April 26, 2011 –Fresh from Springfield, Homer Simpson – the world’s favorite animated patriarch – is now making his way onto your TomTom App for iPhone for the very first time, as the friendly and encouraging co-pilot to your journey!

Developed in partnership with Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products (FCP) and Locutio Voice Technologies, the original Homer Simpson voice for TomTom’s range of personal navigation devices is now available on the new TomTom iPhone app v1.7.

The voice app marks the first time a celebrity voice has ever been available for mobile phone based GPS. Additional territories include United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Portugal, Luxembourg, Finland, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden and South Africa.

The original Homer voice for iPhone comes with all the latest and updated maps (TomTom version 1.7), which means drivers not only receive Homer’s own special words of wisdom, such as “Make a U-turn. Ha ha, you’ve goofed. D’Oh!” but also the latest TomTom map store on board their iPhone.

The new TomTom iPhone App allows drivers to access the most up to date maps and keeps maps fresh with TomTom Map Share™, by making their own corrections, while simultaneously – and automatically – benefiting from verified corrections made by other TomTom users every day. And all cost-free to TomTom iPhone App users.

“Homer Simpson is one of the most familiar and fondly recognized cartoon characters on the planet. So to have Homer become uniquely available for our TomTom App for iPhone is really thrilling for us. We believe Homer will bring lots of fun and enjoyment to millions of fans around the world, as drivers’ very own co-pilot,” says Alain Pakiry, Senior Vice President for Marketing at TomTom. “Homer’s skills will help keep drivers and fans entertained in a light hearted and familiar way. It’s exciting to have him on board!’’

“The TomTom brand is synonymous with enjoyment and high quality navigation as part of a great driving experience. Our partnership with TomTom and Locutio to bring the Homer Simpson voice to the TomTom iPhone App provides a new and immediate platform for fans to enjoy THE SIMPSONS and navigate road trips in a new and fun way,” comments Robert Marick, Executive Vice President, Fox Consumer Products.

In addition to latest maps with Homer’s voice, TomTom drivers can purchase Speed Cams, the newly available TomTom Speed Cameras (version 1.7). The TomTom App includes a free database of fixed camera locations – which can be optimized with fixed camera updates and real-time mobile speed camera information. TomTom Speed Cameras is available via in-App purchase as well as online at the iTunes store priced £3.49 for one month or £22.99 for one year.

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Automobile GPS navigation systems provide drivers with dynamic street and highway maps, driving directions, and directories of restaurants, hospitals, car services, and other points of interest (POI). Voice prompts and alerts let the driver keep his attention on the road.

The newest and best GPS systems have full-color 3-D street maps, traffic alerts and rerouting, integrated hands-free cell-phone use, and easy touch-screen controls. Some of the best GPS models, such as the Garmin Nuvi 1690 and 1490, have wide-screens, FM transmitters so that you can hear your voice prompts and alerts through your car stereo system, Bluetooth wireless connection to your cell phone, theft prevention features, long-life battery operation, and more.

People who use such systems for the first time are usually amazed at the devices’ incredible accuracy and almost-magic capabilities. They often wonder why they didn’t get one sooner and how they could possibly do without one in the future.

There are three ways to acquire a car GPS system.

One is to buy a new vehicle with the navigation system already installed. The second method is to buy an aftermarket in-dash unit (e.g., Pioneer) that replaces your standard radio or stereo system. And the third method is to buy a separate portable unit, such as those by Garmin and TomTom, that can be easily mounted to your vehicle’s dash or windshield.

There are advantages and disadvantages for each of these methods.

New-car built-in GPS navigation systems offered as standard equipment or as options on new vehicles are more expensive than add-on units, often much more expensive. However, the LCD screens are usually larger, allowing for better visibility, especially while driving. The navigation system’s LCD display is usually shared with other systems in the car, such as radio, climate control, and hands-free cell phone. Also, with built-in units, the antenna and power attachment are already part of the vehicle.

