TomTom iPhone GPS navigation app: First Look

Software falls short on features for the price compared to a basic, portable navigator

TomTom, the portable navigation device maker, has expanded into software applications with a turn-by-turn iPhone application. It brings the easy-to-use interface from its dashboard devices to the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3G S, though at a hefty price.

The TomTom application uses the one-time fee instead of a subscription-based pricing plan. By purchasing the software rather than subscribing to a monthly service, a user gets all points of interest and map data preloaded and the POI does not need cell coverage for navigation. But the preloaded data may not be as current as data from a server-based, cell-phone application, though we favor onboard data for convenience and speed.

We paid $99.99 for version 1.0, which included a map database covering the entire United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. It uses 1.21 gigs of memory.

Key features include:

• POI calling
• 18 languages
• Historic traffic data
• Automatic rerouting
• Address-book integration
• Full North American maps
• Landscape and portrait view

Initial impressions

Navigating menus is similar to using TomTom personal navigation devices, with familiar icons and function choices. Benefiting from the iPhone’s native abilities, the graphics are displayed with more-vivid colors and crisper details than those on a traditional TomTom navigator. The navigational abilities are true to the TomTom form, providing good verbal directions and displayed information. But the on-screen data and buttons can feel small.

The iPhone application includes TomTom’s IQ Routes, a helpful feature that can plan routes and estimate travel times based on historic travel data. While not a substitute for real-time traffic information, it does add intelligence to the routing, smartly accounting for the differences between rush hour and off-peak traffic flows.

The TomTom app lacks some features found on other iPhone software and common to PNDs. For example, it does not provide spoken street names, reality view, lane assistance, multidestination routing, or coordinate entry—an alternative to address entry to find a location that can be useful in newly developed areas, remote locations, or aiding in roadside emergencies. In addition, the app also lacks features found on the entry-level One 140 PND, such as “Help me” emergency feature, map sharing, and itinerary planning. Less obvious omissions include automatic day/night mode, keyboard preferences (ability to switch from QWERTY to alphabetical), and speed-adjusting volume. Those shortcomings reduce the appeal, given the heady price tag.

As experienced with other iPhone applications, the GPS accuracy is adequate but not on par with traditional, portable navigators. The lack of precision can lead to odd location displays, unwanted recalculations, or delayed routing instructions. Another common complaint we have had is with poor voice quality and low volume. TomTom promises to address some of these shortcomings with a “car kit” that will include a built-in speaker and enhanced GPS reception. It will be sold separately and pricing has not been announced.

While it has clear limitations as a pure navigation tool, the app does integrate well with the iPhone. For example, navigation automatically restarts and resumes the guidance after a call is ended, with no need to touch the screen. It operates in landscape and portrait view, and the software also allows a user to call a POI with the touch of a button.

An iPhone running the TomTom application can play music while navigating, though without the ability to pick or change songs, or the ability to set volume levels for music and navigation instructions separately. It simply runs through a play list or music catalog. The music is muted when a navigation instruction is given, as with factory in-dash systems.

CR’s take

The TomTom iPhone application feels familiar, sharing its basic functions and configurations with the company’s well-rated PNDs. But the initial TomTom iPhone application is lacking, especially considering its bold price point. We expect this and competing applications to rapidly evolve, though version 1.0 falls short. A portable navigator such as the One 140, for $30 to $40 more, could provide more features, greater ease of use, windshield mount, car charger, and be readily shared with other drivers—something that is not likely with a personal cell phone.

The expected car kit may address some shortcomings, though at a yet-unknown price. For now, we recommend choosing a traditional PND.

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