Autoblog

These are the most traffic-congested cities in the western world

Zach Bowman — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Europe

TomTom has released its congestion index for the second quarter of 2012, and Istanbul, Turkey took the dubious honor of being the most congested city in Europe. With a rating of 57 percent, the city suffers from more than double the average congestion of the rest of the continent. Warsaw, Poland came in second with a 47-percent rating, though morning peak traffic sees that number swell to 93 percent. Marseille, France, Palermo and Rome, Italy round out the top five.

But TomTom didn't just put an eye on Europe. The navigation company also turned its analysis on North America.

Not surprisingly, Los Angeles walked away with the top slot with a rating of 34 percent. Vancouver, Canada came in at just one percent behind LA, while San Francisco took the bronze. Montreal and Toronto filled out the North American top five this go around. You can head over to the TomTom site for a closer look at the breakdown as well as the company's methodology.

These are the most traffic-congested cities in the western world originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Oct 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In-car navigation systems expected to quadruple by 2019

Chris Shunk — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Technology

Navigation systems have been coming down in price lately, making in-car directions more accessible to the masses. At the same time massive tech companies like Apple and Microsoft have gotten into the game as well, and as TheDetroitBureau.com reports, a new study shows that these forces are converging to quadruple the systems by 2019.

That's another 13 million nav systems per year around the world, or 56 million units by 2019. The biggest gains will likely take place in China, with sales going from 355,000 to 11.8 million in a decade.

The study unsurprisingly predicts that navigation systems will also change considerably during that time, going from traditional DVD-based technology to inexpensive in-car systems and smart phone-based systems like the upcoming Apple tech that will be found on future vehicles from General Motors, BMW, Toyota, Audi and many other OEMs.

Cheaper tech and increased competition tend to go hand-in-hand, but that recipe could be toxic for traditional navigation providers like TomTom and Garmin. Such companies will need to rely on ingenuity and smaller margins to continue to thrive in the more competitive market.

In-car navigation systems expected to quadruple by 2019 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jul 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automotive April Fools' joke roundup [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 19:10:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Etc., Technology, BMW, Chevrolet, Honda, Mini, Subaru, Humor

It's that time of year again. April Fools' came and went over the weekend, and a handful of the world's automakers joined in on a little Spring time fun. From intelligent anti-theft devices and TSA-inspired driver aids to automated NASCAR racers and high-performance hybrids, this year's raft of pranks were as good as any we've seen in past years. With April 1 falling on a Sunday, we saw fewer wise-cracking creations than before, but that didn't spoil the fun, so we thought we'd recap them for your enjoyment.

Mini took the cake this year with the company's Cowley Caravan and Swindon Roof Top Tent. The automaker went through the trouble of working up a full press release, complete with 20 photos and translations into a wide range of languages. We'll admit to being a little disappointed when we discovered the add-ons were a clever rouse. We'll just have to scrap our plans for a Mini safari. For now.

Hit the jump to see more April foolishness.

Continue reading Automotive April Fools' joke roundup [w/video]

Automotive April Fools' joke roundup [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bert and Ernie lend voices to TomTom, will guide you to Sesame Street

Zach Bowman — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Celebrities, Humor

Sesame Street is teaming up with TomTom to provide family-friendly navigation narration courtesy of some of our favorite muppets. Bert, Ernie and one very special rubber duckie have been so kind as to lend their vocal talents to TomTom navigation devices. The trio are in good company. Darth Vader and Top Gear star Jeremy Clarkson have both stepped into the recording booth to give TomTom customers a little entertainment over a long drive. If you like the idea of Sesame Street's Bert and Ernie leading the way, you can head over to the TomTom site to purchase the voice pack for $12.95.

That may seem a little steep to the penny-pinchers of the world, but listening to our childhood television friends may do much to diffuse road rage the next time we're stuck in traffic. Don't believe us? Follow the jump to check out a quick video of Bert and Ernie in the recording studio. We dare you not to smile.

