TomTom's latest generation Go Live 1000 GPS navigation device includes several added features designed to increase consumer interest in the struggling auto GPS industry.
The new device has a capacitive touchscreen, 500 MHz ARM11 processor, 128MB RAM, and 4GB of onboard data storage. More importantly, the new GPS has access to third-party apps, and a much improved Webkit-based browser interface. The new interface opens the door to additional app support, which previously wasn't openly supported by TomTom.
TomTom wants to give developers access to create new apps in a new "controlled environment" that will be available this summer.
TomTom is working with Vodafone to offer connected support throughout Europe. Their partnership will give owners constantly updated maps and information faster due to "real-time connectivity" to updated content. No word on if this GPS model will be released in North America.
The first year of service will be available for free.
I think both Garmin and TomTom have a place in the GPS industry, but each company needs to find ways to evolve. Garmin continues to cater to runners, hikers, out-door enthusiasts, and has also sponsored a professional cycling event. They're also evolving with the times by releasing their own GPS centric smartphones.
TomTom hasn't branched out as effectively, so this latest effort to release a product more appealing to consumers could be critical for the company. They previously launched a GPS navigation app for the iPhone, but it was soon overshadowed by a free iPhone GPS app released by MapQuest.
This new TomTom device has many features already available in smartphones -- one of the competing products that has given Garmin and TomTom problems -- so it's unknown if consumers are going to bother purchasing the Go Live 1000 GPS unit instead of a sleek new smartphone that packs in the same features and more.
