So here’s how it works. If you want to sign up for the plan, you’ll receive a TomTom Pro 3100 unit for free, with specialized software that determines when you might make a maneuver that is deemed risky. For example, it’ll notice when you’re going too fast or if you take turns too sharply. But that’s not all. You’ll also have to have a device installed to your car itself which tracks more detailed driving info.

There are benefits to this intrusion. Of course, you get a free GPS. And also, if you are in fact a really good driver, it will recognize that. You’ll be eligible for a discount instead of being grouped into the other people who happen to be the same age and have the same kind of car as you. It’s an interesting step, and one that the bigger insurance players are no doubt very hesitant to try. But it could be a sign of things to come.

[via DigitalTrends]

Then again, these vanity voice skins don’t come cheap. Each character or celebrity costs $12.95. In addition, if you opt for a custom voice, the GPS will not speak the names of the individual streets. So while the default computerized voice can tell you, “Turn left on 5th Avenue,” Marge Simpson only has the ability to tell you to “turn left.” Not all TomTom units have the ability to generate spoken street names, though.

So in case you haven’t been keeping up to date with all the celebrity GPS news, some of TomTom’s other downloadable voice packages include James Bond, Kim Cattrall, KITT from Knight Rider, SpongeBob, a slew of characters from Star Wars, Bugs Bunny, Yosemite Sam, Dora the Explorer, Snoop Dogg, Burt Reynolds, and Dennis Hopper. Forget about anything you see on the big screen – that’s an all-star cast.

[via Cnet]

The app also integrates with twitter as well so you can navigate to the places your twitter pals are. Those that already own the app, the update will be offered at no cost. Drivers will also be able to share their destination and arrival time via Twitter, Facebook, email, and text message.

The update will land in Q1 2012. It will also have updated maps, Map Share update capability, the ability to route you quickly through traffic, and offers alerts for speed cameras. It will also integrate with contacts, photos, music, and email.

The TomTom GO LIVE Top Gear edition features Top Gear-themed start-up and shut-down screens and car icons. You can use the device in silent mode by selecting The Stig mode, or you can choose to have Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson’s voice guide you throughout your journey. This limited edition also features more detailed maps, hands-free calling via Bluetooth, and voice recognition.

Like other TomTom GPS devices, it will also feature the TomTom HD Traffic technology that steers drivers away from traffic jams and updates traffic information every two minutes. This includes incident reports that detail the length of the delay and the cause.

The device is priced at $269.95 and includes a one-year subscription to TomTom’s LIVE Services, which offers access to Google local search, weather forecasts, and TomTom HD Traffic, among other connected features.

[via TomTom]

In Western Europe alone, there have been 70,000km of new roads added or realigned to accommodate the London 2012 Summer Olympics. The update also added new low emission zone features to Western Europe to support environmental driving. Russia, Poland, and Turkey also had updates with 36,000km of roads added.

Along with the new roads also come 600,000 more POIs. Other features include specialized lane information and back road designations to help make navigation safer. Postal information in the US and Canada has been updated for business users.

The app interfaces uses the TomTom enhanced POI database and combines it with TomTom maps to allow the user to find local establishments and places. The iPhone user can then search for hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets among other things from the iPhone. Once found, the user can navigate to the location easily.

The app also lists the locations of tourist attractions and ATM machines. Favorite searches can be stored for easy access later. The app is a free download and is on the App Store right now in supported countries.

The navigation system is tied into the car’s battery system and when a driver picks a route to a destination they want to travel to, the driving range of the car on a full charge is overlaid with the driving route. The nav system will also plot the location of charging station along the route for the driver to use to extend the range. The charging station database contains over 5,000 locations around Europe.

It also has an eco-route option to let the driver choose the most energy efficient route. Presumably, that would be the flattest and least trafficked route, not nessicarily the shortest. Obviously, since the Renault brand is only offered in Europe that will be where the TomTom Carminat system is limited to as well. I think that this is a very cool system and it will end up being seen on other EVs and cars as well.

TomTom’s Live services include apps like Yelp, TripAdvisor, Expedia, and Twitter. They make it convenient for you to access travel information while on the road, such as finding hotel availability, reading restaurant reviews, and discovering other points of interest. The Twitter integration also lets you automatically tweet your arrival time and location. Additionally, there are apps for checking nearby fuel prices, speed cameras, and weather as well as a Google Local Search app.

The TomTom Go Live 1535M also features voice recognition with one-step address entry, Bluetooth hands-free calling, a 5-inch touchscreen, an integrated mount with flip-screen, advanced lane guidance, and spoken street names. The device is set to launch in October for $249, which includes a free 12-month subscription to Live services.

[via TomTom]

The traffic information claims to be the most accurate and captures more traffic jams than ever before to help drivers avoid delays and find the fastest routed. The app is able to track and show traffic on both major highways and secondary roads. The update enables the live traffic, but to get the service you have to make an in-app purchase.

The in-app purchase price for the traffic service is $19.99 and TomTom notes that those already subscribed to TomTom Traffic will get the upgrade at no charge. The app is on the App Store right now. The updates also allows for multiple stops on a single route with up to five stop off points and the update brings new maps as well.

Text-to-speech voice recognition for entering addresses on the move is supported, along with other voice commands. QuickGPSfix is apparently capable of grabbing satellites in mere seconds, and there’s an orientation sensor inside that can automatically flip the display between portrait and landscape orientation depending on how you sit the PND on the bundled mounting dish.

The TomTom GO LIVE 820 regional model costs €199 ($280) while the European version costs €229 ($322). As for the TomTom GO LIVE 825, the regional version costs €229 and the European version costs €249 ($350). They’re available in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, though not all services are operational in each country; more details in the press release below.

