TomTom is in the news for announcements and new potential applications. TomTom now offers Lifetime World Maps and Lifetime Speed Cameras with its new navigation devices. TomTom MyDrive integrates information via apps and the web. TomTom launched a free premium navigation app with real-time traffic for Android. TomTom data revealed that traffic congestion can double the time driving for evening commutes in the worst cities for traffic in the world. And TomTom is gearing up to become the main provider of mapping for self-driving cars. Just in time for latest saga StarWar fans can receive directions in the voices of Yoda or Darth Vader.
TomTom Go Goes with TomTome My Drive
The TomTom GO 510, 610, 5100 and 6100 offer pinch, zoom and swipe, 3D Maps and a Click & Go mount with 5″ or a 6″ screen size options along with LifeTime World Maps and Lifetime Speed Camera information.
TomTom GO devices combine real-time traffic information with routing technology that can pinpoint the start and end of a traffic jam within 10 meters.
TomTom MyDrive is a website and app designed to connect the TomTom device in the car to the digital world. Drivers can use their smartphone, tablet or PC to check real-time traffic information, plan routes, and send destinations to their TomTom GO, before they get in the car.
At launch, TomTom MyDrive allows drivers to send destinations to their TomTom GO from their smartphone, tablet or PC. TomTom MyDrive also helps drivers to know when to leave so that they arrive on time by checking real-time trafficn before they go.
The TomTom MyDrive is an open platform open to developers.
MyDrive launches on the all-new TomTom GO 510, GO 610, GO 5100 and GO 6100, and is available on previous TomTom GO models via a software update.
TomTom Go Mobile for Android App
TomTom (TOM2) GO Mobile, a new navigation app for Android devices, with TomTom Traffic, is now available globally for free on 64 Google Play stores. People can now experience TomTom’s premium navigation and real-time traffic information, driving up to 75km every month free of charge*. Drivers can upgrade to unlimited driving with a simple in app purchase.
TomTom Traffic Data for Worst Congested Cities
TomTom uses Hundreds of millions of probes that contribute to its real-time traffic service available in 46 countries.
According to TomTom Traffic data, the evening rush hour is the most congested time of day. Nearly every city with the highest overall levels of congestion can expect to double their congestion level during the evening rush hour.
The worst traffic congestion level in the world is Instanbul with evening congestion at 109% and overall congestion at 58%. Th only U.S. City to make it to worst list as number 10 is Los Angeles with 80% evening congestion and 39% overall congestion.
TomTom Maps for the Future
TomTom provides maps for Fiat/Chrysler in Latin America/Europe, Hyundai in Europe, Volkswagen/Audi Europe, Kia Europe and partnered with Volkswagen to research automated driving. TomTom provides turn-by-turn navigation for Jeep Renegade Uconnect 5.
In 2012 TomTom inked a global content deal with Apple providing mapping for Apple devices.
In a recent interview with Reuters TomTo’sm CEO Harold Goddijn said that besides Google, TomTom is one of the few companies that automakers and customers feel confident in when it comes to providing drivers quality and timely location data, for connected self-driving cars. TomTom technology can update map data from vehicles on the road, which is then shared with other drivers which no other company offers.
TomTom’s competitor HERE has 70% of the market and has been rumored to be up for sale.
TomTom Telematics launched its next generation of WEBFLEET OptiDrive with predictive real-time driving advice in March.
PNDs (Personal Navigation Devices_ have been adding features such as real-time traffic and now Magellan offers a PND with a dash cam and a connection to a wireless rearview camera.
TomTom now offers both Darth Vader and Yoda voices on your device now for the price of one which £7.95 in the U.K. Other voices include Homer Simpson, James Bond, Knight Ridder and Bugs Bunny/Looney Tunes.