TomTom GO 550, 750, 950 LIVE Connected GPS

TomTom announced the launch of the TomTom GO 550, 750 and 950 models that bring connected services to the entire line of GO units, further defining the future of the standalone GPS from TomTom. So, either everyone will want and buy high end devices that have connected services, making a step-change in the product line and future of Personal Navigation Devices, or TomTom just made their GO series structurally more expensive due to the inclusion of the cellular hardware and the associated trial of connected services. The eternal dreamer, I hope that people find the connected services compelling enough to drive adoption of the expanded capabilities.

The units are generally available with all kinds of gadgets and widgets that the top of the line would typically come with including Advanced Lane Guidance (images of which lane you need to be in - shown above), IQ Routes (calibrated expected speeds for better accuracy on arrival times), HD Traffic, Bluetooth Handsfree, and voice commands.

This is a European announcement, and I would expect a follow-up announcement about US pricing and availability. The GO 550 is a regional unit for a single Euro country, the GO 750 has Pan-Euro coverage and the GO 950 has European and North American coverage for maps as well as enhanced positioning technology that includes the ability to detect your location while you are in tunnels through an onboard accelerometer (Originally launched as EPT on the GO 920).

I expect that the US versions would have the appropriate maps - the GO 750 with North American maps and the GO 950 with North American and Euro maps. These should be available in time for the holiday buying season on both sides of the Atlantic.

Full Press Release Follows....

TomTom reveals new TomTom GO x50 LIVE series

~ Optimal driving performance and control through integration of multiple core navigation features ~

TomTom announces its new flagship series TomTom GO x50 LIVE. The three portable navigation devices; TomTom GO 950 LIVE, TomTom GO 750 LIVE and TomTom GO 550 LIVE combine TomTom's leading IQ Routes™ technology with a fully optimised user interface. In addition, the TomTom GO x50 LIVE series comes with an expanded LIVE Services offering, completely integrated in the device to deliver the ultimate navigation package on the market today.

"As the world's leading provider of navigation solutions and digital maps, it is our duty to constantly break new ground, developing unique technologies with the sole purpose of making the driver's journey more reliable, predictable and affordable," says Corinne Vigreux, Managing Director of TomTom. "Our unique innovations guarantee the fastest routes, so users are empowered to confidently deal with the ever-changing road situation and take the right decisions accordingly."

Optimised user interface enhances functionality
Full attention has been paid to the integration of TomTom's routing technologies into the user interface of the device. This makes it more intuitive and easier to operate; giving drivers all the information they need about their journey before they set off, at a glance. HD Traffic™, safety alerts and fuel prices are all clearly displayed on the screen via the new LIVE snapshot. Once on the road, drivers automatically receive real-time updates on what's ahead, so they remain informed throughout their journey.

On top of this, new menus including a frequent destinations menu have been added to calculate a route to a frequently visited destination easier and faster. Finally, an Eco Routes option has been added to the route options menu, so drivers can select the most fuel-efficient route to help reduce their impact on the environment.

Increased map coverage
The TomTom GO x50 LIVE series features more maps than ever before, including Malta, Greece and Turkey for the first time. In addition, all devices offer TomTom's unique Map Share™ technology which allows users to make instant changes to the map and share these with others through TomTom HOME, TomTom's free desktop application.

• TomTom GO 950 LIVE comes with pre-installed maps for door-to-door navigation in US, Canada and 45 countries in Europe and offers Enhanced Positioning Technology (EPT) for uninterrupted navigation even when driving through tunnels;
• TomTom GO 750 LIVE offer seamless door-to-door navigation across 45 countries in Europe;
• TomTom GO 550 LIVE features maps of specific country or region in Europe.

Powerful performance
The new TomTom GO x50 LIVE series calculates the fastest routes based on the world's largest collection of historical speed profiles. This ever-growing database now includes over 800 billion historic speed measurements of 15 million road kilometres in 24 European countries.

Once on the road, the device is constantly checking if there is faster route, taking changing road conditions into account by using a combination of IQ Routes technology and real-time HD Traffic information³. This continuous optimisation of the route provides shortest and most realistic travel times.

Price & availability
The TomTom GO x50 LIVE series will become available this autumn. Pricing will be revealed as soon as the products become available. LIVE Services are available on subscription basis for a flat fee of £7.99 per month with no hidden costs.

For further information visit www.tomtom.com/page/GOX50LIVE

September 7, 2009

TomTom GO 550, 750, 950 LIVE Connected GPS