tomtom

We were hoping to hear some news from HTC, and the device manufacturer did indeed have a couple of announcements at GSMA. The first is the HTC 3470. The company is touting it as the affordable option for those looking for a smartphone with built-in GPS. Uhh, I'm not sure what HTC's definition of affordable is, but with a price tag of 449 euros ($652 U.S.), I wouldn't exactly call it a bargain. It comes preloaded with TomTom Navigator 6 software, so along with the assisted GPS, users will be able to get turn-by-turn directions, points … Read more

One of the benefits of portable navigation systems is voice-guided directions, and if you've got an in-car GPS that has text-to-speech functionality, even better. Continuing along those lines, there's a new technology that's just starting to show up in devices now: voice commands. With this capability, you can perform certain tasks with the sound of your voice. Since this is an emerging trend, there are just a handful of units with this feature, including these three from top manufacturers TomTom, Magellan, and Garmin.

Click here to see GPS devices with voice commands.

When you think of GPS, what brand name comes to mind? Would it happen to be Garmin? Because according to a new study by marketing research firm BrandIntel, Garmin is the most discussed portable navigation system and holds the best overall sentiment score with consumers. But it shouldn't get too comfortable or complacent, because TomTom, Magellan, Mio, and Lowrance are hot on its heels.

Based on an analysis of search results from "online consumer communities" (i.e., blogs, forums, and so forth) across the Web during July 2006 to August 2007, BrandIntel's GPS Navigation Systems Report … Read more

Today, TomTom took the wraps off of its latest portable navigation systems, adding three new products to the portfolio: the TomTom One 3rd Edition, TomTom GO 920, and the TomTom GO 920T. So without further ado, here's your friendly little breakdown of each.

TomTom One 3rd Edition: This entry-level GPS device is similar to the TomTom One but adds the Map Share technology and "Help Me" safety feature that was first introduced in the TomTom GO 720. Map Share allows you to make adjustments to your maps (such as noting blocked roads, updating points of interest, adding … Read more

So I've decided to take my Labor Day Weekend trip a week earlier, and I'm hitting the road tomorrow to head down to Carlsbad, California. My friend Kristen just moved there with her fiance Mike, so I'm going to visit their new crib and hit the waves at Tamarack and Moonlight Beach (you've been warned San Diego surfers; steer clear of the girl with the yellow surfboard). I'm looking forward to paddling out in warmer waters, enjoying the sunshine, and good times with friends.

I'm also looking forward to the drive down there itself. … Read more

TomTom has filed an eyebrow-raising patent with the European Patent Office for a device that combines GPS navigation information with a live video feed. According to the patent document, "...navigation devices display maps that are, like most maps, a highly stylised or schematic representation of the real world," which, TomTom contends, many people find difficult to translate or understand. To remedy the problem, it proposes a device that works "by superimposing or combining navigation directions over a camera image".

The patent application covers devices that receive an external camera feed, and any devices with built-in cameras, … Read more

One of the biggest concerns for current and potential GPS device owners is the currency of maps. Do I have the latest information? When should I update my maps, and how? While most portable nav manufacturers have their own scheduled releases, TomTom is going one step further to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information possible. Today, the company introduced its latest portable navigation system, the TomTom GO 720, with a new feature called TomTom Map Share that allows you to make adjustments to your maps (such as noting blocked roads, updating points of interest, adding new streets, and … Read more

The Nokia N95 is a convergence fanboy's dream--there's a built-in sat-nav, a 5-megapixel camera, a media player, a PDA and of course, a mobile phone. But is it better than the standalone competition or is it a jack of all trades and master of none?

We've pitted the N95's component parts against five standalone devices to see if you're better off taping together all your favorite gadgets or going down the shops and picking up Nokia's flagship handset.

MusicFirst up, it's the Nokia N95 versus the iPod Nano--both play music but which … Read more

We had an inkling that the TomTom One XL would make an appearance sooner or later after the FCC revealed its existence, but today the in-car GPS device got its official debut. The One XL expands on its older and simpler sibling, the TomTom One, by increasing the screen size from 3.5 inches to 4.3 inches and adding support for real-time traffic services. The unit also comes preloaded maps of North America, millions of points of interest, 2D and 3D maps, text- and voice-guided directions, and integrated Bluetooth 2.0 to access TomTom's PLUS services via your … Read more