TomTom gave a preview of its new satellite navigation app for Android smartphones last week, at the IFA Consumer Electronics Show in Berlin.
TomTom’s Android is expected to work in much the same ways as the app it has long offered for iPhones. According to TomTom, “on-board maps, IQ Routes and HD Traffic will give Android users the freshest map, the fastest routes and the most accurate arrival times.”
According to TomTom, the app will offer drivers:
- World-class navigation – The latest, most accurate TomTom maps available – with no need for a mobile signal or data plan.
- Lifetime maps – Free updates that ensure access to the latest maps and fastest routes.
- IQ Routes – Arrival times that drivers can rely on – at all times of day.
- Advanced lane guidance – Gives drivers extra clarity when navigating difficult junctions.
- Spoken street names – Makes turnings even clearer.
- 2D / 3D driving view – The clearest display for the safest driving.
- TomTom HD Traffic – Available as an in-app purchase. It’s the quickest way through traffic. Proven.
- TomTom Speed Cameras – Available as an in-app purchase. Save money and drive safely with real-time mobile and fixed camera alerts.
Corinne Vigreux, managing director at TomTom said: “We aim to make TomTom content and services available to as many devices and platforms as we can. Bringing TomTom navigation to Android smartphones is, therefore, a significant milestone for us.”
TomTom’s Android app is scheduled for release in October, but there’s no news yet on pricing. TomTom UK & Ireland for iPhone costs £49.99, for comparison.
The only catch with TomTom’s plan is that Android already has free turn-by-turn satnav, courtesy of Google Maps — and this even covers the insides of buildings, in addition to roads.
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This does require map data to be downloaded before use, but this can be done at home before a journey is begun, to cut down on mobile data use charges.
CoPilot also has its own Android satnav app available, which costs a mere £24.99.