TomTom $99 GPS app heads to iPhone

(Credit: TomTom)

A hundred-dollar makeover can turn your iPhone into a GPS device.

GPS specialist TomTom announced Monday that its new $99.99 iPhone app is now up for sale at the iTunes store.

TomTom for the iPhone comes with features typically found in standard GPS units, including voice directions and full maps of the U.S. and Canada. Maps for Europe, Australia, and New Zealand are available at varying prices.

The app uses a new technology called IQ Routes, said the company. Instead of suggesting the quickest route based on travel time, IQ Routes taps into the actual experiences of other TomTom drivers to determine the fastest route to take. TomTom said this technology lets people reach their destinations quicker up to 35 percent of the time.

In addition, the software can suggest alternative routes if a turn is missed or a road is blocked, the company said.

"With TomTom for iPhone, millions of iPhone users can now benefit from the same easy-to-use and intuitive interface, turn-by-turn spoken navigation and unique routing technology that our 30 million portable navigation device users rely on every day," said Corinne Vigreux, managing director of TomTom.

The company will also offer a car kit, so that drivers can attach their iPhones to the front window or dash.

(Credit: TomTom)

The new app runs on the iPhone 3G or 3GS and requires iPhone OS 3.0. Compatibility with the iPod Touch and older iPhone models should come soon, said TomTom.

TomTom first announced its new iPhone app at Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference on June 8 (see video demo).

TomTom's new app will battle for a spot on your dashboard with several other iPhone navigation products--AT&T's $9.99-per-month Navigator, the similarly priced Gokivo app from Networks in Motion, and Navigon's MobileNavigator, now on sale for a flat fee of $69.99 until August 31.

[ballmerisanape]

Sweet. I can convert my 1st gen iPod Touch into a GPS device.

[sting7k]

The iPod Touch doesn't have GPS.

[kelmon]

@sting7k<br /><br />Apparently, if you buy the cradle from TomTom then the software will work with the iPod Touch and first generation iPhones because it includes a GPS chip. I honestly didn't see that one coming...

[cary1]

iPod Touch 1st generation doesn't have built in speakers either. How will you hear instructions from the app?

[cary1]

@kelmon<br /><br />if you are going to spend $200 for the app and the dock, you might as well get a GPS and a better one for that price.

[ballmerisanape]

cary, <br /><br />my car has an aux port on the stereo. I play music in my car through my iPod via this port. My guess is the stand will have an audio in and out port. If it doesn't.. then I will use my 2nd gen iPod touch. The stand has a GPS antenna in it.... so it should work with the touch.

[kelmon]

@cary1<br /><br />The cradle has a built-in speaker. This is something that is a problem with current iPhone GPS solutions - the phone has a built-in speaker but it isn't very loud.<br /><br />I don't want a separate GPS unit. One of the main reasons why I want to buy an iPhone is because it will do a lot of things that normally requires separate devices so having just the one, in a compact size, will be very convenient. Of course, we are still waiting for official confirmation of the price of the hardware/software package and I'll be paying in Euros rather than Dollars.

[thowe21]

I'm surprised it's going to be compatible with the 1st gen iPhone since it's lacking the GPS chip of the 3G and 3GS. Am I wrong?

[darcal2000]

Pay attention people!! The Tomtom iphone car dock will have a built in GPS chip as well as a speaker!! So it doesn't matter if the older iphone or ipod touch doesn't have a GPS chip as it will use the one integrated with the car dock.

[jaguar717]

$99? Yeah right. Mac fans might pay that if it were the iTom, but just how many people are they really expecting to sell this to at that price?<br /><br />They'd probably have better luck with a monthly fee. Or just charge a much lower amount for the program, and then each year a reasonable fee to update roads that are new or rerouted.

[TechnoMan475392]

Well compared to a GPS (my Garmin was about a grand) that's a great deal.

[gerrrg]

The article has an omission...that's just the price of the software, excluding car-adapter kit. Total price of the app plus kit could be closer to $200.

[tektaktyks]

lol @gerrrg ...i got an adapter like the one on the picture for under 5 bucks that's including shipping,and it works great

[tektaktyks]

oh,sorry didnt notice that it has gps thing built in,in that case it all depends on the price of the mount,if its too much its not worth it.

[chrkeller]

Honestly I would be all over it if the iPhone were available on Verizon. I am current Verizon user and I love their network. The personal draw to the iPhone is convenience not price. I can get a great phone, web browser, iPod and now GPS in one unit. Not needing to take a separate phone, iPod and GPS every single time I travel is a huge plus. Not too mention there are times when I am walking in a major city, of course I have my phone with me and I could use directions. I don't want to carry so many devices on me all the time. Honestly $200 is an easy sell for me. If only Apple would let the iPhone travel to Verizon. Oh and I do a lot of fishing, the camera isn't half bad, good enough to document catches. Convenience, the iPhone simply does everything well in a single device. I want.

