TomTom USA v1.3 for iPhone Hits App Store with Live Traffic and Local Google Search

March 15, 2010 - By Jose A. Gutierrez

March 15, 2010 – As promised last month at Macworld 2010, TomTom International BV made available for download, on March 13, 2010, the newest version of its popular navigation app for the iphone. Aside from the newest version of USA maps that TomTom claims includes one million more miles of U.S. roads than the competition, version 1.3 includes Real-time Live Traffic, via in-app purchase for $19.99 for 12 months of service. The service receives updates every 3 minutes of current traffic conditions in your area and automatically provides alternate and faster routes, if available.

These improved features augment TomTom’s exclusive IQ Route Technology that calculates the optimal route based on time and date to avoid those rush hour commute nightmares. Another highlight of the added features is the ability to conduct local searches, via Google, within the app, and let TomTom take you there. This is a smart work around for the lack of updated POI’s (Points of Interest) about which most GPS device users complain. Having access to a regularly updating database of businesses and places, via Google, ensures the most current information is within hands-reach.

Another welcome addition to the app is the ability to automatically change from day to night setting and vice versa, based on the time of day during which you’re traveling. I had personally wanted this option for some time and consider it a must-have for any GPS app. The previous version of TomTom for iPhone included iPod controls, from within the app. Version 1.3 turned this feature up a notch by allowing music to be played while navigating and gently fade in and out, while TomTom gives you Text to Speech directions. This means less fussing with controls, which translates into less diverting of the eyes from the road. This definitely keeps the driver, passengers, and other commuters much safer.

A feature that is still missing from the iPhone app (but available in other TomTom Personal Navigation Devices [PND]), is the ability to add custom voices from famous people, characters, etc. Also, the capability to import a custom POI list downloaded from the web or created on the computer is definitely a feature that many users would appreciate. In a market where sales of PNDs is on declining rapidly, despite the lowest prices ever being offered, the adoption of GPS chips on cell phones with larger screens than before is laying the groundwork for the ultimate convergence device.

With Google Android and, more recently, Nokia offering free network-based navigation solutions for their smartphones, it becomes harder everyday for the traditional navigation software companies like TomTom and Navigon to compete. The big advantage that it is important to point out, with regard to PNDs, is that they are not dependent upon cellular or WiFi service to function, as are the smartphone-based apps. This can present a significant disadvantage if your routes take you far off the beaten path and away from traditionally strong areas of coverage. For this reason, it is important for consumers to identify how important the ability to obtain directions, at a moment’s notice, truly is.

When originally released, TomTom USA & Canada was priced at $99.00, which put off many potential buyers who saw more value in the traditional PND. The price eventually worked its way down to a more reasonable $69.99, which enticed many naysayers to reconsider. Now, users have the option to purchase a USA only version for $59.99. In my case, I got lucky and grabbed the copy I used for this review on sale for $49.99, last week. Even at the regular price of $59.99, TomTom v1.3 makes the GPS experience well worth the money.

Visit the TomTom App page in the iTunes App Store to read the reviews and purchase your own copy. (Note: Buying/Upgrading requires WiFi connectivity, since the 1.3GB far exceeds Apple/At&t’s 20MB 3G app download limit.)