It’s October and just as promised earlier in August, TomTom finally have released its navigation app for Android devices with all those features which were not fully present in Google Maps and the big one of those is offline maps. The TomTom maps are stored in your device and no mobile data is needed when you are on the go, hence no fee to be cost. However you will need to download them once. Being offline-maps it will not be fully up-to-date all the time but quarterly map updates are promised by TomTom which will ensure that the user will have latest map on their smartphones.
It’s October and just as Other features include IQ Routes, HD Traffic, Speed Cameras, TomTom Places, Multitasking Support, Seamless Integration with Contacts, Advanced Lane Guidance, Spoken Street Names.
Thing to note is that, the app is not free and costs you $49.99 for US & Canada, other maps varies. However TomTom mentions about Life Time Free maps bundled with the app and they are offline – that’s good. But looks like the app is not compatible with the devices we have at home. Not at least with Samsung Galaxy S III, Galaxy Nexus, HTC Desire Z and a long list below the Google Play is reporting incompatible devices/ROMs with the app.
T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Nexus, Samsung SHV-E120L, Samsung SHV-E120L, HTC HTC One S, Mobilink LGE LG-P930, Motorola XT910S, Samsung GT-I9300, LGE LG-P990, PANTECH IM-A760S, Ufone Sony Ericsson ST18i, LG U+ Samsung SHV-E120L, LGE LG-P930, LGE LG-P930, HTC HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio, Samsung SHW-M110S, Ufone Samsung SHW-M110S, KTTech KM-S200, Ufone HTC HTC Desire S, Samsung GT-I9100, HTC Desire HD, Ufone PANTECH SKY IM-A650S, HTC HTC HD2, Dell Inc. Dell Streak, Samsung SHW-M110S, LGE LG-LU6200, Samsung GT-I9100, Ufone HTC HTC Sensation,
Ufone HTC HTC Glacier, HTC HTC Incredible S, Ufone Motorola MB860, Ufone HTC NexusHD2
It can not be said as an alternate to Google Maps nor it’s a full competitor to Google Maps as there is a lot of difference between the two. Google provides the most up-to-date map data while being online all the way. Whereas TomTom supports offline map data that is stored in your device.
[source TomTom]
For more click “Press Release” below
Press Release
Amsterdam, 4 October 2012 – Last month, Android users got their first glimpse of TomTom’s new app at its preview during the IFA consumer electronics show. Today the TomTom Navigation app for Android is available to download from Google Play for the first time. The new app is an addition to TomTom’s existing, highly-rated navigation app for iPhone and brings TomTom’s world-class navigation to millions more smartphone users.
Available at a special introductory price, the TomTom Navigation app for Android has been designed especially for drivers. The latest TomTom maps are included and stored offline, which means that users don’t have to worry about losing signal in the middle of their journey or roaming charges when travelling abroad. The app includes, free quarterly map updates which ensures that drivers always have the latest map on their smartphone.
“TomTom has a history of making great navigation applications. Our existing iPhone app gets fantastic customer feedback and regularly wins awards,” said Corinne Vigreux, Managing Director TomTom Consumer. “Today, we are bringing this world-class navigation experience to millions of Android smartphone users for the first time.”
For more information about TomTom Navigation for Android, please visit our website.
Notes for editors
Pricing and Availability:
TomTom Navigation app for Android is available now at a special introductory offer from the Google Play store, priced at €34.99.
Features of TomTom Navigation for Android:
- Fully off-line and navigable map. With or without signal, high-resolution maps offer fast offline loading and routing. This avoids high data roaming charges when used abroad.
- FREE Lifetime maps. Users will always have the latest map to ensure they get to their destination as quickly as possible. Users will receive four free map updates per year for the life of the app.
- IQ Routes. The fastest routes, the most accurate and reliable arrival times at all times of day.
- HD Traffic. Live traffic updates help users reach their destinations faster. This is available via an in-app purchase.
- Speed Cameras. Avoid speeding fines with real-time camera alerts. This is available via an in-app purchase.
- TomTom Places. Search results designed for drivers.
- Multitasking support. Clear turn-by-turn guidance while on the phone.
- Seamless Integration. Integrates easily with Android smartphone contacts.
- Advanced Lane Guidance. Provides extra clarity when navigating difficult junctions.
- Spoken Street Names. Allows drivers to keep their eyes on the road – spoken instructions now include street names, making turnings even clearer.
TomTom Hands-free Car Kit for Smartphones:
- Hands-free calling. Bluetooth® connects drivers phone and car kit to make and answer calls safely while driving
- Sound Boost. Seamlessly integrates with the app for clear voice instructions with the in-built 2 watt speaker for the highest quality audio for loud and clear calls and navigation on the move.
Smartphone requirements:
- Android OS: 2.2 or higher
- Screen resolution: 800×480 or 854×480, we are committed to supporting higher resolutions on an ongoing basis
- Storage: 215 MB – 3,7 GB of free space required, depending on the app and the associated map
