TomTom GO 720 with MapShare

TomTom announced the new TomTom GO 720 today with a lot of features that makes it a very attractive package. The biggest of which is related to map updates, called MapShare; an innovative way for users to update maps for the rest of us to use. By using your desktop computer and TomTom HOME, you can edit road features and then upload the information that the rest of us can use. This is a huge step forward for TomTom and TeleAtlas in striving for realtime map updates.

The new TomTom GO 720 is a flat form factor that has a widescreen, and some great 3-D graphics that show building footprints to improve the overall navigation experience. I am sure this is the first step to incorporating the 3-D urban mapping that TeleAtlas has been working on. Loads of fun extras that allow you to record and use your own voice sets so you can have friends, your belligerent spouse, or your kids offer you turn-by-turn directions. There is also a “Help Me” menu with shortcuts to get you to the police station or service station quickly.

Looking forward to getting a TomTom GO 720 in for review. There is also a GO 520 available in Europe.

The TomTom GO 720 will be available near the end of July in the US, for a list price of $499.

TomTom GO 720 at Amazon

Complete Information on the TomTom GO 720 here at GPSLodge.com

More after the jump...

TomTom, today reveals the TomTom GO 720 US & Canada edition. Ground-breaking new technology allowing for daily map improvements and a host of new features, such as safety extras and the ability to record driving instructions, have been combined into one compact and stylish design, providing users with the ultimate driving experience.

"The new TomTom GO 720 sets the standard in smart car navigation," says Jocelyn Vigreux, president of TomTom Inc. "With this introduction, we are making unique new features and technologies available to our users to deliver the highest performing, most cutting-edge satellite navigation solutions available on the market today. Our unique TomTom Map Share(TM) technology harnesses the power of our large installed user base for the benefit of all our users."
"Next generation navigation users are looking for navigation offerings that provide more than simple directions," said Thilo Koslowski, vice president and Lead Automotive Analyst, Gartner Inc. "These consumers want solutions that improve their individual driving experience and provide daily relevance via innovative personalization options, seamless communication functionality, intelligent safety features and dynamically updated content including map data."

Sleek Design
The TomTom GO 720 features a new elegant slim design with a high-quality finish that allows it to fit perfectly in any car or to be carried in a shirt pocket. The large 4.3 inch touchscreen has TomTom's renowned easy-to-use and intuitive user interface with 3D graphics, including building footprints, that ensures drivers have an even better overview of their surroundings.

Unique TomTom Map Share(TM) Technology
The TomTom GO 720 also introduces TomTom's unique new map improvement technology, TomTom Map Share(TM). This technology enables drivers to easily and instantly improve their own maps. TomTom Map Share(TM) users will always have the most accurate and up-to-date information available. The technology also enables users to share improvements and benefit from all other users' improvements daily, automatically and easily via TomTom HOME - TomTom's free desktop application. TomTom has the world's largest satellite navigation community with over 10 million users. TomTom Map Share(TM) users can contribute and exchange all their improvements amongst each other, making the best maps available for all of them. TomTom Map Share(TM) means TomTom drivers can always have the most up-to-date maps and inside local knowledge at their fingertips (see separate press release for more information on TomTom Map Share(TM)).

TomTom Map Share™ is a proprietary map improvement technology unique to TomTom, which enables users to easily and instantly improve maps. TomTom users can respond in real time to changes in the road network and correct the maps on their TomTom devices accordingly. Thanks to the smart user interface, it is easy to make improvements, such as to mark blocked or unblocked streets, reverse one way traffic or insert new street names, which will instantly take effect.

Smart and Fun Extras
With the new TomTom GO, drivers can choose from a host of smart extras, ensuring that their destination is reached in a relaxed and enjoyable way. A number of personalization options have been added for the first time, including:
-- Voice recording capability, so users can be guided to their destination with the voices of their children, family or friends -- Millions of points of interest, including over 100 different recognizable brand icons to help spot favorite coffee shops, restaurants and more -- Extensive audio options for integration with the car stereo. Dual- audio volume control allows the user to set navigation instruction volume level separately from music volume level. Drivers can play their favorite songs through the integrated MP3 player or by connecting their iPod(R) to the TomTom GO. The built-in FM Transmitter enables navigation instructions and music to be heard through the car stereo -- Real-time traffic, five-day weather forecasts and celebrity voice downloads*

New Safety Features
Safety is a key priority in the development of all TomTom products. The new TomTom GO comes with uniquely designed safety features so drivers always have direct access to safety and roadside assistance information wherever they go. The extensive 'Help Me!' menu includes information such as the nearest police station, hospital or car repair service center. It also allows the user to quickly identify their location for emergency assistance providers. Another new safety feature is the shortcut menu, so drivers can jump straight to their favorite, most accessed information with just one touch on the screen for even easier and safer navigation (see separate press release for more information on the extensive safety features).

Enhanced Hands-Free Kit
The enhanced hands-free kit features a new high-quality sound system via Bluetooth(R). With optimized acoustic design, enhanced noise reduction, echo cancellation and an automatic answer function, the TomTom GO 720 ensures drivers can make and take calls easier while keeping their eyes on the road.

TomTom HOME and TomTom PLUS
As with all TomTom products, the new TomTom GO 720 comes with TomTom HOME, a free desktop application. TomTom HOME is the essential tool to keep devices up-to-date at all times. Customers can easily download new software versions as well as the latest maps. TomTom's large satellite navigation community can contribute and exchange their map corrections with each other through TomTom HOME, making the most accurate maps available to all users. In addition, the new TomTom GO 720 comes pre-installed with a host of other TomTom PLUS services including TomTom Weather and TomTom QuickGPSfix (for extra fast connection between the devices and GPS satellites). Users can also shop for more services and prepare for trips on their computer.

Traffic Ready
The new TomTom GO 720 offers the latest and most up-to-date traffic information through an RDS-TMC Traffic receiver* and TomTom Traffic subscription*, making driving more efficient and stress-free. The enhanced traffic interface monitors current traffic information and gives precise details about traffic incidents.

TomTom GO 720
The TomTom GO 720 comes pre-installed with the most up-to-date maps of the US and Canada stored on the internal memory.

Availability
The new TomTom GO will be available across the US and Canada starting the end of July.

Product technical specifications -- 4.3" widescreen 16:9 format LCD (WQVGA: 480*272 pixels) -- CPU 400 MHz, 64MB RAM -- Maps of US and Canada preloaded on 2GB internal flash memory -- SD card slot -- High-sensitivity GPS receiver -- RDS-TMC traffic information receiver (optional accessory, not included) -- Integrated FM transmitter -- Bluetooth(TM) -- Lithium-polymer battery (5 hours operation) -- Optimized integrated microphone and speaker for high quality hands-free functionality -- Dimensions: 4.7" x 3.2" x 0.9" -- Weight: 7.7 ounces
* Not included with the TomTom GO720. Available for separate purchase from http://www.tomtom.com/.

June 5, 2007

TomTom GO 720 with MapShare