TomTom took the entry level GPS navigation system TomTom EASE, changed the color from gray on gray to red on white and called it a Valentine’s Day special. Nothing wrong with that unless you’re buying this for a special someone to put off a bigger purchase you should be planning. This does cost a mere $120 after all on Amazon.

Features? Just the basics but it will still get you from A to B. 3.5″ touchscreen, TeleAtlas maps of the U.S, IQ routes, Map Share, and the TomTom special EasyPort mount. It does speak street names. Good enough.

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TomTom EASE Valentine’s Day Special

Source: Navigadget
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Well, well. In what could be the biggest news coming out of CES in terms of auto GPS this year, TomTom has announced that they will offer Lifetime Map Updates, a feature that will be incorporated into a range of TomTom units released in 2010. At first I thought TomTom’s acquisition of Tele Atlas paved the way for this and that Garmin was going to be at a severe disadvantage. But Garmin may follow suit; either company will just add in the cost of lifetime map updates to the unit price. Still, it wouldn’t surprise me for TomTom to be able to bundle them for less. Lifetime map updates will help negate some of the advantage of mobile phone apps that can tout always having the latest maps. Of course, with lifetime traffic and lifetime map updates, consumers are going to lose some incentive to upgrade to a new unit. This means that there will be even more pressure on TomTom (and anyone else who adopts this model), to add new and compelling features. We can only hope they will be useful and not fluff or eye candy.  Here’s the full news release: TomTom, the world’s leading provider of navigation solutions and digital maps, today announces that it will offer Lifetime Map Updates, a feature that allows customers to automatically receive map updates as they become available. This feature will be incorporated into a range of TomTom products in 2010. “Roads are continually changing– from new street names to closed bridges – so it’s important for users to always have the most up-to-date maps,” said Jocelyn Vigreux, president of TomTom Inc. “With the introduction of Lifetime Map Updates, customers can rest assured that the directions their TomTom device provides will always be the most accurate and efficient available.” Highest Quality Maps TomTom Lifetime Map Updates utilize Tele Atlas maps, which are continually updated to include improvements on 6.5 million miles of roads, millions of Points of Interest and map updates and speed profile data generated by the millions of drivers in the TomTom US user community.  Tele Atlas’ comprehensive network of global resources – ranging from government documents to satellite and aerial imagery, in conjunction with continuous input from TomTom’s user community enable TomTom to deliver the highest quality maps to its users. . A vailability In order to download TomTom’s Lifetime Map Updates, TomTom users need to simply connect their device to TomTom HOME, TomTom’s free desktop software, and if map updates are available, they can be downloaded to the device. Registered TomTom users will be notified of new map updates as they become available. Typically, Tele Atlas releases maps on a quarterly basis. The new Lifetime Map Updates will be bundled with a wide range of TomTom devices starting in early Q2, 2010.

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Lifetime map updates coming to TomTom models

TomTom announced today that they will begin to offer Lifetime Traffic Updates later this year. There’s no word on who the data provider will be, but they are saying that coverage will include 89 metropolitan markets in the US and four cities in Canada. The new Lifetime Traffic Updates will be bundled with a range of TomTom devices starting in early Q2, 2010. Here’s the full news release: TomTom, the world’s leading provider of navigation solutions and digital maps, today announces that it will offer Lifetime Traffic Updates, a new feature that allows customers to automatically receive traffic updatesduring the useful life of the device. This feature will be incorporated into a range of TomTom products in 2010 and will deliver accurate, reliable, traffic data directly to the user’s TomTom device. “Traffic is one of the most common inconveniences every driver experiences,” said Jocelyn Vigreux, president of TomTom Inc. “Now, using Lifetime Traffic Updates, TomTom users can always travel confidently knowing they will be alerted to the most current traffic information.” The service combines real-time speed data from over one million drivers across North America – including commercial fleets and regular drivers with GPS systems – combined with information from DoT and Proprietary Traffic Cameras, DoT Speed Sensors, Airborne/Mobile Spotter Vehicles, Digital Scanners that cover many local emergency services, Police Callouts, and Traffic “Tip Lines”. Users will receive traffic updates through a traffic receiver that is innovatively designed into the device’s power cord. By simply connecting the TomTom device to the power cord, users will be automatically alerted to traffic situations en route, such as traffic jams or accident delays. Traffic alerts are clearly displayed in the traffic bar on the right hand side of the screen and more detailed information can be found in other dedicated screens. Additionally, users will receive audible traffic notifications concerning any changing traffic conditions that arise along their route. TomTom Lifetime Traffic Updates include incident data – such as accidents, road construction and closures – and accurate traffic flow speed data. Traffic coverage is provided nationwide, covering 93 metropolitan markets including four cities in Canada. The Most Optimal Routing Available Lifetime Traffic Updates will also leverage TomTom’s proprietary IQ Routes™ Technology, which enables users to always drive the smartest and most efficient routes, whenever or wherever they go. IQ Routes Technology calculates routes based on historical speed measurements for every time of day and for every road segment, from large highways to small local roads. With TomTom Lifetime Traffic Updates and IQ Routes Technology, users will be alerted to traffic situations that arise on their route and will be given the fastest alternate route to get to their destination. Availability The new Lifetime Traffic Updates will be bundled with a range of TomTom devices starting in early Q2, 2010.

