If you do a lot of driving you probably have a satnav – if you have an iPhone why not combine the two. That’s where the new TomTom app for the iPhone comes in.
I do a lot of driving for both work and when visiting people, and if I am going somewhere that I have never been to before I like to use my satnav. Over the years I have had different satnavs from TomTom, Navigon and others – in fact my current satnav is from Navigon.
The biggest problem I have with it is the time it takes to find and lock on to the satellites – sometimes taking up to 20 minutes (and according to Navigon that is perfectly normal).
So rather than buy another satnav, I figured I would try the app for the iPhone and see if that was any good – especially considering that is a lot cheaper than buying a whole device.
WHAT ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS?
New, updated maps
Because on average 15% of roads change every year, your TomTom app comes with the latest and most up-to-date map, ready to navigate. No mobile signal or data plan is required to browse your map and navigate to your destination.
HD Traffic™
Get the most up-to-date, real-time traffic information for your route live on your TomTom app. Includes detailed incident reports, estimated delay times and alternative route proposals (Available via in app purchase).
Advanced Lane Guidance
Clearly shows which lane to take at junctions so you don’t miss your turning. On the most difficult highway intersections, realistic 3D representation of the junction keeps you relaxed and safe.
IQ Routes™ technology
Only TomTom uses actual speed data collected from millions of users to calculate the fastest routes at any point in time. Imagine a route that takes into account rush hour, traffic lights, zebra crossings, school exits or even shopping crowds, every minute of every day. That’s how smart IQ Routes is!
You can learn more about the benefits of TomTom here.
COMPATABILITY
If you have an iPhone 4 or 3GS then you can use the turn-by-turn functionality as those models have built in GPS, if you have an older model then you will need to buy the TomTom car kit.
I have an iPhone 4 so I don’t need the car kit for that functionality.
BUYING THE APP
Buying the app is just the same as buying any app for the iPhone – you have to do it through the Apple App Store.
Do a search in the app store for TomTom and you will be shown everything that is available.
In my case, I wanted the UK & Ireland maps (the application is the same, but you need to make sure you choose the maps you want).
So I paid for the app and waited for the download – which was a little over 350 MB.
Once it had download I just connected up my iPhone 4 and waited for it to sync.
STARTING THE APP
On your iPhone you will have a new entry for the software – in my case UK – Ireland.
Just tap it to launch.
The first time you are asked if it could use your current location – I found this quite amusing – if you said no how would be able to use the functionality you just paid for?
Then you have the usual legal notices which you must agree to otherwise again you can’t use it!
I used to have a 3G, as I still believe it was the best available smartphone on the market at the time. Since then, Android has come of age with the 1GHz Snapdragon processor (and with that my new HTC Desire), bringing with it actual multitasking (rather than the circa 2002 WinMo multitasking that IOS4 achieves). This means that ALL apps can be run simultaneously. It doesn't have to be a feature of your satnav to keep working during a call, it just keeps working until you choose to close it because that's what the OS does.
I am very impressed with this web site,and also very helpful and secure.
Love ❤️ this web