TomTom iPhone app adds live traffic, Google search

TomTom has announced an updated version of its navigation app for the iPhone, which adds live traffic updates and Google search capability—features found on some competing applications. (See our TomTom iPhone app review.)

Version 1.3 has been submitted to Apple for review, a process TomTom evidently expects to go quickly. A company rep told us all new orders for the app will get the updated version. (See our iPhone navigation app buying advice and reviews.)
 
We tested version 1.2 of the TomTom app shortly after its introduction last year and found it to be one of the better navigation apps available for the iPhone. Performance was very similar to a TomTom standalone navigator, with an easy-to-use interface and features found on the company's other products, including reality view, spoken street names and IQ Routes, which factors in historical traffic information when planning routes.
But at $99.99, it was also one of the priciest of navigation apps we'd tried. The price has since been lowered to $79.95, and version 1.3 will be available through the iTunes store for an introductory price of $69.99, including maps of the U.S. and Canada. A U.S.-only version can be purchased now for a discounted $49.99.

An optional TomTom car kit holds the iPhone securely, charges the device, and improves audio quality with an internal speaker. But that adds another $120, making the TomTom package far more expensive than many good standalone navigators.

But for iPhone fans who don't want to carry another device, it could be the way to go.

See our iPhone navigation app buying advice and reviews.

— Jim Travers