TomTom GO LIVE 1000 Adds Capacitive Touchscreen, ARM 11 CPU
Every major GPS maker had to reevaluate their business after Google
introduced a free Google Maps Navigation service for Android; suddenly,
the allure of a standalone navigation system wasn't as bright, and
anyone out for a new smartphone would basically have the option of also
getting free turn-by-turn navigation. Garmin recently revamped their
navigation lineup with an extremely sleek trio of devices that honestly
looked a lot like a smartphone, and now TomTom is following suit.
In Europe today, the company introduced the GO LIVE 1000, which is a drastic departure for TomTom and one that was probably needed to remain competitive in this new landscape. It's the first in a whole new generation of TomTom devices, all aimed at providing real-time services to drivers across the globe. It's the first TomTom product designed completely with "connectivity" in mind, and it's based around an ARM 11 500MHz CPU and utilizes a WebKit-based user interface and a capacitive touch screen, which is the same type used on the popular iPhone and iPad.
The software and service delivery platform have been optimized for rapid integration of third party applications and easy localization to match the needs of specific markets or applications. The back end server systems have been completely redesigned, allowing effortless delivery of rich content and downloadable applications, via cable or over the air. This enables the device to be upgraded with new features over time, which should be a big hit with consumers wary of buying something that'll be outdated in a month.
The company is shipping the product with a full year of LIVE connected services free; after that, you'll have to pay to keep connected. The suite of services includes TomTom HD Traffic, mobile speed cameras and local search in 16 countries. It's also equipped with IQ Routes (a new routing algorithm that continuously scans the road network for the fastest routes), and the new user interface and application logic should also bring a smile to those who weren't satisfied with TomTom's somewhat dated UI.
TomTom is saying the GO LIVE 1000 will ship this summer in Europe for an undisclosed amount, with U.S. availability to come in due time.
In Europe today, the company introduced the GO LIVE 1000, which is a drastic departure for TomTom and one that was probably needed to remain competitive in this new landscape. It's the first in a whole new generation of TomTom devices, all aimed at providing real-time services to drivers across the globe. It's the first TomTom product designed completely with "connectivity" in mind, and it's based around an ARM 11 500MHz CPU and utilizes a WebKit-based user interface and a capacitive touch screen, which is the same type used on the popular iPhone and iPad.
The software and service delivery platform have been optimized for rapid integration of third party applications and easy localization to match the needs of specific markets or applications. The back end server systems have been completely redesigned, allowing effortless delivery of rich content and downloadable applications, via cable or over the air. This enables the device to be upgraded with new features over time, which should be a big hit with consumers wary of buying something that'll be outdated in a month.
The company is shipping the product with a full year of LIVE connected services free; after that, you'll have to pay to keep connected. The suite of services includes TomTom HD Traffic, mobile speed cameras and local search in 16 countries. It's also equipped with IQ Routes (a new routing algorithm that continuously scans the road network for the fastest routes), and the new user interface and application logic should also bring a smile to those who weren't satisfied with TomTom's somewhat dated UI.
TomTom is saying the GO LIVE 1000 will ship this summer in Europe for an undisclosed amount, with U.S. availability to come in due time.
