News: TomTom GPS for iPhone Pricing Leaked

[chris]

There have been a few GPS apps released for the iPhone that offer driving directions, but none as anticipated as TomTom’s turn by turn satellite navigation app. According to one retailer, pricing will be $193.75 or thereabouts. It will include what appears to be the coolest car mount we’ve seen, but also finds itself priced way above standalone GPS units.

Read complete story > TomTom GPS for iPhone Pricing Leaked (http://www.everythingicafe.com/blog/tomtom-gps-for-iphone-pricing-leaked/2009/08/05/)

[Hondamaker]

Man, that's steep! Don't think I'm gonna buy that one. I have a nice Garmin I use, so it's not a necessity. I do, however, like the windshield mount.

[chris]

What happens when you upgrade to the iPhone 3GS Plus or whatever new iPhone comes out next year? If it doesn't fit, you're out out luck. App will of course work, but I think the accessory is part the hubub surrounding the TomTom app.

[iphonewarrior]

They will just release a different mount. The window suction pad/thing will no doubt stay the same but the iphone holder would differ.

I think its massively over priced. You could buy a tomtom for cheaper than that, with a bigger screen, with a much more reliable GPS signal.

[Napoleon_PhoneApart]

I'm not convinced that this is the final price.

[Hondamaker]

What happens when you upgrade to the iPhone 3GS Plus or whatever new iPhone comes out next year? If it doesn't fit, you're out out luck. App will of course work, but I think the accessory is part the hubub surrounding the TomTom app.Tom-tom better hope, as well as early adopters of the mount, that Apple doesnt change the form-factor of the new iPhone. I would be p.o.'d to pay that much for the app/mount only to find one year later I cant use the mount.

[macgirl]

Wait - is this for the mount AND the app? I'd expect that buying the mount would give you a code for the app to get it for free if it costs that much.

At this point, I'm game to try out the app, but I don't think I'll be getting the mount at all. My ProClip mount and car charger work just fine...

[chris]

Wait - is this for the mount AND the app? I'd expect that buying the mount would give you a code for the app to get it for free if it costs that much.

At this point, I'm game to try out the app, but I don't think I'll be getting the mount at all. My ProClip mount and car charger work just fine...

For a second I thought you were going to pass up a GPS nav app.:dft008:suprised

[Tinman]

I'm not convinced that this is the final price.

While $193 is probably the conditioning price, i've always suspected TT would be about $150 (which will prolly be the "introductory price").

Regardless, more than I want to pay for a GPS app, especially with Navigon and iGo MyWay already out.



--
Mike

[iphonewarrior]

I've used Navigon and it works just fine for me. I dont know how tomtom get off on charging that amount of money. It's seems far too much to me, I would of expected them to charge a similar competitive price to the others... obviously not.

[acosmichippo]

So is the app not gonna be available without the mount?

No thanks.

[psylichon]

I don't care if the mount is bundled or not, that is too much money! If a dedicated GPS can be gotten for $99, why would software-only cost more? The mount does not add that much value. I don't get it.

[Tinman]

It seems the mount is not just a mount. It's apparently a GPS receiver itself. While this might help with signal issues, or help at least simulate running in the background, I don't want it. I wouldn't be surprised if the mount allowed full GPS on 1G iPhones (well, actually I would be surprised ;)).

My 3GS has no problem getting and holding a signal when using the Maps app. So I really don't want to pay extra for additional hardware when I know what I have now is up to the task. Heck I'd rather buy another full-blown GPS than do that (for less money too).



--
Mike

[macgirl]

For a second I thought you were going to pass up a GPS nav app.:dft008:suprised

Yeah, I don't even think that's physically possible at this point. :dft011:wicked_smile I have all of the non-subscription apps out to date, except for those G-Map ones. I need professional help.:009:blushing

[Napoleon_PhoneApart]

Yeah, I don't even think that's physically possible at this point. :dft011:wicked_smile I have all of the non-subscription apps out to date, except for those G-Map ones. I need professional help.:009:blushing

You need to talk to one of my alter-egos, Dr. Chad Feelgood...:dft010:smiling

[macgirl]

You need to talk to one of my alter-egos, Dr. Chad Feelgood...:dft010:smiling

Why do I get the feeling that Dr. Feelgood would not provide exactly the type of help I'd need to overcome my GPS app addiction? :015:stickouttounge :dft012:wink

[BrownGem]

That price doesn't seem competitive I don't care what it is bundled with. Many already own standalone GPS units.....some own all of em :)macgirl. I love the idea of having 1 super device to carry but I am just not convinced I want any GPS app at all. Think I will just stick with the Garmin. Got too many other frivolous things I want to buy lol.

