Posts Tagged ‘Tom Tom’

Micrsoft Sues TomTom

Thursday, February 26th, 2009

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Yes the rumors in the blogosphere are true! Microsoft has sued TomTom, the popular maker of portable gps navigation devices.  They filed lawsuits with US district court and the Nation Trade Commission against TomTom because they say the company has infringed on its software patents.

Supposedly the Microsoft patents include vehicle navigation technology and computer software that Microsoft licenses to other firms.  Although TomTom has nothing to say right now on this issue, Microsoft had plenty to say.  Horacio Gutierrez is the Deputy Counsel of Intellectual Property and Licensing at Microsoft.  Here are his comments:

“We have taken this action after attempting for more than a year to engage in licensing discussions with TomTom.”

“In situations such as this, when a reasonable business agreement cannot be reached, we have no choice but to pursue legal action to protect our innovations and our partners who license them.”

TomTom is a highly respected and important company. We remain open to quickly resolving this situation with them through an IP licensing agreement.”

We are very intersted in what TomTom will have to say on the pending lawsuits.  Stay tuned here for all GPS news, reviews, and rumors.

Highlights of the TomTom Go 930 Portable GPS System

Monday, February 23rd, 2009

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The TomTom Go 930 has been released to consumers for a while now, but what makes this particular TomTom navigation device so appealing to everyone? Could it be…

…its 3D looks at intersections and terrain?

…the way it can calculate your routes based on the real average speed measured on roads, not just the speed limits?

…the advanced lance guidance which gives you clarity on when and were to get over when navigating those difficult junctions?

…the amazing Map Share technology that enables users to add, update and personalize maps as well as view other users changes?

…the ability for the TomTom portable GPS systems to offer continuous navigation even when you may lose signal in rural areas and tunnels?

…that this portable GPS can find your destination by simply listening to your voice?

…that Bluetooth technology embedded into the portable GPS allows you to talk without using your hands?

…is it because you can play your music wirelessly over your car radio?

Actually, it’s none of the above.  The TomTom Go 930 is such a popular portable GPS device because you get all that for $499.  And in this economy, gps features plus saving money is exactly what consumers are looking for.

Mercedes get rid of in-dash portable gps systems by partnering with Harmin

Monday, February 16th, 2009

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Car makers are finally getting the picture, although in dash navigation systems are cool… ortable ones are better.  Being able to un-attach your navigation system and bring it with you while riding in another car or traveling is just convenient not to mention affordable for both consumers and car makers.

Enter the new age of portable GPS were drivers don’t leave there house without Google Map applications on their phone, GPS companies are creating touch screen and talking portable GPS systems, and where avoiding traffic and saving gas while listening to mp3s is considered a necessity of life, not a want.

Mercedes Benz is the newest  car people to partner with navigation companies to create out of dash systems that are comprehensive and portable.  Following the success of the Carminat TomTom GPS, Harman International will do the same thing for 8 new Mercedes starting the middle of next year.

Next? BMW, Jaguar, and Land Rover will be jumping on the portable GPS bandwagon doing whatever is necessary to save everyone money during this economic crisis.
Source and Image via Motor Authority

Motorist love TomTom’s semi-embedded portable navigation device

Thursday, February 5th, 2009

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Last year in TomTom released a new navigation device designed especially for customers who want a portable GPS System to fit inside the dashboard of their vehicles.  The new second generation of semi–embeddable  TomTom device is called the Fujitsu 10 eclipse VN 4430.  The best part about the new device is that users can actually take it out of the dashboard and use it as a standalone navigation system in a different car.

So what exactly can this new semi-embeddable a portable devices do?  First off it has the latest maps, using a technology called MapShare.  MapShare allows drivers to actually improve the map on the device and then they can share those maps with other car drivers.  The TomTom GPS portable device also allows drivers to use below two hands-free calling, that way you can make a phone call while safely driving.  Some other cool features include a CD – DVD player, iPod audio, iPod video, and even a USB.  Say goodbye to the radio because now you can listen to your favorite music over your car speakers with no commercials.

Here some highlights of the device:

  • TomTom Map Share™ technology, enabling users to make updates and corrections to their own maps instantly on the device and to benefit from improvements made by other users free of charge.
  • Latest map guarantee so users always have free access to the latest map at time of purchase.
  • ‘Help Me’ Emergency menu that gives drivers direct access to emergency services and roadside assistance
  • Voice address input so that users can drive to millions of cities and street names by simply announcing the address of their destination
  • Clear voice instructions and text-to-speech to enable street names, places, traffic alerts and SMS messages to be read aloud as part of the spoken instructions
  • Enhanced hands-free calling with high-quality sound system via Bluetooth® to allow drivers to keep their eyes firmly on the road while making phone calls in the car
  • Rear-view Camera Ready so drivers can expand their view outside of a normal field of vision.
  • Free TomTom HOME software and content from the TomTom community to keep their device up to date at all times.
  • Large 4.3 inch touch screen with fresh icons and an updated user interface to navigate drivers to their destination even more easily.

Because it is so easy to remove and install, this little portable GPS device is pretty awesome.  Especially, if you have more than one automobile, or if you’re riding with a friend!

TomTom Portable Navigation Device Connects at CES 2009

Monday, January 12th, 2009

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It’s called the GO 740 Live and at $499 it’s the first TomTom portable navigation device to be launched in the USA and it’s ready to connect you to the world… literally.

The TomTom GO 740 Live provides real time traffic information, a fuel price service and local search using all the major search people, including Google and Weather.

One issue we all have a problem with is that the new “connected” portable GPS navigation devices never come out of the box ready ready for action.  We end up paying more for connections, accessories, and monthly subscriptions just to get the unit ready for everyday use.  In today’s economy, we all want more for our buck and for good reason.

That’s why the TomTom Go portable navigators made such a huge splash at CES 2009.  Each TomTom Go 740 Live navigator comes ready right out the box with a built in SIM card and GPRS modem.  Another sleek and popular feature that TomTom Go Live incorporates is voice recognition which recognizes over 130 voice commands which allows you to get moving with planned routes, make phone calls, and set preferences… all by voice

Is it competition for Garmin nuvi 880 products? I guess we will find out in 2009.  Stay tuned here.