A disadvantage is that built-in sytems are usually a step behind in new features and map updates. Map updates are usually offered annually and must be purchased at a dealer. The updates cannot be downloaded by computer. Most new-car makers now offer built-in GPS navigation systems in at least some of their models.

Add-on In-dash GPS navigation systems replace a vehicle’s normal radio or radio/CD player and typically include a large LCD display, navigation system, AM/FM stereo, and CD player. Some even include a DVD player to watch movies on the LCD screen (not while driving, of course). The LCD folds into the unit when not being used.

This type of system is ideal for RVs. These systems are moderately expensive, should be installed by professionals, and usually require installation of an outside antenna. These are not good for leased vehicles since vehicle modifications are not allowed. These systems cost less than new-car built-in units but cost more than portable units (discussed delow). The Pioneer AVIC-U310BT is an example of an in-dash add-on GPS unit.

Portable GPS navigation systems , such as those from Garmin, Magellan, Navigon, and TomTom, have more flexibility in where and how you use it, the ability to swap the unit from one car to another, can have more features, and are less expensive than a factory-installed built-in or add-on units. If you frequently rent cars, drive business or leased vehicles, or trade cars often, a portable unit is a great solution.

Portable GPS units come with a wide variety of features and screen sizes – and a broad price range, depending on your needs. Some are wide-screen, some standard screen. Many have features such as Bluetooth connection with your cell phone while driving. Others have music players and photo displays. A few offer real-time traffic display, usually for a monthly subscription fee.

Most portable GPS systems easily mount to a vehicle’s dash or window, allowing quick removal when not being used. Most new devices have powerful satellite receivers and built-in GPS antennas, eliminating the need for an external antenna. Some work from batteries while others require the use of a power plug.

It’s easy to update portable GPS devices with new maps and updated software by attaching it to your PC and downloading from the manufacturer’s web site.

Tracking Devices

Another growing use for GPS systems is for tracking vehicles. Car tracking devices are often used by parents to track teenage drivers, by companies to track delivery vehicle routes, and by sales people to record vehicle use for tax purposes. These small unobtrusive devices use GPS to periodically record vehicle location, speed, stops, routes, and times. Depending on the system, the data can be viewed in real-time on a PC, or downloaded from the device later.

Summary

When buying a auto GPS navigation system, look for ease of use, voice directions, updatable maps, and a bright screen. A touch screen helps if you have to interact with the unit when driving. Some all-in-one (AIO) portable GPS units such as the Garmin Nuvi 765T, now offer travel-related features such as language translators, MP3 music players, audio book players, and more. If you don’t need all the extra features, buy a lower priced unit such as the Garmin 255. To mount your GPS in a vehicle, look for a unit that provides a mounting method that will work in your particular vehicle.

Source:
Reprinted with permission from LeaseGuide.com

Choosing the Best GPS System for the Car

Several few years ago, satellite-based navigation systems were available only as expensive, built-in options on new vehicles. Nowadays, portable GPS devices that can be hooked up and fully operable in minutes have become accessible and affordable to every driver, not just those with cash to spare. I was amazed at how quickly the portable GPS technology has progressed.

I have a factory installed GPS in my Infiniti that I rely on more everyday to tell me where to go. I used to have problems finding places. I would get lost all the time and it ended up being a real issue. Getting directions from people is time-consuming and MapQuest isn’t always 100% accurate, so having a reliable GPS has undoubtedly saved me tons of time and gas money.

There are a few things to seriously consider prior to purchasing a portable GPS. Hopefully we can assist you in locating the portable GPS that’s ideal for your particular needs and specifications. For most folks, price is the first thing to consider. Portable GPS navigation devices (PND) range from as little as $129 to more than $2,000. Fortunately, there are a lot good portables available for less than $500. The second question is what you want your GPS to do. If you want all the bells and whistles, you’re obviously going to pay more. The more pricey models feature things like Bluetooth handsfee technology, live updates, turn-by-turn directions, and more. But, if all you want from your GPS is for it to get where you’re going, accuracy and ease-of-use are obviously the top priorities.