[kelmon]

@tektaktyks<br /><br />Apparently the cradle does the following:<br /><br />* Rotate for the portrait/landscape orientations<br />* Charge the iPhone<br />* GPS<br />* FM Transmitter for music playback<br />* Loud speaker<br /><br />Much of this now seems to be more useful for the Touch than the iPhone.<br /><br />I have no idea what the price is going to be but bear in mind that figures published so far seem to be based on a pre-order page on an independent website that has a habit of changing its prices. When it shows up on somewhere reliable, like Amazon, then we should know.

[W Macaulay]

$99?? What, are they adding hardware to the iPhone? $10 is a better fee, along with yearly updates as the above posters have suggested. $99 is way too steep!

[Spartan_458]

$99 is a one-time fee. The $10 from AT&#38;T is monthly. In 11 months you'd be paying more.

[abcd9009]

@W Macaulay<br /><br />As @Spartan_458 pointed out, $99 is a one time fee vs 10/month. And don't forget even if it was FREE... it would be from AT&#38;T. I would happily pay $99 as a one time fee where I am guaranteed to get reception. <br />What good is a GPS if you cannot get the reception!<br />I have been using TomTom and Garmin for the past 7 years and granted Garmin is much better for US &#38; Canada when compared to TomTom, I would definitely choose TomTom over AT&#38;T (actually I would choose any GPS provider over AT&#38;T).

[lw09]

I don't see how this can work with the ipod touch. The ipod touch is not GPS enabled AFAIK.

[kelmon]

It isn't but the TomTom cradle for mounting the device on your windscreen does have a GPS chip. We knew that this was supposed to enhance the GPS signal with the 3G/3GS but now it seems it adds GPS abilities to devices like the iPod Touch and the iPhone 2G.

[misoul]

"Compatibility with the iPod Touch" ?!?!? Fact check pleaseeee!

[kelmon]

Genuine but certainly surprising.

[daren.darrow]

The car mount is supposed to have built-in GPS to "enhance" the iPhones capabilities and to provide it for the iPod Touch.<br /><br />source: http://cnettv.cnet.com/wwdc-2009-tomtom-launches-navigation-app-iphone/9742-1_53-50072814.html<br />and<br />http://www.9to5mac.com/tomtom-ipod-touch

[w4csc]

A hundred bucks and it DOESN'T come with the plastic suction cup mount?!<br /><br />Apple fanbois are more stupid than I thought.<br /><br />What arrogance......

[TechnoMan475392]

Okay, Mr. Troll, how does TomTom relate to anything Apple (besides being an app)?<br /><br />Think about how expensive this is-<br />They have to have many many vans, loaded with GPS sensors, go around the country and map ALL the roads.<br />They have to collect all the data.<br />They have to get it on really powerful computers.<br />Compile it into maps.<br />Make it fit on every single screen size and resolution of GPS that they've ever sold.<br />Test it, so there are no bugs or defects.<br />FINALLY, push it out to people.

[SeaTx]

Actually a bit of a correction to TechnoMan. TomTom does not do any of its own map creation - they don't have vans collecting coordinates, nor do they collect this data. They license this from TeleAtlas (teleatlas.com) as do many other navigation system. So the expense is not TomTom's per se ... but they do pay for the TeleAtlas licensing - as does every other licensee.

[j_foley_]

Wow. <br />1. TomTom is not Apple. They made an iPhone app. Answer me this, how do I download a suction cup? <br />2. Software doesn't "just happen magically" when you push the button. Teams of people worked countless hours including weekends, so you won't get lost. <br /><br />[CNET editors note: Personal attacks deleted.]

[Seaspray0]

@w4csc. All I have to do is change the wording a little bit.... <br /> <br />A bottle of Don Perignon for $150 and it DOESN'T come with a glass to drink it? <br /> <br />Champaign fanbois are more stupid than I thought. <br /> <br />What arrogance... <br /> <br />That was just too easy and it looks just as rediculous as what you originally said.

[alexacker]

@Seaspray<br /><br />F**kin funny! Love it...!

[sevort]

@SeaTx. TomTom owns TeleAltas, so they do create their own maps. That being said, I would rather buy Garmin's app for the iPod should they ever come up with one.

[DrtyDogg]

@Seaspray: While at a winery last weekend I bought a bottle of wine without looking at the price and said almost those exact same words when she told me the total. "and it DOESN'T come with a glass to drink it, and a naked lady to pour it?"