[iphonewarrior]

I don't think a lot of people realise that installing these apps on the phone take up a lot of memory. If the price does remain at what's been quoted now then I don't think they will get much custom- unless this app is so amzing that it can drive the car as well then I will not be paying for it. Too much.

[aknightstale41]

According to the story that price includes the car mount, which I'm guessing alone will be about 70-80 bucks because of the integrated gps boost, which would put the app by itself in the 120.00 range. I would buy the app at that price.

[iphonewarrior]

According to the story that price includes the car mount, which I'm guessing alone will be about 70-80 bucks because of the integrated gps boost, which would put the app by itself in the 120.00 range. I would buy the app at that price.


I still seriously wouldnt, it's over pirced for what it is. You can spend less money and get a better GPS device, with a mount.

[aknightstale41]

I still seriously wouldnt, it's over pirced for what it is. You can spend less money and get a better GPS device, with a mount.

True on that count,
many people will want the convenience of one device though.
I find it interesting that TomTom thought it nessesary to boost the gps signal in the iPhone, and that it has taken this long to release this app. They might be thinking that people rely on thier cell phone to do more then ever now and stand alone gps units will eventually become obsolete... kinda like watches have become a thing of the past now due to cell phones. This could be a killer app if it performs like thier stand alone device.

[iNinja]

I think they get away with pricing high as its "tomtom" you pay for the brand I guess. However, ive just tried Igo and Navigon and I like them both. Igo seems a little amateurish and Navigons attempt doesnt include full postcode search, but I would rather use those two than pay that price.

The 3GS' GPS signal for me is perfect in the car anyway! Who needs a boost?

[eye-Fone]

(I removed my redundant text)

[MileHighRob]

Would you pay US$194 (€135) for a navigation app (http://www.daniweb.com/blogs/entry4607.html#) for your iPhone? That's more expensive than a dedicated nav device.

...even if it comes with a slick, in-car, charging mounting kit? :023:nothappy
You're a day late on this one.

[eye-Fone]

You're a day late on this one. http://server3.uploadit.org/files/Rodinia-CloseQuote.jpg
I just realized that. :dft001:embarrassed

Thanks Chris (or whomever), for moving this over.

So, back to the TomTom. I do like the looks of that car mounting kit, though.

[acosmichippo]

to be fair, i think a lot of you guys are jumping to conclusions. I mean the app hasn't even been released yet, but everyone is saying you can get a "better" GPS device for less than $199.

[Tinman]

to be fair, i think a lot of you guys are jumping to conclusions. I mean the app hasn't even been released yet, but everyone is saying you can get a "better" GPS device for less than $199.

Perhaps what they mean is that for half of $199 you can get a full-blown GPS unit that includes a screen, mount, battery, cable, etc. Now these might not be "better" than TomTom for iPhone, but they likely get the job of navigating you from point A to point B nonetheless.

So I think many of us are just shocked--if the price leak is accurate--that TT would come out of the gate with such a high price. Heck, I've already complained that I thought Navigon was too high at $100 ($80 introductory price right now).

Or maybe, in my case, it's just pushing the all-in-one thing too far. After using my iPhone for navigation during a few 2+ hour road trips I found myself wondering why I just didn't use my portable GPS unit. I was almost afraid to answer the phone, let alone stop and check email or whatnot. That doesn't mean I would always choose a dedicated GPS since, for example, when traveling I'd rather not pack yet another gadget and instead use the iPhone for GPS.

Another thing is the perception of value. We all have the Maps app, and know what it can, and cannot, do. But to me Maps is nearly there, as far as what I need from the iPhone for GPS purposes. So paying even $100, to me, just seems like too much.

But if there was a $25 GPS app, with decent navigation, I might go for it. Maybe even $50, if the app was really good.

And by good I mean TTS, on-board maps, and perhaps even the option of only loading map data you will need (why carry around 1+ GB of map data when you know you will only be visiting one state?). Oh, and POI's can be loaded on-board in case you have no internet access. But if you do please check it for the latest info.

