The Car Tech blog

(Credit: TomTom)

When we took our first look at the TomTom app for iPhone, it seemed like a perfectly competent helper for getting from points A-to-B. But, we couldn't help but notice that a few of our favorite GPS navigation features were notably absent--particularly TTS instructions and graphic lane guidance.

Well, there's good news for users of the TomTom app in the form of a free update that adds these missing features, and a few more.

The update will add text-to-speech (TTS) for spoken street names and points of interest (POI) as part of the device's directions, graphic lane guidance which displays a visual representation of complex highway intersections with indications of valid lanes for the route, and a "Help menu" offering a shortcut to emergency number and directions to the nearest emergency services. TomTom is also enabling in-app iPod player control, so drivers won't have to exit the application to pick a song or playlist.

Also included in this update are a free map update and the inclusion of a safety camera database update. Users will be able to set audio warnings when approaching safety cameras or driving over the speed limit, possibly preventing citations and increasing vehicle safety.

TomTom tells us that the application update has been submitted to Apple and is pending approval. For current users of the TomTom app for iPhone, this will be a free update. For everyone else, the price of the app will remain at $99.

(Credit: TomTom)

TomTom's iPhone cradle for iPhone has quietly made its way into the Apple Store. So, if you're an iPhone user with an extra $120 bucks burning a hole in your pocket for a navigation accessory (or $220, if you don't already own TomTom's navigation app), pop over to the Apple Store for a look.

According to TomTom's representative, the Apple Store product page is for preorders and TomTom has not yet announced a specific date for the product's availability. If Apple's claim that the product ships in 2-3 weeks is true, we should be seeing it soon, rather than later.

We've already questioned the value of a $120 phone cradle. The general consensus among our readers was that the price is a bit steep for an accessory, even with the inclusion of the uprated GPS receiver, 12 volt charger, and speakerphone. We'll be able to put the issue to rest when we finally get our unit in for testing.

The XL 335S features many of the same features as the XL 340S, with one very important exception.

(Credit: TomTom)

I've always praised TomTom for its innovative features on its line of portable navigation devices (PNDs). But one thing about TomTom devices that has always stuck out at me like a sore thumb is the overly complex menu system. I've always preferred Garmin's simpler menu hierarchy. Those days of dissatisfaction may be behind me once I get my hands on the newest addition to TomTom's XL line of GPS navigators, the XL 335S.

According to TomTom, the 335S includes "TomTom's newest user menu with an elegant interface that features optimized icons for even easier navigation." Easier navigation means that I'm less likely to run into something while searching for the nearest gas station. Sign me up.

Oddly, the most important change to the TomTom XL 335S isn't visible in any of the photos we were provided.

(Credit: TomTom)

Aside from the updated menu interface, the XL 335S is almost identical to the TomTom XL 340S, which we've previously reviewed. Both devices feature text-to-speech, turn-by-turn direction, graphic lane guidance, and TomTom's MapShare and IQ Routes user-generated map update and routing algorithms. They even share a form factor. If the XL 340S' rapidly falling price is any indicator, the XL 335S will soon be replacing it in TomTom's lineup.

We hope to take a closer look at TomTom's new interface in the near future. And we hope it's good, because the updated menus will most likely be spreading to the rest of TomTom's line as part of the normal update cycle.

Perhaps a $40 savings will change the way you look at the TomTom XL 340S.

(Credit: CNET)

Editor's note: You snooze, you lose. Woot.com is no longer offering the TomTom XL 340S deal.

Remember the TomTom XL 340S? Neither do I, but none too long ago we took a look at this neat little portable navigation device and found it to be pretty good--3.5 stars good, in fact. And while its $149.99 price tag isn't too tough on the ol' pockets, who wouldn't like to save a few bucks?

Well, if you pop over to deal-a-day site Woot.com, then you can order a TomTom XL 340S for $109.99 (plus $5 shipping). That's a savings of $40.

Is there a the catch? Well, there are two. Firstly, due to the nature of Woot.com's selling method, this price is only good for today (Oct. 07). Secondly, and probably most importantly, the units are all refurbished. Depending on how you feel about refurb electronics, this may or may not be a deal breaker.

But at almost a third off of the price, it's worth a look, at least.

The TomTom Start will be customizable, inexpensive, and unavailable in the U.S.

(Credit: TomTom)

The Start is TomTom's newest entry-level car navigation device for the European market. Featuring a smallish 3.5-inch color touch screen and a fixed version of TomTom's (normally removable) EasyPort mounting system, the Start is aiming to be a low-cost, pocketable device.

The shape isn't the only thing that's been simplified. The menu's home screen has been simplified to two buttons, "Plan route" and "Browse map." No word has been given on if or how more-advanced menu options will fit into this scheme, but hopefully this reorganization will make the Start's menu as uncomplicated as the Garmin Nuvi menu hierarchy that we love so much.