[chrisx1]

It *could* be compatible with the iPod Touch because the TomTom cradle has a built-in GPS.<br />There is also a next generation iPod Touch just around the corner. Maybe GPS will come with the new model.<br /><br />$99 is an OK price since that's comparable to TomTom software on other phones. The iPhone needs to multitask at a minimum TomTom, phone calls, incoming SMS and music for it to be useful or you are better off with a separate portable GPS.<br /><br />AT&#38;T Navigator is available for $10 a month if you would rather pay monthly instead. $10 a month is $120 a year and you can't use AT&#38;T Navigator if you aren't in the data network coverage area.

[BogusBasin]

The iPhone IS capable of multi-tasking. You CAN listen to music while doing other things. Apple just hasn't allowed third party software to run in the background. They have push notifications for the other things like SMS. So if you are using your TomTom you can listen to music at the same time. When you accept a call, you will be quitting the TomTom which you can launch again when the call is over. You will get a notification when a new text comes in, but if you want to reply, you will quit the TomTom and launch it again when you are done. It's fast, and nearly as easy as switching between running apps. Worth it to me for extending battery life.<br /><br />Amen

[kelmon]

To clarify, the software does allow you to control your music playback. However, on the rest of the subject of multitasking with a GPS application, I would not want to see such facilities. When you are driving then you should be fully concentrating on that. If you want to take/make a phone call then pull over to the side of the road.<br /><br />I did read some idiot complaining that they wouldn't be able to use the GPS and text. That sort of thing just scare the heck out of me.

[chrisx1]

While it's good that you can listen to music and receive push notification of SMS, having to quit and restart TomTom to answer a call is a very poor experience. That's not good enough. <br />If you can't see if there are any upcoming turns while you are on a phone call, that makes this app not very useful. <br />If you use a portable GPS with built-in bluetooth speakerphone, you can answer a call and still see the map with turn by turn directions all it does is mute the navigation voice so you can listen to the caller. That's a workable solution. Having the phone "app" take over the screen and kill the GPS app while you are using the navigation is not acceptable.

[ralfthedog]

@ kelmon and BogusBasin,<br /><br />BogusBasin, Not only can you relaunch after a phone call or text, many applications auto relaunch.<br /><br />BogusBasin, Nothing wrong with your passenger texting or taking a phone call while you drive.

[DrtyDogg]

Picture this (two weeks ago) Streaming music from pandora, while the GPS is giving directions, a call comes I answer(bluetooth), while my wife is using Open Table to make a reservation at a restraunt for after we arrive at our beach house. <br /> <br />Yes true multi-tasking is very nice.

[cdtphilpot]

$99 isn't a bad price especially when you consider the money spent on development, plus the convenience factor of having my phone, turn by turn GPS and iPod all in one device! I can't stand you leaches who expect everything for free!

[YankeePoodle]

It is TomTom's prerogative to set the price and am sure they do have people on the "pricing". I personally think that 49.99 would really bring this to masses. Every one with an IPhone and do not have GPS would buy it, that number is certainly enormous. Propbably they did not want to undercut their own business (of other devices) with that pricing structure.

[badasscat]

You guys defending the price do realize that you can buy a full GPS unit, including the hardware, software and mounts, for around $100, right?

[ballmerisanape]

Yes badasscat ... but can you stick them in your shirt pocket and store all of your email, pictures, and music on them?

[celticbrewer]

" but can you stick them in your shirt pocket and store all of your email, pictures, and music on them?" <br /> <br />Excluding e-mail, yes... yes I can.

[ballmerisanape]

You must have big pockets ;)

[YankeePoodle]

@badasscat,<br /><br />you have to understand where tomtom is coming from. they want to avoid cannibalization of their other products by this one. So, they have kept it as high as it is, if there is a paradigm shift in tomtom they would have given it away for much lower price. Is it a bargain, depends on who you are. If you are a frequent traveler or if your car does not have GPS, it is worth it.

[heavydevelopment]

@badasscat For $100 you are not getting a GPS that plays music, stores photos, and fits in your pocket. Those units go for well over $200. Also should point out that the software for the iPhone has TomTom IQ which is only available on TomTom's pricier models.

[DrtyDogg]

$99 isn't a bad price *if it came with the cradle.

[kelmon]

Sold. All they need to do is release the cradle and supply the iPhone to Belgium and I'll be very happy. Initial reviews look promising.

[ppgreat]

And what happens if I get into an area that doesn't have AT&#38;T coverage?

[ballmerisanape]

GPS + Software.

