Earlier this week at Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference, Tom-Tom announced a turn-by-turn direction application for the iPhone. This has both voice and map directions. Tom-Tom are also offering a docking kit that allows for hands-free calling, charging, and improved GPS signal. See the official TomTom for iPhone website for further details. Tom-Tom's share price increased 17% on the news.

PC World also have a discussion that suggests that this is a part of Tom-Tom's defense against the "do everything" phone with integral GPS.

Tom-Tom's description makes it sound like the map data is provided with the software application. It is probably like this because that is how they usually operate. However if it is running on an Internet capable device, the next natural step would be for online map updates. Data could be automatically downloaded as new data updates become available, or even as the phone moves. Eg. if the phone finds itself in San Francisco, it can start to download the maps for San Francisco, then wider California. A user could "freeze" useful geography into memory, or pre-request it if they know they are travelling away on a trip.

Comments (6)

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Tom Tom and the Iphone
written by Patty, June 13, 2009

This sounds like a great application. I do not have an iphone but I know that they are constantly coming out with great applications that people can use. I think that Tom Tom was really smart to make this app now rather than trying to compete with the Iphone!

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When oh When will it be available
written by Tim, June 21, 2009

Master move by Tom Tom - if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. When will it be available??

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Their site doesn't say, but...
written by Richard Marsden, June 21, 2009

Their site doesn't say but you can sign up to be notified of news about TomTom for the iPhone.

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I want one of these
written by iphone accessories, August 14, 2009

Google maps and a blue dot can only get you so far and not far at all if there is only one person in the car, if the price is right im going to buy this.

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...
written by Scott, August 30, 2009

Hey has anybody worked out if this uses GPS Signal or a DATA signal?

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GPS I believe
written by Richard Marsden, August 31, 2009

I don't have an iPhone but I thought they were equipped with GPS devices?

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