Continue reading Bert and Ernie lend voices to TomTom, will guide you to Sesame Street

Bert and Ernie lend voices to TomTom, will guide you to Sesame Street originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Clarkson contract blunder leads to cancellation of Top Gear TomTom GPS

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Government/Legal, Technology

Those of you hoping to hear the boisterous voice of Jeremy Clarkson coming out of your TomTom GPS are going to be quite disappointed. As it turns out, part of the BBC's editorial guidelines state that none of the Top Gear presenters can endorse motoring products, and thus, having Clarkson screaming out of your TomTom is a clear violation of this policy.

Some 54,000 units of the Clarkson-ified TomTom have already been produced, with many already in stores. BBC Worldwide has stated that it will now donate all proceeds from the TomToms to the Children In Need charity. The BBC told UK's The Guardian that Jezzeh was in no way involved with setting up this deal and will not make any money from the partnership between BBC and TomTom.

Looks like drivers will now be forced to add in their own insults, sarcasm and humor to the TomTom sat-nav experience.

Clarkson contract blunder leads to cancellation of Top Gear TomTom GPS originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Top Gear edition TomTom satnav features Stig Mode

Zach Bowman — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 11:17:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Toys/Games, Celebrities

Top Gear fans who go orgasmic at the first note of Jeremy Clarkson's dulcet tones will be happy to hear that TomTom has released a new GPS soaked in the world's favorite car show. As previously rumored, the TomTom Go Live Top Gear Edition sat nav features driving directions narrated by Jezza, as well as plenty of petrol-laced points of interest. Those include test tracks as well as locations featured in the long-running show. There are also model-specific start-up and shut-down screens that feature the Top Gear logo. That's fun and all, but the really great part is that the company's Live service offers real-time speed camera alerts. Handy.

The GPS also features a Stig mode, though the company isn't saying what that is or what it does for drivers. Some say the device just sits there on the dash and glares disapprovingly. All we know is, the device is available here in the U.S. as well as a host of other countries. Hit the jump for the official press release.

Continue reading New Top Gear edition TomTom satnav features Stig Mode

New Top Gear edition TomTom satnav features Stig Mode originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 11:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeremy Clarkson voicepack coming to TomTom navigation

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Celebrities

Way back when, animated characters were voiced by anonymous folks with great pipes. These days, you need A-list celebs to sell pixelated fish and other playthings. The disembodied and slightly stilted voices of navigation systems appear to be going the same way, and Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson is the latest talent to contribute his voice to giving directions - ironic, considering he's made his disdain for GPS clear in the past.

According to the UK's Daily Mail, TomTom will unveil a device next month in which the famously ornery BBC star will advise you to execute handbrake turn - going all, well, Clarkson, when you miss your offramp. If he ever gets to be too much, apparently the unit will allow you to get directions from The Stig, which we expect will sound like not getting any voice directions at all.

Jeremy Clarkson voicepack coming to TomTom navigation originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Devs granted access to TomTom speed camera database

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Technology

TomTom is giving developers a big gift at the CTIA wireless show in Orlando, Florida. The navigation company will begin providing access to its speed camera database, allowing devs to incorporate the location of speed traps into their own smartphone applications.

TomTom claims it has more than 50,000 speed cameras in its ever-expanding database, covering some 34 countries, including the U.S. The goal is to allow developers to tap into the fixed speed, red light, average speed and toll road cameras, enabling motorists to avoid the fuzz throughout the world. And with developers gaining access to the database, it's not hard to imagine major automakers incorporating the data into their own in-dash navigation systems.

TomTom will be rolling out the API in the coming months and you can get all the details in the press blast after the jump.

