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Mr Postman delivers: TomTom VIA 280

Saturday, November 19th, 2011

The courier dropped off the TomTom VIA 280 GPS portable navigation device (PND) for review. The VIA range is the new family of PNDs that TomTom just introduced to Singapore this week.

TomTom VIA 280 (Click to see the other accessories), the screen display here is a sticker.

TomTom VIA 280, the screen display here is a sticker.

TomTom has been selling the XL 250, XXL 550 and GO 750 PNDs in Singapore.This week, it introduced the GO 2050 and GI 2050 World, as well as the VIA 220, VIA 260 and VIA 280.

Only three components in the box: the main unit, the USB cable and the cigartette plug.

Compared to the GO family of PNDs, the VIA range represents the lower end, no-frills selection of PNDs.

I’d tried the GO 750 before and was impressed by it, but I was curious whether the VIA would cut it. Over the next week, I’ll be driving to Kuala Lumpur and back with the VIA 280 – and then I’ll let you know whether the VIA 280 is any good.

For now, a look at the new box of VIA 280 shows three parts: the main unit itself, the plug for the car’s cigarette lighter, and the USB cable which connects the main unit to the plug.

The same USB cable is also used to connect the main unit to the computer for software and map updates.

The integrated mount behind the TomTom VIA 280 comprises an adjustable suction disc.

Behind the main unit is the integrated mount, with a suction disc. After connecting the cable, bend the suction disc outwards, press it against the windscreen and turn the knob around the disc to tighten the grip of the disc on the windscreen.

Then adjust the angle until the screen of the main unit is at the right viewing angle from the driver’s seat.

Press the power button behind the main unit and it’s ready to operate.

Tomorrow, I’ll be driving up to KL in the morning. We’ll see how it fares then.

Tags:GPS, navigation, PND, TomTom, Via
Posted in Gadgets, GPS, Lifestyle, Opinion, Prices, Review, TomTom, Travel | 1 Comment »

5 New GPS PNDs: TomTom GO and Via series

Thursday, November 17th, 2011

Five new GPS PNDs from TomTom have arrived in Singapore – three from the Via range and two from the GO series. They will be available during SITEX 2011 from S$199 to S$479.

Comparison of the feature sets for the five TomTom GO and Via PNDs.

TomTom’s PNDs (Portable Navigation Devices) uses the unique IQ Routes technology that allows everyone to drive like a local.

Pricing & Availability: The new TomTom PNDs will be available at SITEX 2011 (24-27 November) at the following recommended retail prices.
TomTom Via 220	S$199
TomTom Via 260	S$239
TomTom Via 280	S$279
TomTom GO 2050	S$399
TomTom GO 2050 World	S$479

The technology uses real road speed information contributed by TomTom drivers to consider all possible routes for selecting the fastest path – rather than rely on static maximum road speeds.

This often results in a different and faster route, saving significant travel time as well as money and fuel.

The PNDs comes with maps of Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei, Hong Kong and Macau.

With road networks changing an average of 15% per year, TomTom allows users to download the latest map free-of-change within 90 days of first use. Users also get four bonus maps free in the first year of use.

TomTom GO 2050 and 2050 World

TomTom GO 2050 (S$399) and TomTom GO 2050 World (S$479)

Both feature a large 5” Fluid Touch screen that allows users to pinch to zoom in and out of maps, or to scroll through menus with the tip of a finger. The Easy Click magnetic mount makes docking and undocking easier than ever – even with just one hand.

For S$80 more, the GO 2050 World comes with a world map which allows seamless navigation across 66 countries. The map covers includes coverage of South-East Asia, Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand and major towns and cities in Africa.

TomTom Via 220 (S$199), 260 (S$239) and 280 (S$279)

TomTom Via 220, 260 and 280

The TomTom Via range ships with pre-installed Safety Cameras, IQ Routes, and Voice Control (Via 260 and 280).

Launching in Singapore for the first time, the software features Bluetooth hands free calling and an easy to use interface.

The TomTom Via 220 and 260 feature a 4.3” touch screen while the Via 280 sports a 5” touch screen.

Tags:GO, GPS, PND, TomTom, Via
Posted in Gadgets, GPS, Launch, TomTom, Travel | 3 Comments »

TomTom App optimised for iPad

Sunday, October 30th, 2011

TomTom App for iPhone 1.9 is now available and optimised for iPad, offering higher resolution and improved user interface for the iPad at no extra cost. The app for South East Asia is available now at US$69.99 but existing app customers download for free.

TomTom App for iPhone/iPad Version 1.9

First announced and show-cased during IFA 2011 in Berlin last month, Existing TomTom App customers can download the new version to their iPads for free.

