is refurbished but comes with the same 12 month warranty as a new unit.

Shipping is a very reasonable $4.25 (for ground).

Purchase link: TigerDirect

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The world of GPS receivers is a tough one; companies are trying to outsmart the competition every way they can.

Advanced features like text to speech and traffic information have become fairly standard on most units, but it took an innovation by TomTom to really amaze me. It’s called "EasyPort" and is nothing more than a folding windscreen mount that folds flush against the unit. It’s one of those "why didn’t I think of that" designs.

For those of you that travel with a GPS unit, you’ll know that the mount can be a real pain to carry along; some of them are so big that it’s not even practical to pack at all.

The EasyPort also allows the owner to quickly remove their TomTom from the mount instead of leaving it in the car, and with the new thinner unit design, the entire package is small enough to carry in a shirt pocket or the front pouch of a carry on bag.

Source: TomTom One and XL range get updated

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In the world of digital maps there are only 2 major players: Tele Atlas and Navteq.

Both are in the middle of being purchased (Tele Atlas by TomTom, and Navteq by Nokia).

As is common with these kind of purchases, the European Union takes a very close look at things and either gives their blessing, or tells them to make some concessions. Apparently TomTom may have done enough to please the EU, as Reuters reports that "sources" claim they’ll get approval.

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - TomTom, Europe’s biggest maker of car navigation devices, is expected to win unconditional European Commission approval to buy its main supplier Tele Atlas, industry and other sources say.

The Commission’s decision is expected to answer critics’ concerns that approval would leave TomTom in a position to hurt rival makers of navigation devices that also buy from Tele Atlas.

TomTom shares jumped following the news. They led gainers in the DJ Stoxx European technology index and were up 9.4 percent at 22.59 euros by 1104 GMT (7:04 a.m. EDT). Tele Atlas shares were 6 percent higher at 27 euros, 3 euros below TomTom’s offer price.

What does this mean for you and I? Not much really; it just means that TomTom will be even closer to the source of their maps.

The days of GPS devices with 2 or 3 year old maps is over; people are demanding newer content, and up to date points of interest, and this purchase should ensure that TomTom can deliver on that.

It’s amazing to see how fast TomTom has grown in the past 10 years. I remember when they were called Palmtop Software and were just a tiny company outside Amsterdam Airport where they made very basic map software for my Psion PDA as well as some games and a very cool Michelin restaurant guide. Their old domain is still around, and points to TomTom.com…

Source: Reuters

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