Most of the lower-priced models feature smaller screens, and require that users load their choice of maps onto a memory card that is then inserted into the unit. The higher-priced alternatives have bigger screens with better graphics and don’t require memory cards. In the $299-and-up category, most GPSs are pre-loaded with maps.

Screen sizes range from 2.1 inches to 7 inches. I found the 2.1-inch screen to be just too small. If you have to lean over and squint to read it, you’re risking getting into a wreck or getting lost because you can’t see the thing without binoculars. On the other hand, the 7-inch screen (featured on some of the Garmin models) is too large, in my opinion. Hey, I just want to reach my destination. I have a big screen in my living room, thanks very much.

A GPS with a high-quality user interface should have menu systems that are easy to understand. Those systems that require the skills and knowledge of a computer programmer didn’t make my list. I’m not a tech whiz, so if it’s hard to operate, I won’t use it. Which means I’m back to asking the locals for directions.

If you’re searching for hotels, gas stations, and restaurants, you shouldn’t have to jump through a bunch of hoops. A good system should make this information available with no more than two steps using the navigation screen. The fewer the screen taps the better. Several of the top-tier systems complement the touch-screen user interface with dedicated hardware buttons that let you jump to frequently used functions with ease.

Portability is another important issue to consider. Some units operate directly from a car’s battery, while a handful have built-in rechargeable batteries that will power the unit from 4 to 15 hours. Almost all portable GPS devices are accompanied by a suction-cup mounting bracket that will adhere conveniently to your windshield. With a high-quality bracket, taking the GPS in and out of its holder should be a snap.

Text-to-speech is a technology that enables a GPS to pronounce any street name. Most GPSs will announce an upcoming turn with a phrase like, “In .5 miles, turn left.” Those with text-to-speech capability can announce a turn like this: “In 300 feet turn right on Main Street.” Since the name of the street is announced, you don’t have to take your eyes off the road to glance at the screen.

If your GPS can’t recognize voice commands properly, it can be a real pain. The other day I was trying to get to Eddy Street in San Francisco. The built-in GPS in my car couldn’t understand the word “Eddy”. It gave me “Annie”, “Ernie” and “Army” and I finally had to pull the vehicle over and type the street name into the system manually, which was a real headache. So, test any portable GPS system before you buy it. Try a few less common street names and see how it responds.

The PND now feature access to live traffic data that is fed directly into your navigation system to tell you about things such as construction delays and accidents. TomTom Live and Garmin nuLink services are examples of how navigation systems can benefit from live data updates.

Even though GPS-enabled smartphones are becoming more popular, portable navigation device does offer advantages over their smartphone counterparts. PNDs have larger screens which are easier to read and can display more information. Wireless technology provides real-time information such as traffic updates, weather, and gas prices. Maps are also built into the machines and won’t suddenly disappear when the wireless network goes hazy.

When asked to review the best portable GPS systems on the market today, I decided to go to several retail stores and sift through the contenders and the pretenders. I also looked to see which ones were getting the most favorable reviews online.

(Continued on page 2 – Top 5 List)

According to independent research presented today, personal navigation devices have another important benefit: a positive influence on traffic safety. Part of the research focused on data collected on 115,197 drivers of lease cars. Those without PNDs had a 12% higher rate of damage incidents, and damage costs were on average 5% higher.

Research also showed that drivers with navigation devices were less distracted, ignored fewer traffic signs, felt more in control and less stressful. All of which is being rewarded by Dutch insurance company Delta Lloyd, which co-commissioned the research with Dutch makers of PNDs TomTom. Customers who send in their TomTom product number will receive 10% discount on their Delta Lloyd auto insurance.

Website: www.tomtom.com / www.deltalloyd.nl

Source:
Springwise.com