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TomTom to introduce lifetime traffic

TomTom just introduced an entry level GPS navigation system called TomTom Ease. It will have a 3.5″ touchscreen, 2GB memory that includes TeleAtlas maps of the US, and text-to-speech feature (we’re really glad text-to-speech is now part even the lowest end sat nav systems).

Other features include their famous fold & go easy mount, Map Share technology, IQ Routes, and Help Me menu for emergencies.

We’re not sure how much it will cost yet but how much are you guys hoping for?

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TomTom Ease

Source: Navigadget
Read more here:TomTom Ease

The TomTom EASE was announced this morning, bringing a new entry-level product to the US market. This 3.5” navigator features text-to-speech, 3 million points of interest and pre-loaded maps of the US. It includes IQ Routes, TomTom’s historic road speed database, for improved routing. The EASE also features a simplified two icon main menu. Basically, this is the TomTom START, which was introduced in Europe a few months ago. Since no images are available yet, I’ve taken the liberty of posting one of the START above. The TomTom EASE is expected to be available in early 2010. UPDATE: Consumer Reports says you’ll be able to skin the EASE with custom colors , just like the TomTom START. Here’s the full news release: TomTom debuts TomTom EASE in North America New entry-level car navigation solution is easy to use, ultra-portable and packed with the latest technologies More portable and even easier to use Integrated Fold & Go Easy Port™ Mount allows device to fold flat, for increased portability  Text-to-speech for spoken street names Enhanced EasyMenu™ user interface with a simple two-icon touchscreen menu helps users start their destination even faster TomTom’s proprietary Map Share™ and IQ Routes™ Technology for most accurate maps and routing ‘Help Me!’ safety menu for access to emergency providers Concord, MA – 6 January 2010 – TomTom, the world’s leading provider of navigation solutions and digital maps, today announced the launch of TomTom EASE, TomTom’s newest entry-level car navigation solution. The new TomTom EASE combines even greater ease-of-use with quality navigation at a very affordable price. The TomTom EASE will be on shelves at major retailers in the US in early 2010. “The TomTom EASE combines quality, simplicity and style into one compact device,” said Jocelyn Vigreux, president of TomTom Inc. “It’s an obvious choice for drivers who want an affordable, easy to use portable navigation device with the most innovative map and routing technologies available.” Portable and easy to use The new TomTom EASE features a sleek light-weight design and integrated EasyPort™ mount, making the TomTom EASE the most compact TomTom device available yet. Drivers can easily fit the entire device and attached mount into a pocket, purse or small glove compartment. It will be available in black and white. Enhanced user interface TomTom’s improved EasyMenu user interface now offers a simple two-icon touchscreen menu that provides quick access to search tools so that users can get started on their destination even faster. Best routing and maps                                                                               IQ Routes Technology provides drivers with the fastest route any time of day with accurate travel times. TomTom has a database of over 1.3 trillion speed measurements worldwide, which are included in the device’s map so that users get smart route planning wherever they are. The device also comes with TomTom Map Share, the company’s unique technology that allows users to make their own map changes and benefit from thousands of free map corrections made by TomTom users every day – free of charge. Since roads are continually changing, Map Share gives TomTom users the option to capture these changes on their devices in-between map releases and keep their data as current as they wish. These changes allow the community of Map Share users to always have the most up-to-date maps and inside local knowledge at their fingertips. The device features maps from Tele Atlas covering more than 6.5 million miles of roadways in the US and include more than 3 million standard and premium points of interest. The same Tele Atlas maps that will power the device were recently rated highest for quality and reliability in certified tests. Extensive safety features Safety is a key priority in the development of all TomTom products. TomTom EASE is designed with safety features so drivers always have direct access to extensive safety and roadside assistance information wherever they go. The extensive Help Menu includes information such as the way to the nearest car repair station or hospital. The new TomTom EASE will be available in both black and white in major retail outlets throughout the US in early 2010. Product technical specifications: Unit Dimensions: (H x W x D) 3.4” x 3.6”x 1.2” (including mount) Unit Weight: 6.1 oz. (including mount) Touch-screen: 3.5” LCD (320 x 240 pixels, supports 64K colors) Memory: 2 Gb Flash Maps: Pre-loaded maps of the US from Tele Atlas Text-to-Speech: Yes