Continue reading Devs granted access to TomTom speed camera database

Devs granted access to TomTom speed camera database originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video PSA: The Aussie female guide voice on your Garmin is as attractive as you've always hoped

Zach Bowman — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:26:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Videos, Australia, Celebrities, Humor

Karen Jacobsen, GPS voiceover artist - Click above to watch video after the jump

There may come a day when personal GPS devices go the way of the dodo. As direction services on our handheld devices become ever savvier, more and more consumers are ditching their old dashboard-mounted screens in favor of the ones they already keep in their pocket. Fortunately, even if our Garmin or TomTom devices become relics, odds are we'll still be able to get turn-by-turn directions on our smartphones. That's a good thing, too, because otherwise a whole generation of lost motorists would never be able to find their way while listening to Karen Jacobsen call out directions.

Who is Karen Jacobsen? While she happens to be a Queensland native who now spends her days writing music and playing in a three piece band, she's also the most popular GPS voice on the planet. Jacobsen spent a total of 50 hours in a recording studio rattling off everything from directional phrases to single words, locations and every letter in the alphabet so that we would have the pleasure of listening to her Aussie accent as we bumble down the highway. Hit the jump to see an interview with the muse of maps as well as a sample of her singing.

[Sources: AOL News, KarenJacobsen.com]

Continue reading Video PSA: The Aussie female guide voice on your Garmin is as attractive as you've always hoped

Video PSA: The Aussie female guide voice on your Garmin is as attractive as you've always hoped originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: TomTom comes to the Dark Side with Darth Vader voice pack

Noah Joseph — Fri, 07 May 2010 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Videos, Humor

Darth Vader TomTom voice recording session - Click above to view the video after the jump

We know what you were thinking: If only my sat-nav could play Jedi mind tricks on me while I'm driving. Sounds like a good idea, no? TomTom evidently thinks so, and has worked their latest voice pack around it.

In the video after the jump, you can get a humorous inside look at the voice recording session with none other than Darth Vader, whose bellowing, heavy-breathing sound can now be added to your TomTom for the low, low price of $13. Yoda, C3PO and Han Solo (what, no Jaba?) are also available. But the next time we spin out on a patch on black ice, we'll be thinking of Vader losing it in his TIE Fighter while losing it ourselves.

[Source: TomTom via Engadget]

Continue reading Video: TomTom comes to the Dark Side with Darth Vader voice pack

Video: TomTom comes to the Dark Side with Darth Vader voice pack originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 May 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TomTom data reveals U.S. drivers' average speed, fastest highway

Chris Shunk — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal

If you have a TomTom, the eye in the sky has been watching you and tracking your interstate speeds over the past two years. Don't worry, TomTom isn't going nark you out - it's tracking the data from its Speed Profiles program to help fleet drivers find the fastest routes around the nation. The two years of data collection shows that, overall, Americans tend to drive within the acceptable limits of the law overall, but the average speed of your journey will typically be determined by where you're driving.

If you want to go really fast, you're predictably better off in some of the least populated states in the Union. Mississippi has the fastest roads on average, with typical speeds at just over 70 miles per hour, followed by New Mexico. The fastest single interstate is I-15 in Utah and Nevada, with speeds averaging 77.67 mph. That's pushing the upper limits of the law with a 70 mph speed limit, but luckily for folks out west the top speed hits 80 mph in some areas. But while the west has I-15, the biggest speed winners are in the middle of the country: Mississippi, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Idaho, Alabama and Missouri exceed all exceed an average of 67 mph.

While the country's midsection has the fastest average speeds, predictably, our more congested cities and states have a far slower pace of traffic. Anyone who has ever driven in Washington D.C. knows that traffic is typically set to crawl, and TomTom's data shows that the median speed is a pokish 46 mph. Hawaii (53 mph); Delaware (61 mph); Rhode Island (63 mph); and Oregon (63 mph) are the next slowest states. Hit the jump to read over TomTom's press release, and tell us your favorite interstate for high speed motoring in the post-jump comments.