The user interface has been enhanced to fit the larger screen of the iPad while the resolution has been increased for a sharper display. The new release is also compatible with Apple’s new iOS5.

The TomTom App for iPhone/iPad 1.9 comes with a new map release, which includes updated roads, more accurate information about fixed speed camera locations and points of interest.

The new release makes use of the extra iPad screen space by showing both driving view and advanced lane guidance at the same time. Drivers can also switch to driving view with one touch from anywhere within the app, and can access guidance options in a tap.

Tags:Apps, GPS, iOS 5, iPad, iPhone, navigation, TomTom
Posted in App, Gadgets, GPS, iOS, Launch, TomTom | No Comments »

TomTom maps extends coverage to 35 million km

Thursday, October 6th, 2011

TomTom has added some 400,000 kilometres of coverage globally to its maps. This extends its navigable map database to 35.2 million kilometres of roads in 104 countries with 3.4 billion people worldwide.

TomTom has enhanced its road network database and improved key features throughout Europe.

In Western Europe, 74,000 km of roads were added or realigned, including routes that are being built to accommodate the London 2012 Summer Olympics. A new low emission zone feature was added throughout “With the latest map release we are adding significant coverage in emerging countries like Brazil, Russia and India, … to a truly global offering” said Maarten van Gool, Managing Director of TomTom Licensing.Western Europe to support environmental driving. In Eastern Europe, over 36,000 km of roads were updated in key markets in Russia, Poland and Turkey.

In the Americas, TomTom expanded coverage in growth markets like Brazil where over 100,000 km of roads were realigned – for increased accuracy – and 600,000 Points of Interest were added, ensuring users can easily find businesses, places and people.

Users now benefit from features including specialized lane information and back road designation, which will lead to safer navigation. Having an up-to-date postal information available in the US and Canada is especially important for Enterprise and Business customers.

TomTom Licensing is the division of TomTom responsible for delivering relevant, fresh and high-quality digital maps, and dynamic content, to a wide range of business customers. Its product portfolio includes digital maps covering over 200 countries and territories globally, as well as real-time and historical traffic products.

This latest release resulted in an Address Point uplift totaling more than 1.5 million throughout Asia Pacific, enabling more accurate routing and geocoding in this important region.

3D Landmarks, Landmark Icons, 2D City Maps and Junction Views were also updated, resulting in better visualization with a more realistic map display.

Tags:GPS, maps, PND, TomTom
Posted in Gadgets, GPS, Specifications, TomTom | No Comments »

TomTom launches redesigned maps

Wednesday, September 21st, 2011

TomTom launches today the new version of all its online maps, after having redesigned them for easier use. The new maps are more detailed than before, with enhanced colouring and shading, as well as clearer labeling of cities, districts and roads.

New online maps from TomTom.

The new TomTom online maps offer a number of improvements:

Location names are now clearer to view.
Country names are depicted in the local language.
The format of names and numbers around roads and cities has been optimised and localised.
The map now features extra details such as bridges, tunnels and even ferry names.

Map readability has also been improved with the introduction of 2.5D rendering, allowing the user to recognise the environment easily. The colours have been chosen to make the routing as clear and easy to understand as possible.

Check the maps out at www.routes.tomtom.com.

Tags:maps, TomTom
Posted in Gadgets, GPS, Launch, TomTom | No Comments »

TomTom launches four in-car navigation systems

Friday, September 16th, 2011

TomTom has announced the launch of in-car navigation systems with Renault, Fiat and Mazda at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show (15-25 September 2011).

Apart from the usual navigation features, the Renault system also monitors battery level of the electric car and ensures that the car has enough juice to make it to a charging station.

The new Renault Fluence Z.E. electric car.

Ever wondered who makes those in-car navigation systems that come with the cars on their dashboards? TomTom has launched four such in-car navigation systems based on their LIVE platform for the Renault Fluence Z.E., Fiat Panda, Mazda3 facelift and the Mazda CX-5.

TomTom LIVE in-car navigation system for Mazda CX-5 and Mazda3 facelift.

All four systems feature the regular slew of navigation features in typical in-car navigation systems. These include HD Traffic which combines real time traffic with dynamic routing, speed camera information on both fixed and mobile cameras enroute, live weather updates and local search, and updateability of both map data and system software.

TomTom’s navigation solution for the new compact crossover SUV Mazda CX-5 and the Mazda3 facelift is already available as an option for the recently launched compact van Mazda5. The Blue&Me TomTom LIVE is being featured on a Fiat A-segment car for the first time.