Press Release:

Introducing the TomTom GO LIVE 800 series – smart, easy, connected navigation

New connected device makes LIVE Services more accessible and helps more drivers to break free from traffic jams

Amsterdam, 24 May 2011 – Today, TomTom makes connected navigation even more accessible with the launch of the TomTom GO LIVE 800 series. This stylish new addition to the TomTom GO portfolio comes with a whole year of LIVE Services– including TomTom’s market leading HD Traffic service.
The launch of the TomTom GO LIVE 800 series is part of a complete refresh of the TomTom product lineup. This sees TomTom’s whole range simplified and split into the non-connected Start and Via ranges – designed for those drivers seeking convenience and comfort – and the connected GO LIVE range, for drivers who want to benefit from real-time traffic and route information on their journey.
“The TomTom GO LIVE 800 series is designed to help everyone reap the benefits of connected navigation,” says Corinne Vigreux, Managing Director, Consumer at TomTom. “Its smart design puts powerful TomTom LIVE Services like HD Traffic into a great value package – helping drivers everywhere to break free from jams.”
All GO LIVE 800 devices bring one year of TomTom’s market-leading LIVE Services straight to their device. The flagship service is TomTom HD Traffic, which delivers accurate traffic information every two minutes – that’s up to seven times more frequently than any other provider. With coverage across more roads and more countries than any other traffic service, HD Traffic gives drivers detailed incident reports, length of and reason for delays, accurate travel and arrival times – even alternative route proposals.
The LIVE Services bundle also includes the Speed Cameras service, providing mobile and fixed speed camera alerts, while Local Search helps to pinpoint shops and businesses in the area. QuickGPSfix, meanwhile, helps drivers to start navigating in seconds. And they don’t need to worry that the weather will spoil their plans – the TomTom GO LIVE 800 range also gives drivers local and five-day forecasts courtesy of TomTom Weather.
Drivers can also use their voice to enter addresses, while hands-free calling via Bluetooth® lets them make and answer phone calls safely whilst on the move, so it’s easier than ever to stay in touch and in control.
All devices in the GO LIVE 800 series are based on TomTom’s award-winning IF product design, where stylish looks meet clever functionality. The intelligent orientation sensor within GO LIVE 800 series devices, for example – coupled with the fully integrated flip screen mount – lets drivers mount their device to their dashboard, automatically rotating the screen 180 degrees. All drivers need to add is a dashboard mounting disc.
Just like every other device in the TomTom lineup, TomTom GO LIVE 800 series devices come with a bigger screen, for an even clearer and more comfortable view. Drivers simply have to choose whether they want the GO LIVE 820 with its 4.3″ touch screen, or the GO LIVE 825 with the larger, 5″ touch screen.
Vigreux concludes: “The new GO LIVE 800 will make TomTom HD Traffic available to more people, providing them with the very best traffic information available. This is something we committed to in our Traffic Manifesto last year, giving drivers who use TomTom HD Traffic more control by keeping them fully informed of the exact traffic situation. These drivers will spend less time stuck in traffic, arriving less stressed and on time, with quicker alternative routes offered to them as soon as they are available.”
Availability and pricing
● ● ● ●
The TomTom GO LIVE 820 (regional version) costs €199. The TomTom GO LIVE 820 Europe costs €229. The TomTom GO LIVE 825 (regional version) costs €229. The TomTom GO LIVE 825 Europe costs €249.
All TomTom GO LIVE 800 series devices are available to buy now in the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
Notes for Editors Key features of the TomTom GO LIVE 800 series
● LIVE Services 1 year Avoid surprises on the road ahead with LIVE information like HD Traffic delivered direct to your device 1 year for free
● Hands-free calling Hands-free calling via Bluetooth®● Integrated mounting with flip screen Integrated mounting with flip screen, automatically rotates the screen 180 degrees ● Richer maps Richer, more detailed maps than ever ? In 4.3″ and 5″ touch screen See more and drive easy ● Voice Control Use your voice to plan your route and give other commands to your device. Only available in selected

countries: IT, CH, FR, NL, BE, PT, ES, DE, UK, IE, AT, SA ● Built-in Micro SD slot Access even richer content in the future – enabled via a software update in summer 2011
Coverage of LIVE Services varies per country as follows:
● HD Traffic in 16 countries*: AT, BE, CH, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, IE, IT, LU, NL, NO, PT, SE, UK ● Local Search with GoogleTM in 17 countries*: AT, BE, CH, CZ, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, UK, IE, IT, NL, NO, PL, PT, SE ● Speed Cameras in 18 countries: AT, BE, CZ, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GR, IE, IT, LU, NL, NO, PL, PT SE, UK ● Weather and QuickGPSfix in 33 countries: AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, UK, GR, HU, IE, IT, LI, LT,
LU, LV, MC, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, SE, SK, SL, SM, VA *Quality may differ per country.

The 9150 is connected to the office back end and allows the home office to route a driver from the fleet that is closest to the destination automatically using the Webfleet software backend. The GPS unit supports Map Share that allows the maps to be updated and edited by the users. That is important in areas where there is a lot of construction and new addresses are added frequently.

Battery life away from a DC outlet is up to 2 hours. It supports Bluetooth hands free calling and has 8GB of internal storage, the screen resolution is 480 x 272 and it weighs 260g. Pricing on the device is unknown and it includes maps of the US, Mexico, and Canada.

Navtones now has a new Busey voice to go along with the Hasselhoff, Mr. T, and Flavor Flav offerings it already has. The voice will give drivers turn-by-turn directions while spouting oddities that Gary is famous for.

Quips like “do not pet the lions or the gorillas,” or “be in the silence and let the journey be in the noise” will be offered up among others. I particularly like “don’t look in to the rear-view mirror to clean your teeth, or you could rear end a log truck in Oregon and remove your teeth forever.” The voice pack has 60 different clips and you can grab it now for $6.95.

Meanwhile, the GO 2535 has a 5-inch display, along with Bluetooth support. Both come in four different versions, the basic model, the 2435/2535T (with lifetime traffic updates), the 2435/2535M (with lifetime map updates) and the 2435/2535TM (with both lifetime maps and traffic updates).

There’s also the GO 2535TM WTE (World Traveler Edition) which adds European mapping data to the standard US, Canada and Mexico maps. Finally, a TomTom GO 2535M LIVE version throws in TomTom HD Traffic and a year’s access to the company’s connected services. No word on pricing at this stage.

[via GPSTrackLog]

TomTom has announced a new and free personalization program that offers custom printing on GPS devices. The service is called My Custom TomTom GPS and is available right now for users. The service lets the user choose from images that are already on the site and the user can even upload their favorite personal images to be printed onto the GPS device.

That means that the GPS unit can have an image of your dog or family. The custom printing service can also be paired with the content-sharing platform TomTom already has to send custom start pages, voices, and POI sets to the device. It would be funny if you could have a photo of your family with your kids providing the voices for directions. The service is compatible with select GPS models and they are printed by CafePress.