[Source: TomTom]

Continue reading TomTom data reveals U.S. drivers' average speed, fastest highway

TomTom data reveals U.S. drivers' average speed, fastest highway originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yikes! TomTom's iPhone car kit will cost $120, app sold separately

John Neff — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 11:25:00 EST

Filed under: Technology

Though there are a number of navigation apps available for the iPhone and iPod Touch through the App Store in Apple's iTunes, none had been anticipated more than the TomTom navigation app [iTunes link]. Available since August for $99.99, the app turns your Apple device into a fully functioning TomTom navigation system. Many potential buyers have been waiting, however, for the TomTom car kit that will not only allow your iPhone to be suction-cupped to a windshield just like a real third-party navigation system, but also includes a speaker and secondary GPS receiver for increased signal strength.

Our sister site TUAW has just learned that the TomTom car kit, which is scheduled to ship in October, will cost a cool US$119.95 or €99.95 in Europe, not including the cost of the app itself. This means if you want the whole set up for your car, that wallet in your back pocket will be US$219.94 lighter.

Our original hope was that TomTom would bundle the app itself with the cost of the car kit. Unfortunately that appears not to be the case, and the total cost of the app plus car kit now equals what you might pay for a mid-level third-party navigation system. Is it still worth all that money for an all-in-one device that can make phone calls, play music, play games and do a zillion other things on top of being a full fledged navigation system? Decide for yourself in the comments.

[Source: TUAW]

Yikes! TomTom's iPhone car kit will cost $120, app sold separately originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Sep 2009 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TomTom iPhone app officially costs a Benjamin [w/VIDEO]

Chris Shunk — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:40:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Videos

TomTom iPhone navigation application - Click above for video

With the unveiling of Apple's latest iPhone, the 3GS, the gates were finally thrown open for third-party navigation software companies to develop navigation apps for the world's most popular smart phone. A TomTom app was announced at the same time, but we've been waiting a long time and a number of less well known companies have released navigation apps for the iPhone in the mean time. The wait for TomTom's attempt at navi bliss on the iPhone, however, is over with the introduction of the TomTom U.S. and Canada turn-by-turn navigation program.

The $99.99 app promises all the same nav functionality as a normal single-purpose handheld nav system right on your iPhone. Among its many features are the ability to tap the screen for start points and destinations in either landscape or portrait mode, depending on which way the unit is oriented. The mobile TomTom can also find restaurants and call for reservations, and it features IQRoutes, which calculates the best-possible route based on actual road speed data and accident and construction data. Pretty standard nav stuff, but in this case effectively bundled with a phone and built-in iPod.

TomTom app buyers can also purchase a kit that includes enhanced GPS features and a mount to secure the iPhone to the windshield of a car. The 1.2 gigabyte download is available now on the iPhone app store, though the large file size means you have to download it first to your PC or Mac and then sync it up your iPhone.

Now, $100 is a lot of money for an app when you've already paid $199 to $299 for the iPhone itself. The cheapest dedicated TomTom we could find on Amazon was also $100, so buyers will have to decide if it's better to have two separate devices or an all-in-one option.

If you haven't seen the program in action, there's an official video embedded after the jump.

UPDATE: Click here to view the app in the iTunes App Store.

[Source: Daily Tech]

Continue reading TomTom iPhone app officially costs a Benjamin [w/VIDEO]

TomTom iPhone app officially costs a Benjamin [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In-car navigation systems set to go 3D?

Chris Shunk — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: I.C.E., Technology

Navigation systems have quickly gone from being an interactive way to direct one from Point A to Point B to massive infotainment centerpieces capable of MP3 player integration, web browsing and wifi. Auto Express is reporting that GPS units could go 3D as soon as next year, because advancements in hardware could make the technology feasible with already available dual image LCD screens (like the one in the 2010 Jaguar XJ).

If you're thinking that you're going to have to wear those goofy paper 3D glasses to find the nearest McDonalds, that's not the case. Faster processors and increased memory will enable the LCD to oscillate between two images fast enough to give the illusion of depth. The incorporation of important landmarks embedded within the 3D image ought to go leaps and bounds towards finding your destination easier.

