TomTom provides update for XL 350, XXL 550, and XL 335 GPS devices

Consumer Reports News: September 13, 2010 02:04 PM

TomTom XXL 550T

With the latest group of portable navigation devices (PNDs) from TomTom, we were surprised to find they did not score as well as past units. We posted our ratings last week, along with ratings on the latest Garmin and Magellan navigators. We have since learned that TomTom has issued an update to the XL 350, XXL 550, and XL 335 series devices that promises to address some concerns.

Owners are able to connect their navigators to an Internet-connected computer and use TomTom Home (free download) to install the updated operating system. TomTom advises that devices will be on retail shelves by mid-October with the update.

In a previous blog, we explained our findings:
The new TomTom PNDs feature a simplified menu structure that is intended to aid usability, but the update eliminates some frequently used routing options and other controls typically found on higher-scoring TomTom devices, such as multi-destination routing and directions list. Further, most of these devices have no option to adjust brightness or make changes to other common settings. The real concern is that the display washes out in bright sunlight.

TomTom says that with the update, the operating system now includes:
Route summary screen
Change route feature
Brightness settings option
Display preferences option
Updated volume control menu

Our testers have confirmed the availability of the update, downloading it to one of the compatible units we own. The upgrade was quick and simple using the Home service.

Once the updates are available next month, we will purchase and test the upgraded samples and make any necessary changes to their current Ratings.

— Jeff Bartlett