The TomTom XNV-770BT will give your fingers some room to touch, as it will feature a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen. The XNV-660BT saves some room, and will pack a 6.1-inch capacitive touchscreen display. Both navigational units will also come with pre-loaded maps for not only the United States, but also Canada. They will also include USB ports on the back, so you will be able to connect your favorite iDevice. As well as multi-channel audio playback.

Both units will also offer TomTom’s IQ Routes, MapShare, six million POIs, and Advanced Lane Guidance, making sure you get to where you’re going safely. You’ll be able to get your hands on these navigational units come this November, and it will cost you $1,000 for the XNV-660BT and $1,300 for the XNV-770BT.

Press Release

Sony and TomTom Team Up to Deliver Premium In-Dash A/V Navigation Systems

Two New Models Feature Innovative Navigation Technologies, High-contrast Screens and More

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 30 /PRNewswire/ — Sony today announced its first in-dash car navigation systems for the U.S. market, featuring technology powered by industry leader TomTom.

Designed to offer drivers the ultimate package of technology, innovation and style, the new XNV-770BT and XNV-660BT A/V navigation systems feature some of the most advanced car audio, video and navigational technologies in market today.

“TomTom’s expertise in navigation and our long-standing tradition of premium audio and video are strongly represented with these new in-dash systems,” said Mike Kahn, director of Sony’s mobile music business. “This unique partnership and exciting product offerings represent a huge step forward for Sony in the mobile electronics business.”

“We are delighted to work with Sony to deliver powerful, feature-rich navigation to their savvy consumers, ensuring a stress-free, enjoyable drive,” said Giles Shrimpton, managing director, TomTom Automotive. “Our joint innovations in this arena will incorporate flexible hardware design with standard interfaces that allow for easy updating in the future.”

Industry-Leading Navigation

Both of Sony’s new systems, the XNV-770BT (7-inch widescreen display) and XNV-660BT (6.1-inch widescreen display) come pre-loaded with TomTom’s extensive map database of both U.S. and Canada roads, with one free year of map upgrades provided at no incremental charge. In the U.S. alone, TomTom maps feature more than 1 million more miles of roads than other GPS brands.

Further, each system will take full advantage of several of TomTom’s advanced navigational technologies, including:

* IQ Routes™ evaluates all route options based on actual traffic speeds rather than posted speed limits, and will recommend the fastest route for the time of day.
* Advanced Lane Guidance™ provides enhanced lane graphics that show which lane to take in complex multi-lane situations.
* Quick GPSfix™ automatically updates satellite locations to get the driver on their way faster.
* MapShare™ from TomTom and its enormous navigation community enables drivers to correct their maps and benefit from changes made by other drivers via your computer and the free software TomTom HOME.
* More than 6 million points of interest including gas stations, restaurants, hotels, hospitals and more.

Premium Car Audio and Video

Each of Sony’s new A/V Navigation systems features a high quality WVGA display that offers one of the brightest and highest contract screens available in market today. The XNV-770BT model is a 7-inch, fully capacitive touch motorized panel display and the XNV-660BT model is a 6.1-inch capacitive touch with several hard keys such as volume and key menu buttons.

Both new A/V systems feature rear USB-1 wire connectivity for simple hookup to iPod®, iPhone® and other digital music players, full Bluetooth capability and a stylish graphical user interface (GUI) that includes large, easy-touch buttons. When listening to a connected device, the music playback screen will display all song metadata and album artwork.

On the audio front, the new XNV-660BT and XNV-770BT models feature multi-channel playback with Center Speaker Organizer (CSO), creating virtual 5.1 channel surround sound throughout the car. The advanced sound engine (ASE) ensures a high-quality, digitally enhanced sound experience and allows users to customize the in-car sound field to match their tastes. Further, Sony’s unique SensMe™ feature has the ability to automatically create custom music playlists and radio channels from a connected music library.

Both the new XNV-770BT and XNV-660BT A/V navigation systems will be available this November for about $1,300 and $1,000, respectively, at www.sonystyle.com, Sony Style retail stores and throughout the Sony authorized dealer network nationwide.

If Star Wars isn’t your thing, you might like the new line of voices that TomTom has announced. You will soon be able to choose from a full line of Looney Tunes voices for your device. Right now, you can get Bugs Bunny and Yosemite Sam voices.

Starting in October you will also be able to get Daffy Duck and Sylvester. In November, Pepe le Pew and Pepe le Pew ladies version for your compatible device will also be offered. The Yosemite Sam voice doesn’t sound much like the real deal from when I was a kid, but the voices are cool nonetheless. Each voice pack costs £7.95.

The downside for the people who paid the $120 for the car kit early and have now upgraded to the iPhone 4 was that the new iPhone would not fit the car kit without an adapter. TomTom has announced that anyone who purchased the car kit before can now get a free iPhone 4 adapter to make the new Apple device fit.

The adapter will be given free of charge and users can order one up starting tomorrow. All car kits sold as of September 1 will include the iPhone 4 adapter in the package. The adapter appears to be a block of plastic that sticks to the back of the iPhone holder to support the iPhone 4 during use.

I’m not a GPS user, but this commercial makes me want to get one just so I can have Yoda tell me constantly that I have taken a wrong turn, to the dark side. The best line of the whole commercial is “You’re gonna kill people if you keep giving directions like that.”

If you are a fan of Star Wars and own a TomTom GPS device, you are going to have to buy this voice pack. Check out the commercial below.

Via Jalopnik

There’s also a choice of SKUs with either lifetime map updates, lifetime traffic updates, or both.  All get Advanced Lane Guidance and over 7m POIs.  Both models will go on sale later this month, priced from $169 for the TomTom XL 350 and from $199 for the TomTom XXL 550; adding lifetime maps or lifetime traffic updates will be $30 each.

Press Release:

TomTom Launches New and Innovative XL 350 and XXL 550 Range of Navigation Devices

Latest Series Incorporates New Easy-to-Use Interface and Products with Lifetime Traffic and Map Updates Options

CONCORD, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–TomTom, the world’s leading provider of location and navigation solutions, today announces the TomTom XL 350 and XXL 550 series, the latest models in the company’s award-winning portable navigation product line. This range includes the new TomTom EasyMenu™, a sleek display and all the quality navigation features from TomTom that consumers rely on to safely and efficiently reach their destinations.