In the near term, it's likely that the functionality will first be available in aftermarket systems, with OEM models becoming available after the tech becomes a bit more mainstream. Actually, Clarion has been selling a 3D nav system in the UK for over a year and Sony and Panasonic have had the tech available in Japan, so it's more a matter of when, not if, the tech will be available in North America.

[Source: Auto Express]

In-car navigation systems set to go 3D? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Woohoo! Homer Simpson's guidance comes to TomTom

Chris Shunk — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Celebrities

Homer Simpson is probably one of the last people we'd ask for directions (unless we need to walk over to Moe's for a night cap) but that isn't stopping TomTom from using his very recognizable voice. The lovable Simpson's dad wll provide instructions in the usual Homer prose, including the usual references to food and general stupidity. The TomTom website has samples of Homer's unique direction-giving style on their website.

Homer is just one of over 70 different celebrity voices that are available on the TomTom website, and you don't need to buy a special edition nav unit to experience it. Registered users of TomTom devices can purchase Homer's voice online for only $12.95, but you'll have to download TomTom HOME on your computer if you haven't already done so.

We're guessing that there will be plenty of Simpson's fans that'll be more than happy to download Homer to their TomTom, but we're not sure how this will play out for the rest of us. After all, Homerisms are pretty damn funny, but when we hear the same things over and over again, the novelty wears out pretty quickly. Hit the jump to view the press release.

[Source: TomTom]

Continue reading Woohoo! Homer Simpson's guidance comes to TomTom

Woohoo! Homer Simpson's guidance comes to TomTom originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TomTom and Zipcar announce new apps for iPhone

Chris Shunk — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Technology

For all of you who aren't Apple fanboys and haven't been refreshing Engadget's live coverage of the 2009 WWDC this afternoon, there's some major news involving everyone's favorite little smart phone and two big auto-related companies.

The first is a new app from TomTom that was previewed back in January but finally became official today. The long awaited TomTom app will turn your iPhone into a full feature navigation system, a function this phone's been sorely lacking for quite a while despite housing the hardware to make it happen. While pricing wasn't given, TomTom will also be offering a mounting accessory that will hold the phone in either portrait or landscape mode and charge it while you navigate.

The other app is from car sharing service Zipcar. This one's particularly neat, allowing a user to locate him or herself relative to the nearest available car for rent, purchase the drive time and even unlock the car's door, all from inside the app. The program's ease of use could make a big impact on Zipcar's popularity, as currently the only way to make reservations is through the web.

[Source: Engadget]

TomTom and Zipcar announce new apps for iPhone originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 Autoblog Holiday Sweepstakes - Day 6: TomTom XL330�S

John Neff — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Contests

Click above to view TomTom's full line of portable navigation systems

We suspect that one of the most popular gift this holiday season will be portable navigation systems. Their prices are plummeting and every day new features are being added to these magical maps-in-a-box. TomTom is arguably one of the biggest and best manufacturers of portable nav systems, so we're proud to be giving away a TomTom XL330·S on Day 6 of the 2008 Autoblog Holiday Sweepstakes.

The XL330·S features a 4.3-inch widescreen for easy viewing, an EasyPort mount that folds into the back of the unit, TomTom's Map Share technology that allows you to edit your own maps and incorporate the edits of other users and it's RDS-TMC traffic ready. Of course, TomTom has a full line of portable nav systems that range in price from $99.95 to $449.95, which is still about 1/4 the cost of an OEM nav system. Read below on how to enter to win your own TomTom XL330·S.

HOW TO ENTER:

Leave a single comment on this post (if you leave two or more, all of your comments will be disqualified)
You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec)
Limit 1 entry per person during entry period
This entry period begins 1:30 PM EST on Monday, December 22nd and ends at 12:00pm EST on Tuesday, December 23rd. We'll randomly select 1 winner at that time to receive a TomTom XL330·S navigation system (ARV: $199.95). Please check your e-mail!
For a list of complete rules, click here

Click here to view official rules and come back Monday around 12:30 PM EST to see what else we're giving away. Happy Holidays from your friendly neighborhood Autoblog!