Powering the route guidance is TomTom's IQ Routes and Map Share technology that have permeated the manufacturer's entire line of PNDs. IQ Routes uses aggregated speed data (both from the user and from other TomTom owners who choose to share their anonymous data) to choose the fastest route based on the time of day. Meanwhile, Map Share is an optional map-update service that employs user-generated corrections. Text-to-speech and graphic lane guidance appear to be absent, further differentiating the Start from the more-advanced One and XL lines.

Users can further customize their Starts (which are available with black or white shells) with removable covers (which cost 15 euros) available in six colors, or by choosing custom voices and start-up screens using TomTom's Home desktop software.

The TomTom Start is available in the U.K. and Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway with either regional maps or full European maps for 129 euros and 149 euros, respectively. Considering that the next least expensive IQ Routes-enabled PND (the TomTom One) is about 170 euros, that's a fairly good deal.

No plans for a North American release of the Start have been announced, but we're keeping our fingers crossed.

I think its safe to assume that the new XL 340S Live will look something like the standard 340S.

(Credit: CNET)

Don't you just love trickle-down? TomTom's Live connected service--which helped the GO 740 Live to win our coveted Editors' Choice award--is making its way down the product lineup to the XL series in the TomTom XL 340S Live.

We've already taken a look at the TomTom XL 340S (sans Live) and, as one might expect, all of the IQ Routes, TomTom MapShare, graphic lane guidance, and text-to-speech tech can still be found in the new model.

However, the addition of the Live connection brings fuel price updates, local Google Search, weather forecasts, and a feature called QuickGPS Fix--which supposedly speeds up satellite location, presumably through some sort of cellular triangulation.

AT&T will be providing the wireless data that powers TomTom's Live Service.

"With the new TomTom XL 340S LIVE, we are bringing unrivaled quality and truly connected navigation to the mass market," said Jocelyn Vigreux, president of TomTom Inc. "Now backed by the strength of AT&T's network, we're giving drivers the very best foundation on which to enjoy a range of useful, real time services."

The TomTom XL 340S Live will be available in retailers across the United States and will be priced at $299.95, which includes three months of Live Services. After that period, the LIVE services subscription is $9.95 per month.

(Credit: TomTom)

TomTom has finally released pricing for its iPhone car cradle, which is due for release next month. You can expect to lay down $120 when you go to pick up your cradle. That price doesn't include the TomTom turn-by-turn iPhone software, which will add an additional $99 to your purchase price, if you haven't already downloaded it.

So, that means that--at the end of the day--your pockets will be $220 lighter for the whole app and cradle kit, which is only about $20 more than we initially predicted.

Those wondering what you get for the extra cash should look here. If you're still interested after that, the TomTom iPhone cradle goes on sale in October 2009.

The TomTom XXL 540S features a huge 5-inch wide-screen display.

(Credit: TomTom)

So, you're looking at picking up one of those newfangled TomTom GPS what's-its, but the XL 340S' 4.3-inch color wide screen is just too small for you to read. Well, you're in luck because TomTom has just announced an even larger line of portable nav devices, the XXL series.

The new TomTom XXL 530S and 540S both feature a larger 5-inch touch screen, IQ Routes and TomTom MapShare technologies, US and Canadian maps, and TomTom's EasyPort integrated suction cup mount.

The XXL series features TomTom's EasyPort suction cup mount.

(Credit: TomTom)

Drop an extra 30 bones on the 540S to add advanced lane guidance, as well as a gloss-black finish to the chassis, maps of Mexico, and more preloaded points of interest.

The new TomTom XXL 530S and 540S will be in retailers across the United States and Canada in October 2009 for $279.95 and $299.95, respectively.

TomTom improves its Live lineup with three new models.

(Credit: TomTom)

TomTom unveiled the successor to its GO 740 Live connected PND, and it's called the GO 750 Live. Like any good sequel, this one adds more characters to the mix in the form of two additional Live models, the GO 950 Live and the GO 550 Live.

All three Live models will feature a wireless data connection for receiving traffic data, fuel prices, and performing Google Local Searches. Additionally, the three models will also all feature TomTom's IQ Routes technology and the free MapShare service for user-generated map updates. An Eco Route option has been added to the routing options in a bid to compete with Garmin's EcoRoutes.

The only real difference between the GO 750 Live and 550 Live is the map data. The 550 ships with only regional maps, while the 750's map data is more expansive.

The top-of-the-line GO 950 Live features even more preloaded maps (U.S., Canada, and 45 countries in Europe) as well as TomTom's Enhanced Positioning Technology (EPT), which uses an internal gyro to detect vehicle movement even when satellite signal is lost--such as when traveling through a tunnel.

TomTom hasn't announced pricing yet, but we expect the models to hover somewhere around the $400 price range. The TomTom GO 950, 750, and 550 Live will be available starting fall 2009.

Update: We've been informed by TomTom that the upcoming GO 950, 750, and 550 are Europe-only models that will not be available for purchase in North America.