“These new products combine some of the most advanced and acclaimed TomTom features in an easy-to-use format and further deliver on our commitment to providing the most intelligent navigation products in the market”
All TomTom products in the XL 350 and XXL 550 range include TomTom’s new EasyMenu user interface, which offers sharp graphics and a simple touchscreen menu that provides quick access to search tools so that users can get started towards their destination even faster. All products also include TomTom’s proprietary IQ Routes™ Technology and TomTom Map Share™. IQ Routes offers the most efficient routing for any time of day or day of week. Map Share allows users to make map improvements on their device and share these improvements with the TomTom community.

“These new products combine some of the most advanced and acclaimed TomTom features in an easy-to-use format and further deliver on our commitment to providing the most intelligent navigation products in the market,” said Tom Murray, senior vice president of market development at TomTom, Inc. “With the introduction of the XL 350 and XXL 550 range, we empower our users with the accuracy of TomTom’s most up-to-date maps and intelligent routing information that helps them avoid traffic delays and other hassles on the road.”

Select devices across the new range of XL 350 and XXL 550 devices include Lifetime Maps and/or Lifetime Traffic Updates:

Lifetime Map Updates feature allows users to keep their maps fresh by downloading, every few months, the industry’s most accurate and up-to-date maps.
The maps include one million more miles than competing maps and, in certified tests, rate highest in terms of quality and reliability. Because an average of 18% of road information changes each year, maps are continually refreshed to include improvements across the entire road network and updates to points of interest (POIs). With Lifetime Map Updates, consumers always have access to the best maps available.
Lifetime Map Updates are available on XL 350M, XL 350TM, XXL 550M and XXL 550TM devices.
Lifetime Traffic Updates feature offers real-time insight into current traffic conditions to help drivers avoid delays.
The TomTom device receives the latest, constantly-updated traffic information; recalculates total drive time; and suggests more efficient alternate routes if they are available.
Combined with TomTom IQ Routes, the real-time traffic information via Lifetime Traffic Updates, ensures the smartest and fastest routing possible.
Lifetime Traffic Updates are available on XL 350T, XL 350TM, XXL 550 T, XXL 550 TM devices.
Technical specifications
Additional features on all devices include:

Maps: preloaded premium maps of the US/Canada/Mexico from Tele Atlas
MapShare on demand updates
IQ Routes
POIs: over 7 million points of interest
Advanced Lane Guidance
EasyMenu™
The new series of products also includes the XL 350 4.3″ model and the XL 550 5.0″ model.

Availability and Price

The X50 products will be available in late May and prices will begin at $169 for the 4.3”, and $199 for the 5.0”. Lifetime Maps and Lifetime Traffic Updates are each available for an additional $30.00.

Otherwise there’s 24/7 IQ Routes, which uses road traffic data to predict what routes will be busier at different times of the day and week, and Advanced Lane Guidance.  Mapping data covers the US (including Puerto Rico), Canada & Mexico and more than 7 million POIs.  MRSP for the XL 350 will range from $169.95 to $229.95, while the XXL 550 will range from $199.95 to $259.95.

[via GPS Track Log]

The first voice for TomTom users is that of Darth Vader. An authentic sounding Vader voice tells you where to go and leads you down the path to the Dark Side and your final destination. Other Star Wars voices will be coming as well.

You will be able to choose from C-3PO in June, Yoda in July, and Han solo in August. The voices will all sell for £ 7,95 and you can get free content for start screens, car icons and more to go along with the voices.

The Best of R3 Media

The LG Aloha Hits Verizon in May as the LG Ally: At least, that’s what the rumors are saying. Which is good news for Verizon Wireless customers, considering it’s got a physical slide out full QWERTY keyboard, and an impressive 1GHz Snapdragon processor under the hood. Now, if we could just talk about the name, then we’d probably get somewhere nice. We liked Aloha, Verizon. Really. [via Android Community]

Apple’s iAd Asks Marketers for $10 Million: Mobile advertisers are accustomed to paying to get their ads on things. And now that the mobile market is booming, and you’ve got Apple putting together iAd, why wouldn’t you want to jump on board? Maybe, just maybe, because Apple doesn’t want you to pay $100,000 to $200,000 to jump on board. Oh, no. How about $10 million? You’ll be part of a handful of marketers, which, isn’t surprising. Any takers? [via Everything iPad]

Palm Could Face Class-Action Lawsuit: Seems incorrect, right? Well, according to a law firm on behalf of some investors, it seems that they believe they’ve been short-changed due to this whole deal with HP. You know the one, where HP buys Palm? The deal equaled somewhere near $1.2 billion, or about $5.70 per share, and the investors believe that all of this should have gone down last year, when shares were at $17.20, apparently. There’s no word on how close the lawsuit is to being started, or if they’d win, but this should get interesting soon. [via SlashPhone]

The Dredget Net

Steam for Mac is Coming in May: Sure, they may have said that April would be the month of months, but Steam knows how to handle pushed released dates. You could almost call them professionals with it. And sure enough, Steam for Mac got pushed back. But, apparently, they’ve conceded that it’s now coming on May 12th, so, not too far away. Patience, it works out. We promise. [via Joystiq]

TomTom Wants an App Store: Okay, this app thing may be getting out of hand. When a dedicated GPS company wants to get into the app game, it’s a certain fact. And, according to TomTom’s CEO, Harold Goddijn, that’s exactly what he wants for his units. By the end of this year, in fact. He wants something for both the consumer, as well as the automotive market, and he hopes that the WebKit-based Operating System will make it easy for developers who choose to come on board to create their apps. [via Pocket-Lint]

Samsung N150 Joins Other Verizon Wireless Netbooks: Short and sweet here: the Samsung N150 has been officially unveiled for Verizon Wireless, with embedded 3G. It’s black, and red, and that shouldn’t surprise you in the slightest. You’re looking at your standard 10.1-inch netbook here, so unless you’re in the market for one, you probably won’t be blown away. [via Netbooked]

Pocket-Lint reports that TomTom is set to launch an app store this year, but executives declined to say exactly when the app store would land. The move to apps will use the recently unveiled webkit platform and let TomTom offer its GPS expertise in places other than its GPS devices.

One interesting possibility from the app store announcement is that TomTom might be working on an augmented reality app. However, company executives stated that augmented reality is not a major objective. How cool would it be for a GPS device to have its own internal camera to show the real world on the screen and augment that with common navigation themes.

