Navigation goes mobile

TomTom, Europe’s leading navigation solution provider, today announces the launch of the world’s first ever truly personal navigation system for advanced mobile phones with the launch of TomTom MOBILE 5.

Using a new TomTom GPS receiver, incorporating the latest high sensitivity technology, TomTom MOBILE 5 provides an easy to use and smart navigation solution that helps consumers to find their way with their smartphones. This provides door to door, accurate navigation anywhere in your country and even around city centers and towns whether walking, driving or cycling.

“TomTom MOBILE 5 is a major step forward in terms of personal navigation and responds to the growing opportunities in the smartphone market." said Harold Goddijn, TomTom’s chief executive officer. “For the first time satellite navigation has been extended outside the car and into the hands of anyone who needs to find their way from A to B whichever mode of transport they choose. This is another step forward for TomTom and will make life easier for consumers and underlines our position as the market leader for personal navigation solutions."

WHAT’S NEW:
Incorporating TomTom’s award-winning easy-to-use navigation software, the latest version includes:

Find the quickest route with an estimated time of arrival
Route planning: for fastest, shortest, pedestrian, bicycle and moped routes
Postcode support (UK & Netherlands only)
Full integration into the mobile phone menu to allow navigation to a destination from the contacts stored in a mobile phone
Supports real-time traffic[1] and up-to-date weather information
Full itinerary support, plan routes to multiple destinations and add stopping points on the journey
Download extra maps as and when they are needed

Other features include: the ability to make calls while continuing to get visual route instructions; 3D map view; night and day view settings and customizable Points of Interest (POI) and additional maps, downloadable from http://www.tomtom.com.

HOW IT WORKS:

Installing TomTom MOBILE 5 simply involves inserting a memory card with pre-installed maps and software into a smartphone. TomTom’s new Bluetoothtm wireless GPS receiver (a small, lightweight device that can be placed in the pocket or a bag) connects automatically to the smartphone. This solution allows greater portability and convenience for using the mobile phone both inside and outside of the car as well as spoken turn-by-turn instructions. The automatic re-routing feature allows for safe and quick redirecting when needed.

Pricing and availability

TomTom MOBILE 5 comes as a bundle on a wide-range of popular smartphones. Prices will vary according to handset and subscription. TomTom MOBILE 5 will be in available in Spring 2005.

TomTom MOBILE 5 is initially compatible with:

•        Nokia: 6630, 6600, 6260, 6670, 7610, 7710, 9300, 9500

•        Orange: SPV C500, E200

•        Q-Tek: 8010, 8020, 8060, 8080

•        Motorola: MPx 220

•        T-Mobile: SDA

•        iMate: SP3

•        Treo: 650

•        Gizmondo