The range of the electric car is displayed against the location of charging stations.

In addition to the usual navigation features, the Carminat TomTom Z.E. LIVE for Renault’s electric car receives information from the car’s battery on its current state of charge, and uses it to determine the remaining range of the vehicle. This information is displayed on the navigation screen, showing the current route against the available range and the routes to the charge stations.

No more worries about battery running out. This will help alleviate the “range anxiety” experienced by drivers of electric cars, helping them effectively manage charging into their daily itineraries. At the end of 2011, there will be more than 5000 charging stations in Europe.

All these systems will come standard fitted on the cars in selected European countries.

Tags:Fiat, GPS, Mazda, Renault, TomTom
Posted in Accessories, Gadgets, GPS, Launch, TomTom, Utility | No Comments »

TomTom navigation app for iPhone optimised for iPad

Tuesday, September 13th, 2011

The new iPad App was showcased at the TomTom exhibition stand during IFA 2011 in Berlin and will be available in Q4 2011.

“… we have optimised our TomTom App for the iPad. Now customers have one App for all iOS devices.” said Corinne Vigreux, Managing Director at TomTom.Customers who already have the iPhone version of the navigation app will be able to download the new version to their iPads for free.

This latest version will feature enhanced screen resolution, sharpened graphics and more intuitive controls specifically developed for the iPad.

Tags:Apple, Apps, iPad, iPhone, PND, TomTom
Posted in Accessories, App, Gadgets, GPS, iOS, iPad, iPhone, TomTom, Travel | 1 Comment »

New TomTom app for the iPhone

Monday, September 12th, 2011

The latest version of the TomTom App for iPhone (Version 1.8) now includes the latest maps of countries in Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Macau, Thailand and Indonesia. A new multi-stop routes driving feature is also included.

Use the iPhone as a Portable Navigation Device for turn-by-turn navigation.

The South East Asia, TomTom App for iPhone (Version 1.8) can be downloaded from the App Store for USD $69.99. It works with iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS & iPod touch 3rd Gen running iOS4.

The new multi-stop routes feature makes it easier for drivers to make multiple stops on a single route, by letting them add up to five stop-off points when they plan their journey.

Multi-stop routes enable the driver to stop by a bank or petrol station enroute, or a diversion to pick up a friend as part of a longer journey.

This removes the hassle of entering a new journey for each leg of the trip and means that the driver can get an accurate estimated time of arrival for their final destination.

Tags:Apps, GPS, iOS, iPhone, PND, TomTom
Posted in App, Gadgets, GPS, iOS, iPhone, Phones, Prices, Software, Specifications, TomTom, Travel, Utility | 1 Comment »

Company byte: TomTom

Sunday, September 11th, 2011

TomTom (AEX:TOM2) is a major supplier of in-car location and navigation products and services.

Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Amsterdam, TomTom has over 3,500 employees and sells its products in over 40 countries. Its products include portable navigation devices, in-dash infotainment systems, fleet management solutions, maps and real-time services, including TomTom HD Traffic.

Here is TomTom’s route planner which includes live traffic information (not available for some areas yet, including Singapore).

TomTom introduces in-car fast charger for up to three devices

Saturday, September 3rd, 2011

Available today at S$45 (with GST), the TomTom High Speed Multi-Charger can charge up to three devices at once – and at a rate up to four times faster than a normal USB charger.

TomTom High Speed Multi-Charger at S$45 (w GST)

The compact charger ensures that the GPS unit receives the right amount of power and that all devices receive full power charging simultaneously as there are two dedicated USB ports to provide full-power at all times. Most comparable products charge up to 2.1 amps, split between ports.

“It’s the first TomTom accessory that enables users to charge their TomTom device and other mobile devices like a smart phone, tablet or power-hungry DVD player at the same time,” says Nick Saisanas, Marketing Communications Manager, TomTom Asia Pacific.

As well as a 1.2 amp USB charging port suitable for mobile phones or MP3 players, there is a 2.1 amp port to speed-charge high power USB devices such as tablets or smart phones. The TomTom High Speed Multi-Charger will re-charge up to four times faster than a normal USB charger without impacting the other port’s charging capability.

There’s also a dedicated port for powering 12V in-car devices. This multi-port full power functionality means that drivers who are always on the road can charge and use all their electronic devices during their trip.

Those planning an upcoming weekend get-away with the family will also be able to keep children happy with on-the-go charging of items such as tablets and mobile phones – all while navigating.

Tags:car, charger, GPS, TomTom
Posted in Accessories, Gadgets, GPS, Launch, Phones, Prices, Specifications, Tablets, TomTom | No Comments »

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