[lbchs22]

The maps are on your phone so no data connection is needed

[SeaTx]

There seems to be a whole lot of confusion around cellular service and GPS. But they are quite different technologies. If you have a GPS receiver, you are simply receiving streaming data from the satellites - there is no cost to this beyond purchasing the GPS receiver, be it in a cell phone, or any other device. The data stream from said satellites is always on, and if you're in the US, then you have paid for this through your government, since they own and maintain those systems.<br />The iPhone has location assisted by cellular triangulation - so when you use an app that is trying to locate you, the triangulation via cellular towers can help located you faster. But the pin pointing of your location is still done by GPS. So if you don't have cellular service it may take a while longer to find you, but the GPS system does not depend on cellular service, and ultimately, you'll still be able to use your S/W.

[jusben1369]

I think $99 is way better than $9.99 a month or something. For those wanting to pay $10 not really going to happen.<br /><br />The only issue to remember here - and this is a smartphone vs iPhone thing - is that you can't really use your device for anything else when using the nav. So If you're traveling for work and want to use it for that 1 hour drive from airport to meeting no luck with doing calls etc at the same time.

[ballmerisanape]

Calls and iPod work with every other application... why wouldn't they work with this one?

[BogusBasin]

People that don't know how the iPhone works shouldn't comment.<br /><br />Amen

[badasscat]

People who don't know how turn-by-turn GPS navigation works shouldn't comment.

[coachgeorge]

Assuming that you need the Tom Tom cradle to get a quality gps receiver at $?. Add the cost of the software app and you may as well get a dedicated GPS. The only advantage I would see to using the iPhone would be if the maps update automatically at no charge.<br /><br />Putting all of your eggs in one basket, makes life miserable when the basket breaks.

[kelmon]

"Assuming" is very much the key word here. Personally, I want a combined device and have no interest in separate components. However, I do agree that losing that device for one reason or another would be painful.

[mercmainman29]

Also keep in mind the maps are built in. If you dont have built in maps then GPS is worthless half the time.

[diva336]

You can get a standalone GPS for just a little bit more $$. But if they offer lifetime updates for free, it's a good iPhone deal! [CNET editors' note: URL deleted.]

[tgibbs]

It's only one of at least 5 auto navigation apps for the iPhone, some as cheap as $35 (or you can pay $10 a month to AT&#38;T). TomTom is of course considered a "gold standard" auto GPS, so they think they can command a premium price. If it doesn't sell at that price, the price will probably drop over time.

[celticbrewer]

Hopefully Tom Tom is better. My friend has been using GPS on her iPhone lately and has been getting lost left and right.

[FunnyBubble1]

Sweet had this on my Palm back in the day and HTC, its so fun to look at the small screen. just connected with my bluetooth GPS. Nothing new

[teddypicker19]

Wow $99 really?? VZNavigator does just as much for Verizon &#38; it's $10/month...is that $99 a one-time thing or is there also a monthly fee? If so I don't think it's worth it. I mean the fact that you can learn faster routes from other ppl's exp is cool, but VZNavigator shows you the shortest route w/o other ppl's exp.

[kelmon]

No monthly fee but updates to the maps will probably cost extra.

[ibeetle]

Every question you asked is in the article. Which apparently you did not read. Seems like the whole point of your post is you have Verizon therefore this app and the iPhone are pointless.

[LaSepultura]

Does this have Traffic? If not, you can get Navigon for $70.

[ibeetle]

Read the article. Your question is answered in it.

[lazycat202]

live traffic isn't free. You've to pay monthly.

[The_happy_switcher]

Copilot is 35 bucks and no monthly fees. http://www.alk.com/copilot/iphone/

[ibeetle]

This app has no monthly fees and twice the features... your point being, what?<br /><br />I bet if you saw a digital camera in Target for 15 bucks you would call people who buy Nikon digital cameras stupid fools. <br /><br />Just because something is cheaper does not make it better.

[The_happy_switcher]

...that it's cheaper and there are alternatives-albeit with fewer options. Now, was that so hard to figure out?<br /><br />"I bet if you saw a digital camera in Target for 15 bucks you would call people who buy Nikon digital cameras stupid fools. " You shouldn't bet or make stupid leaps in logic.<br /><br />"Just because something is cheaper does not make it better." I don't recall posting that it was.

[Remo_Williams]

Copilot is worse than TomTom. In fact, it's bizarrely bad.<br /><br />This sets a new bar for GPS apps. One-time is immeasurably better than a monthly service charge; upgrades could be the new "service" when TomTom software gets revised. But better news for consumers is that this is a real market, so watch for one-time price competition to emerge and the $99 to get cut in a year.<br /><br />Anything that kills pay-per-use is a good thing.<br /><br />--#