(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.
The Maestro 4700 features 3D landmarks, such as this baseball stadium.
(Credit: Magellan GPS)Magellan has recently unveiled its newest model, the Magellan Maestro 4700 GPS device. This new unit features an updated aesthetic, a slim profile, and a 4.7-inch wide-format, color touch screen.
You can talk to the Maestro 4700 using its voice command feature; and it will talk back with its text-to-speech capability, using proper street and POI names.
A Predictive Traffic feature works similarly to TomTom's IQ Routes by analyzing past traffic patterns to predict and avoid known trouble spots. However, it looks like the Maestro 4700 does not receive live traffic updates.
The Maestro features Magellan's OneTouch user interface, with which you can store your most commonly accessed searches and destinations. In this new device, the number of available bookmarks is bumped up to 12. Bluetooth hands-free calling features a 1,000 number internal phone book and noise-canceling microphone.
The Maestro comes preloaded with AAA's TourBook guide, with detailed information about destinations.
(Credit: Magellan GPS)In addition to Magellan's standard POI database, the Maestro is also preloaded with the AAA TourBook guide. When you search for a destination, the Maestro checks both lists and displays them in separate tabs.
Other new features include an updated interface with larger fonts, 3D landmarks to help visually oriented drivers to navigate, and a Pedestrian mode with a "Find Your Car" feature that remembers the location of your car in parking lots, airports, malls, universities, amusement parks, or stadiums.
The Magellan Maestro 4700 ships at an MSRP of $299.99 with a windshield mounted cradle, 12-volt charger, and other accessories.
Check out the full review of the TomTom GO 740 Live.
(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET)When we spoke with TomTom's representatives concerning the new GO 740 Live, the navigation device was described as offering a "God's-eye view" of the road. Now, the GO isn't omniscient, but it puts a good deal of information at the driver's fingertips with realtime traffic data, weather forecasts, live fuel pricing, and Local Search powered by Google.
Additionally, TomTom Map Share is a user-generated map correction system that allows for map data to be updated more frequently, while IQ Routes looks at historical speed data to calculate the fastest route from point to point. Bluetooth handsfree calling and voice command help drivers to keep both hands on the wheel as much as possible.
However, our experience with the GO 740 Live wasn't a perfect one. The experience was marred by sluggish routing and an interface that is less intuitive than the competition's. Overall, we found that the GO's pros outweigh the cons by a landslide, and we're happy to award the TomTom GO 740 Live our prestigious Editors' Choice.
(Credit:
Corinne Schulze/CNET)
Yesterday, we took a look at the TomTom One 140 S and found that we liked it, but wanted a bigger screen.
Today, we find ourselves on the road with the TomTom XL 340 S, which takes all of the features that we praised in the One (lane guidance, IQ Routes, Map Share, and text-to-speech) and packages them behind a larger 4.3-inch wide screen.
The result is an easier to read map, more accurate menu navigation and address entry, and a generally more enjoyable in-car experience. Even though we initially had our doubts about the new EasyPort mount, the integrated suction cup held the larger XL stable during cornering.
However, when we reached our destination and removed the unit to take it with us we found a minor issue that we hadn't thought of before: the XL is too big to be pocketable thanks to the combination of a larger screen and the EasyPort mount--which, even folded, more than double's the device's thickness. Users who regularly carry large purses or bags won't be too inconvenienced by the additional size, but we feel that it bears mentioning.
Overall, our impressions of the XL were positive. Check out our full review of the TomTom XL 340 S, and be sure to check back next week when we hit the road with the top of the line TomTom GO 740 Live!
(Credit:
Corinne Schulze/CNET)
It's always the case that what is now premium tier will one day be entry level. That's just the way it goes as products become more advanced and users more sophisticated.
Which brings us to the TomTom One 140 S. We've had a few short looks at the One 140 in previous weeks. At first glance, the One 140 S seems like the poster-child for entry-level portable navigation devices, with its small, 3.5-inch screen and unassuming form factor. However, look beneath the surface and you'll find features that were only available on TomTom's top-of-the-line unit this time last year, such as advanced lane guidance, downloadable fuel prices, and IQ Routes technology.
We did have a few nits to pick with the One 140 S, such as the EasyPort mount, which increases convenience by integrating the cradle into the device, but nearly doubles the device's thickness, hampering portability, and feels less stable than the lever-actuated suction cup on Garmin's cradles.
However, the TomTom's advanced feature set earns it a high rating in spite of our minor complaints. We'll have a close look at the One's larger sibling, the XL 340 S, and post it tomorrow. In the meantime, check our our full review of the TomTom One 140 S.
The stylish burgundy TomTom One adds a pop of color to the 140's formula.
(Credit: TomTom)Still looking for that last minute Mothers' Day gift for the matriarch in your life? If your mom is anything like mine, she's probably a busy woman with many places to see and things to do. Why not help her get where she's going more easily with a portable navigation device?
Just in time for Mothers' Day, TomTom is offering a special edition of the TomTom One 140 with a "stylish burgundy" casing.
The burgundy TomTom One 140 has all of the features of the standard model, such as Advanced Lane Guidance, which helps your dear mother navigate complex freeway interchanges. However, it lacks the text-to-speech of the One 140 S. If having street names read aloud is important to your momma, she'll have to be happy with basic black.
The burgundy special edition TomTom One 140 is available exclusively at Target stores until May 10 at the reduced price of $146. After Mothers' Day, the price will jump back to the standard price ($179.95), so this is a pretty sweet deal for moms on the go.
(Credit:
TomTom)
TomTom announced Wednesday that it's rolling out a few new models: the TomTomXL 340 and 340S and the TomTom One 140 and 140S. The new units now include maps of Mexico, in addition to maps of the United States and Canada. Furthermore, TomTom's Advanced Lane Guidance feature trickles farther down the product lineup, as these new models gain the highly useful ability to display detailed information about major highway lanes and where they go.
The TomTom One 140/140S packs most of the features of the XL 340/340S into a smaller package.
(Credit: TomTom)The TomTom XL 340 and 340S are 4.3-inch wide-screen models that both feature TomTom Map Share, which allows users to upload corrections to TomTom's servers to be included in future updates (once verified), and IQ Routes, which is a system that learns the best way from point A to B using historical data. Building footprints in 3D help visual navigators to locate landmarks. The 340 and 340S models differ in that the 340S features text to speech for spoken street names.
The TomTom One 140 and 140S both feature similar feature sets to the larger 340/340S, only the 140 and 140S feature a smaller 3.5-inch wide screen. As is true with the larger models, the 140 and 140S are differentiated by the ability to convert text to speech.
The new TomTomXL 340 ($229.95) and 340S ($249.95) and TomTom One 140 ($179.95) and 140S ($199.95) will be available for purchase starting Wednesday.
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