Keeping everything moving is a 500MHz ARM11 processor and 128MB of RAM, while there’s also 4GB of user-accessible storage.  Battery life is estimated at around 3hrs of standalone use, though of course there’ll be a windscreen mount included too.

According to TomTom, the LIVE system is available in 33 countries so far, while the integrated modem will mean the company can remotely update the GO LIVE 1000 with new services and firmware updates.  No word on pricing at this stage, but it’s expected to arrive in Europe come the summer.

Press Release:

TomTom: One Device, Endless Possibilities

~ New technologically advanced navigation device to make relevant real-time services accessible for all ~

AMSTERDAM–(BUSINESS WIRE)–TomTom (AEX:TOM2) today previews the GO LIVE 1000, the first in a whole new generation of navigation devices, designed to bring real-time services to millions of drivers.

“Our customers are relying increasingly on their navigation devices and it is no longer about the destination alone, but also very much about the journey itself”
The new TomTom GO LIVE 1000 is the first TomTom product completely designed for connectivity. Based around a powerful ARM 11 500 Mhz processor, the device also showcases a new Webkit-based user interface and the latest capacitive touch screen technology.

The software and service delivery platform have been optimised for rapid integration of third party applications and easy localisation to match the needs of specific markets or applications. The back end server systems have been completely redesigned, allowing effortless delivery of rich content and downloadable applications, via cable or over the air. All this also makes the TomTom GO LIVE 1000 future proof. It will be much easier than ever before to receive the latest content and relevant information instantly.

Working with partner Vodafone, TomTom has pioneered an innovative new business model, delivering real-time connectivity seamlessly across 33 European countries for the first time. With the GO LIVE 1000 there is no need for subscription or activation, as a full year of services* is now included with the device. This suite of services includes TomTom HD Traffic™, mobile speed cameras and local search in 16 countries.

New routing

TomTom is committed to providing motorists with the best routing technology possible, developing industry firsts IQ Routes™ and HD Traffic™.

For the new platform, TomTom engineers were tasked to design a new routing algorithm that continuously scans the road network for the fastest routes, using these layers of navigation information. This has resulted in a patented super fast routing algorithm that sets new standards in accuracy and speed. And user interface enhancements give drivers a better visual understanding of traffic conditions.

Complete new look and feel

The new user interface and application logic has been much improved. To existing TomTom users, the product will have the familiar TomTom feel, being easy to use and rich in features, but it does that in a much richer graphical environment. The new capacitive touch screen offers crystal clear graphics at high resolution.

“Our customers are relying increasingly on their navigation devices and it is no longer about the destination alone, but also very much about the journey itself”, said Corinne Vigreux, managing director TomTom. “The GO LIVE 1000 has been designed to make the journey a relaxed, predictable, safe and enjoyable experience. Thanks to our technologies we know the road ahead and what is happening on the journey. The GO LIVE 1000 will get our customers to their destination easier, safer and faster than ever before.”

Richer and more detailed maps, covering two million kilometres more roads and addressable locations across 45 European countries, ensure drivers never have to waste time looking for valuable information regarding their route. Also, a new Park Assist feature automatically informs drivers of car parks near their destination.

*Availability of services will vary per country

Availability

The TomTom GO LIVE 1000 will be available in the summer.

Notes for editors

IQ Routes

TomTom IQ Routes applies the historical travel time experience of millions of drivers to calculate the fastest route possible. The technology is based on historical speed measurements for every time of day, one for every road segment, from large motorways to small local roads. In up to 35% of all cases, the use of IQ Routes results in driving a faster route, saving significant travel time as well as money and fuel.

HD Traffic

TomTom’s HD Traffic service is based on the anonymous measurements of ordinary mobile phones moving through the network. A significant proportion of mobile phones on the move are in cars. Analysis of these results gives accurate traffic information for all major and secondary roads. The HD Traffic service is further enhanced with information from TomTom users who wish to share their travel time information anonymously with other users. This contributes to the accuracy and granularity of this unique service. It gives a much more accurate traffic information resource than traditional systems and for much larger territories.

About TomTom N.V.

TomTom N.V. (AEX: TOM2) is the world’s leading provider of location and navigation solutions. Headquartered in the Netherlands it employs over 3000 employees worldwide. More than 40 million people daily use its solutions, be it in the form of dedicated portable navigation devices (PNDs), in- dash car systems or tracking and tracing solutions for fleet management. In addition, hundreds of millions of people use TomTom’s digital maps on the internet or mobile phone.

In 2009, TomTom reported €1.5 billion in revenues and a €340 million net cash flow from operating activities. More information about TomTom can be found on www.TomTom.com.

The company has announced HD Flow and HD Route Times. Both of the new features are based on the tech in TomTom’s High Definition Traffic package. HD Flow is a service that allows real-time detailed views of how traffic is flowing on roads with data delivered in DATEX2/TMC/XML formats for use in Europe. The data is designed to be integrated into traffic control centers to manage traffic more efficiently.

HD Route Times is a service that providers governments real-time travel and delay times for all possible routes and allows the gathering of data needed to update the automated signs around European highways with accurate information. Both of the new services use GSM and GPS devices to gather the precise information. Initial coverage is available for Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland with other countries coming online soon.

Interestingly, the windscreen suction mount is semi-fixed to the Start2, folding flat against the PND when not in use, but giving you one less thing to carry.  Other functionality include spoken street names, points of interest and advanced lane guidance, together with speed camera alerts.

The Start2 has 2GB of onboard storage, a battery good for up to 2hrs unplugged use, and a QVGA display.  Two versions of the Start2 are on offer, a £119 ($180) model with regional mapping data and a £139 ($210) model with full European mapping data.  No word on whether the PND will see a US release, but they’re available to order in Europe now.

The mapping data will be refreshed “every few months” according to TomTom, while the traffic information is updated every three minutes.  It’ll be used in TomTom’s proprietary IQ Routes system, which not only takes into account distance when calculating a journey, but the time of day at which you’ll be making it.  Expect to pay $199.95 upward for a TomTom PND eligible for free updates.

Press Release:

TomTom Lifetime Map and Traffic Updates Now Available in North America

~ Lifetime Features Deliver the Most Up-To-Date Maps; Help Drivers Steer Clear of Traffic ~

CONCORD, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–TomTom, the world’s leading provider of location and navigation solutions, today announces the availability of a wide range of TomTom devices offering Lifetime Map Updates and Lifetime Traffic Updates. These new features empower users with the accuracy of TomTom’s most up-to-date maps, as well as real-time traffic information that helps them avoid traffic delays and other hassles on the road. At no extra cost, customers will receive these updates for the useful life of the device.