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TomTom EASE announced

The TomTom XL 340-S LIVE is the company’s first mid-range, “connected” navigator, offering LIVE services such as Google Local search, gas prices, etc. It has a 4.3” wide-screen and text-to-speech, so you’ll hear “turn right, Oak Street,” instead of just “turn right,” BizRate This model is essentially a stripped down version of the TomTom GO 740 LIVE , minus the 740’s Bluetooth and voice commands. The 740 LIVE also has an active mount, so you don’t have to attach the mini-USB plug each time you use it, like you do with the XL 340-S LIVE. Compare prices on the TomTom XL 340-S LIVE Step down to the TomTom XL 340-S and you’ll lose the LIVE services. Now that we have the basics and related models out of the way, lets talk about those “connected services.” Portions of the following were taken from my TomTom GO 740 LIVE review. LIVE services The first thing you should know about is LIVE services pricing. A three-month subscription is included with purchase of the unit; after that it’s $9.99 a month. Consider this carefully and compare the total cost to the Garmin nuvi 1690 , which comes with two years of service, and then goes to five dollars per month. The XL 340-S LIVE offers a number of services thanks to a built in cellular connection, housed in the surprisingly slim unit. The cellular service auto-activates so there is no set up involved. Cellular connections were acquired relatively quickly, even at my home, which has weak reception for many carriers. I’ve got full details below, but here’s a short video clip from the 740 LIVE demonstrating some of the top features which are all found on the XL 340-S LIVE: Google Local Search One of the joys of having a connected PND is being able to access local search, so that you’re not limited to a preloaded POI s database. The XL 340-S LIVE uses Google Local search for this feature and it is really nice to have. Even so, the implementation could have been better. Searches typically took from 15 to 30 seconds, and there is no way to sort results (e.g., by rating, distance from destination, etc.). It is possible however, to search near your current location, another location, your destination, or a selected city. Unfortunately, you cannot search along your route. The results screen (sample shown below) displays ratings where available, and distance to destination. Note that it gives no indication of direction though. The details screen, shown below, gives a wealth of information about a POI. Weather This is another function that you can access thanks to this connected device. It even calls out the day’s forecast for the selected location. Acquisition of weather data was faster than getting Google Local search results, taking from 3 to 10 seconds to display. Fuel prices Another nice feature, being able to search for gas prices, was relatively fast too – typically within 5 to 10 seconds in my testing. And as you can see below, you can search along your route. Why you can’t specify along route with Google Local search is beyond me. Mount The XL 340-S LIVE has TomTom’s EasyPort mount, which I am not a fan of. It is too easy to accidentally separate the mount from the unit when trying to adjust the angle of the device. Also note that it folds into something way too bulky to put into your pocket. But the worst thing is the recessed attachment point for the power lead. It’s a major pain and you have to attach it every time you connect the unit. Advanced Lane Guidance (ALG) I found TomTom’s Advanced Lane Guidance (ALG) coverage to be much more extensive than Garmin’s Lane Assist / Junction View, probably by several orders of magnitude. Take this with a grain of salt though, as at least one other reviewer has reported just the opposite. Perhaps Garmin is better in New England and TomTom better in the southeast! I also like the fact that the green arrow flashes, drawing your attention to the proper lane. Picky reviewer that I am, I do have some complaints. You wouldn’t know it from the image above, but this is the exit for TN Highway 91. It would be nice if this was shown in addition to the exit number. In many cases the highway number is shown, but I did notice this happening on occasion. IQ Routes I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention IQ Routes in this review, because it’s one of the best features TomTom has going. This feature bases routing decisions on historical traffic data, broken down by the day of the week and time of day, the latter in 15 minute increments.  