Daily Tidbits: TomTom takes aim at Google Maps

GPS vendor TomTom announced Thursday that it has launched an online mapping solution to compete with MapQuest and Google Maps. Dubbed TomTom Route Planner, the free service provides door-to-door route planning options to any address in the U.S. or Canada.

Using TomTom's MapShare technology, the service provides users with continued map improvements made by TomTom users that see flaws and correct them. According to the company, improvements are uploaded regularly to provide up-to-date driving conditions. TomTom's IQ Routes feature will offer more accurate arrival estimates by accessing average speeds for each road instead of employing posted speed limits to determine arrival. The service is currently in beta and available now to all users.

Local.com, a company that offers local search and networking, announced Thursday that it has signed an agreement with coupon provider Valpak to distribute local business offers through the Local.com network. According to the company, Valpak coupons will appear on the site's search results and profile pages. Users will be able to print the Valpak coupons for redemption at local businesses.

The Karaoke Channel Online, a service that lets people record themselves singing their favorite songs, says that it will now allow its users to publish their recordings across Facebook, MySpace, Delicious, and other social networks. To participate, users will need to pay $14.95 per month for unlimited access to the site's 5,000 songs. A full-year membership costs $99.95.

In its monthly Global Threat Report released Thursday, SaaS (software as a service) Web security firm ScanSafe reported that the rate of zero-day malware blocks increased to 26 percent in November, up from 16 percent in October and the 19 percent average for the year. According to the company's senior security researcher, Mary Landesman, "attackers were more intent than ever on ensuring the malware they used would bypass traditional security measures" during November. A sign of even more Web threats to come?

Goober Networks, a company that offers consumer communication services online, announced the launch of CallingAmerica.com Thursday. According to the company, the site will allow anyone in the U.S. to access the site and place an unlimited number of VoIP calls to any landline or mobile phone in the U.S. Registered users can make an unlimited number of calls, while those who choose not to register can only place calls that last no longer than two minutes in duration. To monetize the service, Goober Networks has partnered with advertisers that will place ads of 15 seconds or less before a call is placed.

[Stormspace]

Mapshare is a joke. Many of TomToms devices don't even support this feature, yet they tout it as the latest and greatest. They need to roll this out to all the devices already in use, especially to the next gen units in the field.

[ClubTomTom]

As a representative of TomTom, I can verify that all our models since our Map Share launch in July 2007 include this free map improvement feature. With very few exceptions, all legacy TomTom devices also have compatibility with Map Share.

[Manhattan2]

GPSadvertising, 4Dplanet, GPSalerts, GPSwarnings Whoever incorporates those products has a winner! Email us to learn more!

[Stormspace]

really, then why does my One tell me it's not compatible? It isn't that old either and has the latest firmware. Sure I see the mapshare items in the menus, but they are disabled. You guys trying to get some more money out of me?

[Stormspace]

I placed a help ticket on 12-16 about this issue. It was bounced back to me since I chose the wrong option. I inquired about maps instead of whatever was the correct category. :(

[Stormspace]

After some research...A map update costing 80.00 will allow some older units to use mapshare.

[moe3754]

TomTom who cares what garbage they use they are the worst ever I had their 730 for one day and that was all it took ,I put it on the windshield and as soon as the sun hit the screen it was useless,I could not even see the maps and as for mapshare it is a joke also my 3 year old Garmin C580 had more up to date maps than the TomTom,it was returned and I went back to garmin with the Nuvi 880 a much better GPS unit!!!

[strongpimphand]

Is it me, or are there reps for EVERY company on cNET???? I guess companies have bloggers specifically for their products....

I hate how I have an old Tom Tom one. It still does its job. BUT, paying for updated maps would basically equal paying for a new GPS!

So I'm stuck...

[J0hnSmith]

TomTom can try but there's no way they can penetrate the market share that's dominated by Mapquest and Google.

TomTom's products are not so hot for the advanced user. They are dumbed down for the average driver. Garmin delivers the best GPS experience by far!