TomTom software update (photos)

TomTom released a new firmware update for the x50 series and the 335 LE/SE/LM models. Here, we outline the changes.

Antuan Goodwin

Sept. 14, 2010 2:11 p.m. PT

1 of 14

Antuan Goodwin/CNET

USB connection

Start by connecting your TomTom device to your computer with the included USB connection.

Compatible units include the TomTom x50 series and the TomTom 335 LE, SE, and LM models. Here we're using the TomTom XXL 550 TM. View Local Inventory

2 of 14

Antuan Goodwin/CNET

TomTom Home 2 software

If you haven't done so already, install the TomTom Home software and fire it up. The available downloads for your TomTom device will appear in a list. The new software update is at the top of the list. View Local Inventory

3 of 14

Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Download updates

Once you've downloaded and installed the updates, your TomTom unit will reboot. View Local Inventory

4 of 14

Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Route detail button

Here we have the new firmware (right) next to the previous version. After choosing a destination, the new software features a route detail button. View Local Inventory

5 of 14

Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Route info screen

Users are able to preview their route as a list of turns, as a slideshow of images, or as an overview. Here is also where you'll find the route demo option, which is an animated simulation of the chosen route. View Local Inventory

6 of 14

Antuan Goodwin/CNET

New options

The options screen also features an array of new functions and a slight restructuring of the older ones. Among the new options are volume control, brightness preferences, and driving-view preferences. View Local Inventory

7 of 14

Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Volume options

The previous firmware featured volume controls hidden on the map, but the new software also features a menu option and speed sensitive volume controls. View Local Inventory

8 of 14

Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Brightness preferences

Users also gain individual controls over day and night brightness and the option to manually or automatically switch between the modes. View Local Inventory

9 of 14

Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Interface customization

Under driving-view preferences, users can customize their TomTom's interface. View Local Inventory

10 of 14

Antuan Goodwin/CNET

New vertical status bar

The status bar can be displayed horizontally or vertically. View Local Inventory

11 of 14

Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Status bar options

Users also gain a plethora of options for customizing what information appears in the status bar. View Local Inventory

12 of 14

Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Planning preferences

A new set of planning preference options gives users fine control over how the TomTom handles trip routing. View Local Inventory

13 of 14

Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Planning preferences

A new set of planning preference options gives users fine control over how the TomTom handles routing of trips. View Local Inventory

14 of 14

Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Traffic rerouting

If your TomTom features traffic data, the unit can be set to automatically reroute if a faster route is found while navigation is under way. The user can also have the unit prompt before rerouting or simply not reroute at all. View Local Inventory