“The nation’s roads are changing every day, so TomTom is proud to offer Lifetime Map Updates on our portable navigation devices”
“The nation’s roads are changing every day, so TomTom is proud to offer Lifetime Map Updates on our portable navigation devices,” said Tom Murray, vice president of market development for TomTom Inc. “This feature, in conjunction with TomTom’s Lifetime Traffic Updates, offers our customers the assurance that they will always have the industry’s most accurate maps and the real-time traffic information they need for hassle-free navigation.”

Lifetime Map Updates
TomTom’s Lifetime Map Updates feature allows users to keep their maps fresh by downloading, every few months, the industry’s most accurate and up-to-date maps. The maps include one million more miles than competing maps and, in certified tests, rate highest in terms of quality and reliability. The road network changes on average 18 percent annually, so they are continually refreshed to include improvements across the entire road network and updates to Points of Interest.

Lifetime Traffic Updates
TomTom’s Lifetime Traffic Updates feature offers real-time insight into traffic events to help drivers avoid delays. The TomTom device receives the latest traffic information every three minutes, recalculates total drive time and suggests more efficient alternate routes if they are available.

All TomTom products featuring Lifetime Updates also include TomTom’s proprietary IQ Routes™ Technology and TomTom Map Share™. IQ Routes offers the most efficient routing for any time of day or day of week. This feature, combined with the real-time traffic information via Lifetime Traffic Updates, ensures the very best routing possible. Map Share allows users to make map improvements on their device and share these improvements with the TomTom community.

Availability and Price
Select TomTom devices across the TomTom XL and TomTom XXL product lines are now available with Lifetime Map Updates, Lifetime Traffic Updates or a combination of these features. Pricing starts at $199.95 MSRP and varies by model.

For more information, please visit: www.tomtom.com

* TomTom devices featuring Lifetime Map and Traffic Updates are only available in North America.

The GPS device also features the TomTom Map Share technology to allow updated maps to be delivered. IQ Routes are also part of the Ease package. The small device is said to be the most compact TomTom unit to date.

It has a 3.5-inch touch screen and measures 3.4″ x 3.6″ x 1.2″ and weighs 6.1 ounces. Onboard memory is 2GB and it has maps of the US preloaded. The device will ship in early 2010.

The XXL 540S World Traveler Edition has full maps of the US, Canada, and Europe installed and ready to use. The device has a large 5-inch wide aspect ratio touchscreen and many other features. Those features include Map Share, Help Me menu, the Fold and Go EasyPort mount, TomTom Home, 4G of storage, lane guidance, and a database packed with 7 million points of interest.

The device also uses TomTom IQ routes to route you on the most efficient routes based on historical speed measurements for the time of day and road segment you are on. The World Traveler Edition will be available in the US and Canada in early December for $349.

The new GPS devices include the TomTom One 125 SE and the TomTom XL 325 SE. Both of the units share many of the same features including Map Share technology, 30-day latest maps guarantee, the TomTom Help Me menu, and the devices are both fuel price and traffic ready.

The 125 SE has a 3.5-inch touchscreen, preloaded US maps, text to speech, and a POI database. The XL 325 SE has a 4.3-inch touchscreen, preloaded US maps, text to speech, and a POI database. Both of the units also feature the fold & Go EasyPort Mount. The 125 SE will sell for $59 and the 325 SE will sell for $89.

The TomTom navigation application does not require the Car Kit accessory, but with it users of iPhone 3G and 3GS can see boosted GPS signal together with using their phone hands-free.  It also has an integrated charger, which both rejuices the iPhone and powers the Car Kit’s GPS/speaker.

TomTom are saying they have no “public announcements” about whether they’ll be releasing a version of the Car Kit app that’s compatible with the iPod touch or first-gen iPhone.  The Car Kit itself is priced at $119.95 and expected to ship in 2-3 weeks according to Apple’s online store.

The TomTom Car Kit is on the US Apple Store right now for $119.95 with free shipping. The catch is that the kit is listed as not shipping for 2 to 3 weeks. If you use your iPhone as a navigation device a lot, this may be a good item to get. I have the AT&T Navigator and you can barely hear the spoken directions from the app.

The TomTom kit is expensive, but it offers a built-in speaker, TomTom maps, a docking station, and more for your money. Nav apps suck some battery life if you don’t have the iPhone plugged into the power outlet while in use.

Canon unveiled a new DSLR camera called the EOS-1D Mark IV with 16MP resolution and 1080p video. The camera also has a fantastic ISO range. The Barnes & Noble dual-display eBook reader was outed early in the week with a price pegged at $259. The thing has an e-Ink display and a secondary color LCD built-in.

Nokia’s new low cost handset called the 5230 got the hands-on treatment this week. The device should prove popular with bargain shoppers. The DigiLife camcorder with an integrated pico projector debuted early in the week. You can record video and then show it off on a big screen without connecting to a TV.

High-end marquee Bang & Olufsen debuted a new BeoVision 10 40-inch LED backlit HDTV. The machine sells for about $9000 making it quite expensive. We went hands on with the new MacBook, Mac mini, iMac, and Magic Mouse this week when they debuted. That sexy 27-inch iMac is sweet.

TomTom debuted a cool new double DIN head unit for in-dash navigation and entertainment this week called the Go I-90. The device has a touchscreen and a removable slate the big catch is that it is far from cheap. The Sony VAIO X was benchmarked mid-week and found to get about 10 hours of run time per charge. The downside is that the notebook could only muster mediocre media playback capability.

High-end camera maker Mamiya debuted an entry-level digital camera this week called the DM22 and the DM28. The cameras start at right under $10,000. That makes low-end seem very high-end to me. The EnTourage eDGe dual screen eBook reader tipped up combining two screens into one multipurpose device. The little device is pegged to sell for $490.

Sanyo unveiled a new projector called the PLC-XF1000 with 12,000 lumens of brightness. The price is as big as high as the thing is bright at about $25,000. The Dell SX2210T multitouch 1080p LCD was spied mid-week. The screen supports gestures and takes advantage of new Windows 7 features.

Spring Design’s Alex Android-powered eBook reader tipped up with dual screens. Apparently, two screens on an eBook reader is the new cool thing to do. Wednesday we gave our first impression of the new iMac computers. We really like the massive 27-inch 2560 x 1440 resolution the screen offers.

