Hasta La Gadget!

We like it when the accumulated speed data from GPS devices helps us avoid traffic incidents and school zones. As it turns out, though, there are some other uses for the same stats. Dutch news outlet AD is reporting that such data captured by TomTom navigation devices has been purchased by the country’s police force and is being used to determine where speed traps and cameras should be placed. TomTom was reportedly unaware its data was being used in such a way, but if the police would only agree to sell the data on the location of its speed cameras and traps back to TomTom, why, this could be the beginning of a beautiful relationship.

Update: TomTom has issued a statement, which we have embedded after the break. To be totally clear all this data is being collected anonymously and the police have no idea exactly who is speeding, just that speeding has taken place.

Update 2: We have an English-language video from TomTom CEO Harold Goddijn embedded after the break. In it he says that the company will “prevent that type of usage” of the navigation data going forward. So, no need to turn off the ‘ol GPS when you’re late for work tomorrow morning.

Continue reading TomTom user data sold to Dutch police, used to determine ideal locations for speed traps

TomTom user data sold to Dutch police, used to determine ideal locations for speed traps originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 13:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Remember that line of VIA navigators we peeked back at CES? Looks like today’s your lucky day if you were holding off to procure one. TomTom just announced retail availability of the VIA 1505, 1535, 1405 and 1435 in North America, and all of ’em can also be picked up with lifetime maps and / or lifetime traffic. The 14xx models will be boasting a 4.3-inch panel, while the 15xx editions gain a 5-inch display; the whole lot includes the company’s new fold-and-go EasyPort mount, and variants do seem to be available with Bluetooth and advanced voice recognition. Look for the gang to start populating shelves this weekend for $169 and up… if you can manage to find your local Best Buy, that is.

Continue reading TomTom VIA 1435, 1535, 1405 and 1505 navigators start shipping in North America

TomTom VIA 1435, 1535, 1405 and 1505 navigators start shipping in North America originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The very busy folks over at TomTom have just squeezed out two new sets of PNDs sporting touchscreens, voice recognition, and a “new, intuitive user interface,” but despite the company’s high profile on the GPS market, the GO 2435, which works a 4.3-inch screen, and the GO 2535, a 5-inch iteration, slipped out without much ado. Both PNDs come in three versions: the “T” series supports lifetime traffic updates, the “M” line offers lifetime map updates, and the “MT” edition features — you guessed it — lifetime traffic and map updates. Thus far, the basic specs resemble those of previous GO PNDs — both tout Bluetooth calling, 4GB flash storage, and 3 hours of battery life — leaving us to wonder what’s up with this “new, intuitive user interface?” Among other things, TomTom is still mum on price and availability, which means we’ll have to wait until they speak up to give you all the dirty details.

TomTom’s GO 2435 / 2535 PNDs get quiet teaser, we’re left wondering what’s new originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 05:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LAS VEGAS — TomTom and Nike have teamed up to make the Nike+ SportWatch GPS, a smart-looking wrist-mounted running computer that also doubles as a watch.

The SportWatch has built in GPS, of course, which offers much better distance accuracy than a pedometer (although it will also pair with a shoe-based Nike+ Sensor) and also lets you see your routes later after uploading to the Nike+ site. As you run, you can choose between various customizable data views. The high-contrast display will show time, distance, pace, and calories burned. You can also access a history of your previous runs, import your personal records from Nike+ and even hook up a heart monitor.

When you plug the SportWatch into a Mac or PC (via USB) it will automatically upload your data and you have access to the new TomTom-powered maps, showing elevation details as well as the route and distance. The watch also has a few rather odd “motivational” features that could prove more annoying than inspiring. For intance, there is “recognition (or “Attaboys”) for personal records”, and “Post-run acknowledgement and encouragement”. The thought of a watch giving me a virtual pat-on-the back is embarrassing more than anything.

The SportWatch will go on sale April 1st, price to be decided.

Nike and TomTom Unveil Game-Changing Nike+ Sportwatch GPS [Nike]

See Also:

• Nike+
• Nike+ App Ditches Dongle, Gains GPS
• Nike+ Heart-Rate Monitor On Sale June 1st
• Swimsense Stroke-Counter is Like a Nike+ for Swimmers
• Nike+ Mashup: Mario Kart Ghost Racers on Real Streets
• Nike+ Hacked to Open Cars From Afar

Buckled early and sprung for TomTom’s iPhone GPS app, did you? If so, that very app just got a lot better today, as version 1.6 has brought TomTom’s Map Share — a crowdsourcing aspect that’ll keep your maps more up-to-date than you ever thought possible. Map Share enables iPhone users to make changes instantly to their own maps and to benefit from free map updates made by the TomTom community and verified by the company itself. That means that users will now be able to edit street names, set driving directions and block / unblock streets directly on their maps, and if you’re kind enough, you can share those updates with the rest of the TomTom community. Furthermore, the app will automatically check for new verified updates (including turn restrictions, speed limit changes and crossing changes), so the previously tried-and-true “my maps were old!” excuse will sadly no longer work. Give and take, as they say.

Continue reading TomTom’s Map Share update brings crowdsourced navigation to iPhone GPS app

TomTom’s Map Share update brings crowdsourced navigation to iPhone GPS app originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 02:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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