TomTom for Android in the works, coming this summer

posted by Nick T. / Jun 06, 2012, 8:11 AM

TomTom for Android in the works, coming this summer

TomTom is one of the apps that only iOS users get to enjoy, but that is bound to change in the near future. That is because an Android version is currently in the works. Word comes from Peter-Frans Pauwels – co-founder of the company, who revealed the news during a talk with Pocket-lint.

Although an exact release date has not been set in stone yet, TomTom for Android should be out this summer. In terms of features, the app will be capable of everything that the iOS version can do. The only differences between the two versions are expected to be purely superficial, such as interface tweaks meant to make the app look good on displays of different sizes.

But will TomTom be worth getting? Since it will likely cost about as much as the iOS version ($60 for U.S. and Canada), many Android users would probably not bother checking it out. After all, the platform now comes with free navigation, courtesy of Google. On the other hand, TomTom is a trusted brand when it comes to satellite navigation, and the experience of using such a premium product will hopefully justify the cost. Guess we will have to wait and see.

source: Pocket-Lint

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17 Comments

1. LostInTheRed

Posts: 85; Member since: May 03, 2012

"Since it will likely cost about as much as the Android version..." I think you mean iOS version. Also $60 for something that I get free? No.

posted on Jun 06, 2012, 8:24 AM 2

2. Nick_T

Posts: 184; Member since: May 27, 2011

Sorry, our bad.

posted on Jun 06, 2012, 8:32 AM 2

14. LostInTheRed

It's cool. Some people may have gotten confused. Nice on the quick fix!

posted on Jun 06, 2012, 1:59 PM 0

17. stealthd unregistered

You don't get the same thing for free. Google Navigation requires an Internet connection at some point, either during navigation or beforehand (caching). Tomtom stores all the maps locally so it can work 100% without a data connection. Most people will still opt for the free option, but they still are not the same.

posted on Jun 06, 2012, 3:30 PM 0

3. remixfa

Posts: 14605; Member since: Dec 19, 2008

tomtom has its place on iOS since apple has crap navigation. but why the heck would anyone buy tomtom when g-maps does all that for free? especially if it retains the $60 tag. If it did the whole world in offline mode, that might have use for some people, but still..

posted on Jun 06, 2012, 8:39 AM 3

4. DroogV59

Posts: 37; Member since: Jun 02, 2011

Naw, this makes sense. Sort of. Way too many android users don`t even know that their device already has turn by turn nav built in. TomTom can rope in these suckers for 60 bucks, whereas the fruit people are gonna market the hell out iMap, killing TomTom`s iphone business.

posted on Jun 06, 2012, 8:50 AM 1

9. taco50

Posts: 5506; Member since: Oct 08, 2009

Haha that's funny but in a way it's true. There are a lot of android users who have no clue what their phone does. Navigation for $60 bucks will be a hard sell on android.

posted on Jun 06, 2012, 10:54 AM 0

5. PhoneLuver

Posts: 481; Member since: Jul 05, 2010

The main reason would be offline navigation. Surprisingly there are still quite a few places in the world that don't have network coverage. Additionally, when roaming data charges can be astronomically high, so it's best to have area specific maps.

posted on Jun 06, 2012, 8:57 AM 0

6. theoak

Posts: 324; Member since: Nov 16, 2011

The TomTom version may have additional features like lane assist, traffic updates and the ability to work offline with just GPS (and hence not using up your data plan). As already noted though, not sure if it is worth $60 when Google maps gives you A LOT for free.

posted on Jun 06, 2012, 9:09 AM 0

7. remixfa

not sure what lane assist is, but GMaps has had live traffic updates for years, it has offline mode if you preset your trip (it will DL the whole trip and some extras), and a lot more.

posted on Jun 06, 2012, 9:25 AM 0

8. theoak

Oh cool ... never knew it could download the trip. Will need to play with that more. Lane assist is essentially for multi-lane roads, lane assist tells you which lane you need to be in for your exit or turn.

posted on Jun 06, 2012, 10:13 AM 0

10. remixfa

oh like "get into the right lane, your turn is coming up in a mile"? thats cool. that will probably in the next version of Gmaps just because you mentioned it.. lol

posted on Jun 06, 2012, 10:55 AM 0

13. KingKurogiii

Posts: 5713; Member since: Oct 23, 2011

TomTom offers a few things that Google Maps doesn't. my dad has to use TomTom for his job because it can navigate routes purely for trucks to avoid things like low bridges and what not.

posted on Jun 06, 2012, 1:57 PM 0

11. jaytai0106

Posts: 1888; Member since: Mar 30, 2011

Is it me or I am very mind bottling right now by this. Why does Android needs TomTom app??

posted on Jun 06, 2012, 11:17 AM 0

12. cncrim

Posts: 1573; Member since: Aug 15, 2011

For those keep asking why need gps app when u have google navigation 1. Alot people today don't have luxury of unlimited data and google maps do eat up data plan quick with all that image 2. Data service is not as reliable as gps, special u r in not coverage 3. on board gps is very good for commercial.