A new Windows 7 powered slate computer called the eviGroup Pad broke cover with a 10.2-inch screen. The device runs an AI called Seline that supports speech, text, and handwriting. We reviewed the HTC Tattoo Android smartphone this week. We found the handset to be good for the price and the Tattoo will give any feature phone a run for its money.

Dell launched the Inspiron One 19 in Japan on Thursday. We expect the machine to debut in America soon as well. Price plans for that much rumored T-Mobile Project Dark tipped up Thursday. The new plan will offer $79.99 unlimited talk, text, web plans with no annual contract.

Toshiba Japan unveiled a new fuel cell called the Dynario that uses methanol to create power. The thing is available this week in Japan at 29,800 yen for the fuel cell alone. The Archos 9 tablet PC launched on Thursday for purchase. The device sells for $748 and is a sexy little device.

Dell teased again on Friday with more pics of the Adamo XPS. The computer maker still won’t give up the details on the computer, but they have to be coming soon. Someone at Motorola hit the publish button too soon Friday and sent the official Droid page live. The error was short lived, but the specs of the handset were sent into the wild before the page was removed.

Intel has reportedly delayed support for USB 3.0 until 2011. That means that there will be no widespread support for USB 3.0 in 2010. Late Friday we put a review of the 27-inch iMac up for your perusal. We figure that Apple has created one of the best all-in-ones ever.

The Motorola Zeppelin Android phone leaked online Friday for the first time. The device will be the first Android phone to support dual SIM card slots. The catch is that the handset will only be sold in China in the configuration that leaked. Nokia filed a patent infringement suit against Apple this week. The suit alleges that all models of the iPhone infringe on ten Nokia patents.

Until next week, happy reading!

Behind the slabbish facade lies a 4 x 40W amplifier, FM and AM radios (with RDS), a TMC traffic status receiver and the ability to connect up to your car’s existing steering wheel controls.  The PND functionality includes just about everything you might expect from a high-end TomTom system, so you get mapping of Western Europe, safety alerts for traffic cameras, Map Share for updated topography, hands-free calling (though it’s unclear whether Bluetooth is integrated) and enhanced positioning so the GO I-90 can track your location even in GPS blackspots such as tunnels.

There’s also a USB port, for hooking up an iPod or other MP3 player, and text-to-speech for directions and road names.  Once you’re at your destination you can pop out the touchscreen section and continue to use it as a standalone PND.  The TomTom GO I-90 will arrive in Europe come December, priced at €499 ($747) excluding installation costs.

Press Release:

TomTom Unveils Integrated Navigation Infotainment Solution

~ TomTom GO I-90 Double DIN Solution Brings Integrated Navigation to All Cars ~

AMSTERDAM–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The TomTom (AEX:TOM2) GO I-90 doesn’t stop at navigation – it’s a double DIN navigation and radio solution, integrating world-class navigation and in-car infotainment for all types of cars.

Traditionally, integrated navigation solutions come pre-fitted in new cars. This leaves little opportunity for those who want integrated navigation, but don’t intend to buy a new car.

The all-in-one TomTom GO I-90 solution can be fitted into any car, so even those with older car models can have an integrated navigation experience. It also offers consumers all the advantages of easy-to-use portable navigation, yet fits seamlessly into a vehicle dashboard. The device provides full radio integration with the car speakers for high quality audio when using spoken instructions, or making hands-free phone calls. Although the full solution is integrated, the navigation device is totally portable so it can be removed from where it sits in the audio system to be used in other cars*.

“We are proud to further expand the footprint of our automotive products, using our experience in the embedded market to deliver the products people want, through various channels,” said Giles Shrimpton, TomTom’s Managing Director AUTO. “This is another example of TomTom’s strategy to deliver a high quality navigation solution to users; however they want to use it.”

Well-known TomTom features are included for a premium navigation experience. Such as TomTom Map Share™ — allowing users to make instant changes to the map and share these with others through TomTom HOME and Safety Alerts — enabling drivers to save on speeding tickets and drive safer. Drivers can also easily update their device and their map, which is a unique feature among traditional integrated navigation solutions.

The device, which comes with maps of Western Europe pre-installed, also has hands-free calling, so drivers can make calls safely while driving.

Availability

The device will be available to buy through ‘12V’ specialist retailers throughout Europe from December 2009.

The device will cost Є599 (excluding installation cost)**. TomTom recommends the system be installed by a professional dealer.

Notes for editors

Among its many features, the new GO I-90 boasts the following:

Pre-installed map of Western Europe***.
TomTom Map Share™ technology – so drivers get daily map changes from the TomTom community.
TomTom Safety Alerts, including safety cameras.
Enhanced Positioning Technology – for uninterrupted navigation, even in tunnels.
Improved hands-free calling – so drivers can make and answer phone calls safely while driving.
Help-Me! emergency menu – local information to get help quickly.
Optional iPod support – optimal support for iPod playback and iPod charging.
Extensive phone compatibility.
Optimised TMC reception through the car’s antenna.
Latest map guarantee.
TomTom HOME desktop software for everything a driver needs to keep the device up to date.
Address speech recognition and text-to-speech.
USB connection for MP3/I-pod.
Radio features

Amplifier (4 x 40 WATT).
FM reception.
RDS support for PS, AF, TA.
AM reception (LW and MW).
Built in TMC receiver.
Ready for steering wheel control (3rd party accessory).
Connectors to car and outside world (GPS, USB, iPod).
2 DIN box.
No CD drive.
- END –

* Best used with dedicated travel kit which can be found on www.tomtom.com

** Non-euro pricing will be unveiled shortly

*** Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and Vatican City

Other features include Advanced Lane Guidance and users can take advantage of the Map Share program that allows drivers to change maps that are incorrect. The screen of the device is 4.3-inches and is touch sensitive. The device comes with complete maps of the US and Canada.

Text to speech function allows the device to say street names and place names aloud and the database has 7 million points of interest. TomTom also uses its fold and go EasyPort mount that folds flat to fit in any bag or shirt pocket. The TomTom Home desktop application helps to keep users up to date at all times. The XL 335S will sell for $239.95 and should be available soon.

The TomTom Car kit has a secure docking design that attaches to the car windshield or dashboard with a twist and lock motion. The mount is rotatable to allow use of the phone in portrait or landscape mode and can be removed with one twist once at your destination.