As one reviewer has said, “it almost kills the need for a traffic receiver .” I was very impressed with this feature when it took me down a locally known and very popular shortcut, avoiding the highway that parallels it during a busy time of day. Quite simply, this feature greatly improves routing behavior. Interface Before I wrap things up, I want to discuss a few things about the interface. First, the things I really like: I’ve got a bit of a lead foot, so the fact that you see your current speed and the speed limit on the screen is quite helpful; I especially like that it turns red when you exceed the speed limit by 5 MPH. I do wish you could customize that number though. The Quick Menu feature (shown below), somewhat similar to Magellan’s OneTouch menu, allows quick and customized access to selected features. It learns from your behavior. The XL 340-S LIVE asked me if I wanted to specify a target arrival time, and when I kept saying no, it eventually asked if I wanted to turn that feature off. You can access the volume controls from the map screen by tapping the the left side of the status bar. It’s not that intuitive, but it’s probably something you’ll remember once you know it’s there. The Find Alternatives menu item gives you lots of options, which you can see below: When searching for POIs, or accessing Google Local search results, you can page from one POI to the next to view its location on a preview map. To do this you use the arrows on the map, shown on the image below. This is a simple, but great feature. Despite these niceties, there were also a couple of things I didn’t like about the interface: While speed limits were present on all the Interstate highways I travelled, I rarely saw them elsewhere. TomTom’s speed limit coverage clearly lags far behind that found on Garmin units, where it shows up for an amazing number of secondary roads. This is a recurring complaint about Tele Atlas maps; I don’t know if it’s an issue in other states, but in NC they display obscure state and county DOT road numbers instead of the more commonly used road names. In spoken directions, they give both, but give the name last. TomTom XL 340-S LIVE pros Cellular connection allows access to Google Local search, gas prices and more IQ Routes technology gives TomTom the best routing engine of any GPS manufacturer Map Share feature allows you to make and share map corrections Great ability to customize map screen information display Advanced Lane Guidance Warns when you exceed speed limit by 5 MPH Easy to access volume controls from map screen Can page through POI results on a preview map to easily see their location Good alternative routing options Displays names of most cross streets are shown as you approach them TomTom XL 340-S LIVE cons A short three month trial period for cellular connectivity, followed by a $9.99 per month fee Does not automatically power on or off No simple way to get back to the main menu or map screen when you are several layers deep in menus Google Local search results can be slow coming in Speed limit coverage missing for many major highways Poorly designed mount No active mount Conclusion and recommendation I was quite impressed with the XL 340-S LIVE feature set and performance. This is a great unit for someone who wants a connected GPS. And TomTom has done such a good job with IQ Routes that they have nearly negated the need for a traffic receiver (although live traffic is included as part of the connected services with this unit). If you’re not ready to pony up the big bucks (and monthly fee) for the XL 340-S LIVE, you should seriously consider the TomTom XL 340-S .  More TomTom XL 340-S LIVE reviews The first consumer-authored TomTom XL 340-S LIVE review has been posted at Amazon PC World gives a 4-1/2 out of 5 star rating in their XL 340-S LIVE review CNet gives a 3-1/2 out of 5 star rating in their review of the XL 340-S LIVE Wired.com gets in the game as well, giving a 7 out of 10 rating in their own TomTom XL 340-S LIVE review I’ll be posting more hands on GPS reviews as they appear, but in the meantime, here are some… Other TomTom XL 340-S LIVE resources The TomTom XL 340 series owners manual , in the language of your choice To see how the XL 340 compares to other TomTom units, check out my TomTom comparison chart . There are several good TomTom message forums: yourNAV’s TomTom forums GpsPasSion’s TomTom message forum A U.S.-based TomTom forum The official TomTom XL 340-S LIVE web page Compare prices on the TomTom XL 340-S LIVE at these merchants: Check the current TomTom XL 340-S LIVE price at Amazon Get the TomTom ONE XL 340-S LIVE Automotive GPS System w/ IQ Routes, Lane Guidance & Google Local Search at TigerGPS, where you get free shipping on orders above $250 Get the TomTom XL 340-S LIVE for an amazing price on eBay

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TomTom XL 340-S LIVE review