Congratulations to hunterharleyinc who is the winner of the 2008 Autoblog Holiday Sweepstakes - Day 5! If you're hunterharleyinc please check your email and verify your eligibility. If you're not, comment on this post for your chance to win a TomTom XL330·S navigation system!

2008 Autoblog Holiday Sweepstakes - Day 6: TomTom XL330�S originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Father's Day Sweepstakes, Day 5: TomTom ONE 3rd Edition

John Neff — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Contests

We've reached the end of our week-long marathon of Father's Day sweepstakes, and we think you'll agree, we've saved the best for last. Our final sweepstakes is for a TomTom ONE 3rd Edition portable navigation system. Valued at $199, the ONE 3rd Edition is TomTom's entry-level model but features a large 3.5-inch touchscreen, preloaded maps and 1GB of internal memory (Father's Day tie not included). You can check out full specs for the ONE 3rd Edition on TomTom's website by clicking here. And all you need to do to enter is...

Leave a comment on this post telling us what you got or gave someone for Father's Day this year.
The comment must be left before 12:00 PM EST, Saturday, June 21st.
We'll randomly select one winner at that time (please check your email!).
Prize courtesy of TomTom valued at $199.
Limit 1 entry per person per calendar day (comment more than once on this post and you'll be disqualified, but enter again for tomorrow's sweepstakes)
Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older.
Click Here for complete Official Rules.

Congrats to GeoSB8K who won a copy of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue and a DualShock 3 controller for the Playstation 3 in yesterday's sweepstakes.

Father's Day Sweepstakes, Day 5: TomTom ONE 3rd Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple forbids navigation apps on iPhone 3G (except its own)

Chris Shunk — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology

The Internets are abuzz with the announcement of an all-new iPhone, and with features like 3G data connections, new applications and GPS navigation, we're excited too. If you've been making plans to produce your own navigation app for iPhone 2.0, however, you may not be all that thrilled. A closer look at the iPhone SDK agreement shows that creating software for "real-time route guidance" is forbidden. This may mean that the creative kids at Cupertino aren't going to let anyone compete with the the Google maps solution it's already settled on. If true, companies like Garmin and TomTom, the latter of which has already confirmed that it's created a navigation app, would be unable to create salable navigation software for the popular touch-screen phone. Then again, you also can't do automatic or autonomous control of vehicles, aircraft, or other mechanical devices; dispatch or fleet management software; or use the iPhone for emergency or life-saving purposes.

Our friends over at Engadget may be on to something, however, when they note that Apple may just be covering its rear-quarters in the event people start suing for bad directions. Lets hope it's just a liability thing, because competition is always a good thing when it comes to new technology, and we want some TomTom on our new iPhone.

[Source: Engadget]

Apple forbids navigation apps on iPhone 3G (except its own) originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Europe gets Toyota Yaris SR with dockable TomTom nav unit

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:02:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Budget, Technology, Hatchback, Toyota, Lifestyle, UK

Click above to view high-res gallery of the Toyota Yaris SR

The Euro-spec Toyota Yaris is a well-equipped little car. But things like the nine airbags, chrome exhaust finisher, and remote central double locking are merely gravy for the real show on this new SR model: a fully-integrated portable TomTom navigation system that doubles as a touchscreen interface for the car stereo.

It's a neat little trick, and the unit also offers Bluetooth connectivity and a USB connection for MP3 players. We wonder, though, if this is about simply making life easier and aesthetically cleaner for GPS users, or if people are really clamoring for a portable GPS. This blogger has never seen anyone walking down the street taking direction from a TomTom -- but this blogger also lives in LA where nobody walks anywhere, so maybe I'm not the best judge. If nothing else, certain Euro Yaris takers can finally kiss the suction cups goodbye. Uh, Toyota, how 'bout some of that love over this way, please?

Gallery: Toyota Yaris SR

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Europe gets Toyota Yaris SR with dockable TomTom nav unit

Europe gets Toyota Yaris SR with dockable TomTom nav unit originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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