The car kit also includes a built-in GPS receiver to reduce GPS drops out in areas where signals can be challenging like areas with tall buildings or trees. The device has a built-in speaker and mic as well to allow direction to be heard and hands free calling. The kit also charges the iPhone while it is in use. The device is available for 99,99 euro and is compatible with the iPhone 3G and 3GS.

The Start is a simple device for occasional drivers with an interface that has only two buttons for “Plan route” and Browse Map.” The device is small and compact sporting a 3.5-inch screen and has a semi-fixed EasyPort mount.

The GPS is sized to fit easily into a pocket or the glove box of a car. IQ Routes technology is built into the Start allowing the user to travel with the fastest route at any time of the day with accurate travel times. Also featured is TomTom Share to allow users to make their own map changes. The Start sells for €129 for a device with regional map or €149 for European.

The connectivity allows the GPS device to access real-time traffic information, TomTom Fuel Price Service, TomTom Weather, and QuickGPSfix. The devices uses TomTom exclusive IQ Routes technology to route drivers based on historical speed measurements for a particular path at the given time of day the driver is traveling.

IQ Routes can also receive real-time traffic speed and accident information reports every two to five minutes. Traffic delays along a route give an audible warning and are displayed on the screen. Three months of wireless, service is included with the purchase of the device and the XL 340S Live is priced at $299.95.

According to TomTom, IQ Routes – which uses historical road usage data to predict when and where jams will occur – results in shorter journeys 35-percent of the time.  We’re hoping that doesn’t mean that 65-percent of the time the journey is longer than normal.

Meanwhile the XXL 540S also throws in advanced lane guidance, Mexican mapping, seven million POIs and a different, black finish to the casing.  The TomTom XXL 530S is priced at $279.95, while the XXL 540S is priced at $299.95.  Both will go on sale in the US and Canada next month.

Press Release:

TomTom Unveils New TomTom XXL Range, with New Five Inch Widescreen

TomTom XXL 530S and XXL 540S feature larger, easy-to-read display

CONCORD, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–TomTom, the world’s leading provider of navigation solutions and digital maps, today announces the latest models in its award-winning portable navigation product offering – the TomTom XXL 530S and TomTom XXL 540S. Drivers can now enjoy TomTom’s premium technologies, including the highly acclaimed IQ Routes™ Technology, on an extra-large five inch screen.

“The new TomTom XXL devices enrich our product portfolio by providing our customers with new offerings that cater to individual preference and need, like the larger, easy-to-read screen” said Jocelyn Vigreux, president of TomTom Inc. “The introduction of the XXL range is in line with our strategy to increase the depth and breadth of our product offerings, based on customer feedback.”

Optimal Routing

The TomTom XXL 530S and XXL 540S devices enable users to always drive the smartest and most efficient routes, whenever or wherever they go. The TomTom XXL 530S and XXL 540S include TomTom’s exclusive IQ Routes™ technology. The technology is based on historical speed measurements for every time of day and for every road segment, from large highways to small local roads. In up to 35% of all cases, the use of IQ Routes results in driving a faster route, saving significant travel time, money and fuel.

In addition to the above mentioned features, the new TomTom XXL devices come with:

Full maps of the US and Canada
TomTom Map Share™ technology, so users can instantly modify street names, street direction, points of interest and more on their device and benefit from corrections made by others
TomTom Help Me menu, so users can easily access local emergency service providers such as police, fire stations and hospitals.
TomTom’s newest user menu with an elegant interface that features optimized icons for even easier navigation
Award-winning Fold and Go EasyPort® mount, folds flat against the device, making it easy for users to transport
TomTom HOME, the free desktop application to keep users’ devices up-to-date at all times
Features unique to the TomTom XXL 540S:

Advanced Lane Guidance for realistic representations of complex highway junctions and lane-specific visual directions that take the stress out of navigating these otherwise challenging areas
Preloaded maps of Mexico, the US and Canada
Seven million points of interest, so users have access to information and location details of more restaurants, hotels, gas stations, etc. than ever before
High-quality black finish, for a sleek look
Availability and Pricing

The new TomTom XXL devices will be in retailers across the United States and Canada in October 2009.

TomTom XXL 530S: $279.95

TomTom XXL 540S: $299.95

About TomTom

TomTom NV is the world’s leading provider of navigation solutions and digital maps. TomTom NV has over 3,300 employees working in four business units – TomTom, Tele Atlas, Automotive and WORK.

TomTom’s products are developed with an emphasis on innovation, quality, ease of use, safety and value. TomTom’s products include all-in-one navigation devices which enable customers to navigate right out of the box; these are the award-winning TomTom GO family, the TomTom XL and TomTom ONE ranges and the TomTom RIDER. Additionally, independent research proves that TomTom products have a significant positive effect on driving and road safety.

Tele Atlas delivers the digital maps and dynamic content that power some of the world’s most essential navigation and location-based services (LBS). Through a combination of its own products and partnerships, Tele Atlas offers digital map coverage of more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. The Automotive business unit develops and sells navigation systems and services to car manufacturers and OEMs. TomTom WORK combines industry leading communication and smart navigation technology with leading edge tracking and tracing expertise.

TomTom NV was founded in 1991 in Amsterdam and has offices in Europe, North America, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. TomTom is listed at Euronext Amsterdam in The Netherlands. For more information, go to www.tomtom.com.

So, what do we have? We’ve got a dock, we’ve got a charger, we’ve got a SiRFStar GPS chipsest for even more accurate directions, and enabled Bluetooth. And while the FCC saved some parts of the manual, more importantly they’ve given us a shot of the device, all lined up with that classy ruler for size comparison. Thankfully, the manual tells us that the TomTom Car Kit will be able to attach directly to the windshield, or even your side window. Or if the windows aren’t your thing, there’s also an adhesive disk that allows you to stick it to your dashboard.

If you’re part of a family with iPhones, rejoice in the fact that the car kit can connect with up to eight different iPhones. The manual goes on to say that you’ll also be able to play music from the kit through your car speakers, by attaching a 3.5mm audio cable from the car kit, to your stereo. If you’re going to go out and buy the “TomTom App for your iPhone or iPod Touch“, or you’ve already done it, then this is probably a great purchase for you. And if you like GPS accessories and docks, then go ahead and keep on waiting for this one. Still no word on release date, or price, officially.

[via Engadget]