The last one seems like a no-brainer but the few GPS apps I've looked at don't so it--it's as if they load the same data on the iPhone as they do on their standalone and unconnected GPS units. Meanwhile the Maps app does it fine (I'd be ticked if I had to exit my $100 GPS app to use the free Maps app to get the best POI info).

Oh, and please utilize all of the capabilities of my 3GS, like Maps does. It never loses signal, can use cell tower and wifi to get a quick GPS lock, can pinpoint my location even indoors (usually), and of course uses the compass. I doubt I'd pay anything if a GPS app didn't at least utilize the same capabilities as the Maps app utilizes.


Whew, sorry for that long-a$$ed post. See what happens when I am at a full-blown computer instead of my iPhone? ;)



--
Mike

[acosmichippo]

i hear what you're saying. I wouldn't pay $199 when maps does almost everything i need.

I'm just saying firstly that the $199 price is unofficial, and also that we know nothing about the app.

[Simpleman]

What the....?! Watches are a thing of the past? Rats, I just started my watch addiction last month. :dft006:unhappy

True on that count,
many people will want the convenience of one device though.
I find it interesting that TomTom thought it nessesary to boost the gps signal in the iPhone, and that it has taken this long to release this app. They might be thinking that people rely on thier cell phone to do more then ever now and stand alone gps units will eventually become obsolete... kinda like watches have become a thing of the past now due to cell phones. This could be a killer app if it performs like thier stand alone device.

[eye-Fone]

I find it interesting that TomTom ... has taken this long to release this app. http://server3.uploadit.org/files/Rodinia-CloseQuote.jpg
Well, it turns out that TT was in a lawsuit (http://money.cnn.com/2009/03/30/technology/microsoft_tomtom.reut/). They now have to pay Microsoft for using their technology. I would bet that this lawsuit had something to do with the delay with TT getting to market.

[dturner]

[QUOTE=Tinman;499297
Another thing is the perception of value. We all have the Maps app, and know what it can, and cannot, do. But to me Maps is nearly there, as far as what I need from the iPhone for GPS purposes. So paying even $100, to me, just seems like too much.
--
Mike[/QUOTE]
Gotta tell ya I have been really waiting for this to come out but not at this price. As Mike said, we know what maps can do. I have used Maps for several out of town trips and found it to be very accurate. Now granted there is no voice so you have to pay closer attention, but if this price point is even close I will stick with maps.

[Dallas Phil]

The first post refers to this as a "turn by turn satellite navigation app". What does this mean? Is Tom Tom really hitting a satellite versus a cell tower? The other navigation apps are hitting cell towers. If Tom Tom is really hitting a satellite, then I will probably buy the app because I found myself on business out in BFE alot. Carrying one device, my iPhone, with satellite navigation would be awesome.

[eye-Fone]

The first post refers to this as a "turn by turn satellite navigation app". What does this mean? Is Tom Tom really hitting a satellite versus a cell tower? The other navigation apps are hitting cell towers. If Tom Tom is really hitting a satellite, then I will probably buy the app because I found myself on business out in BFE alot. Carrying one device, my iPhone, with satellite navigation would be awesome. http://server3.uploadit.org/files/Rodinia-CloseQuote.jpg
If you have the iPhone 3G or 3GS, most navigation apps use the GPS satellites. If you have the original iPhone, then there is no GPS built into the phone, so your location is determined by cell tower triangulation.

So yes, most navigation apps for the 3G and later use satellites.

Nevertheless, if you use the Google Maps app on a 3G or later device, you do need to have cellular/WiFi coverage because that is how the maps are accessed. If you have neither cell or WiFi, the phone still knows where you are (via the satellites), but it just can't show you on a map.

Good navigation applications include their own maps that are stored on your iPhone ("local" vs "remote" maps). That way, when you are driving through the country or desert (without a cell signal and without access to the internet), you can still navigate with maps.

[Tinman]

The first post refers to this as a "turn by turn satellite navigation app". What does this mean?

It means what every other GPS device, including the iPhone 3G/3GS, means by it: it uses the GPS satellites. Nothing new about that.


Is Tom Tom really hitting a satellite versus a cell tower? The other navigation apps are hitting cell towers.

I'm not sure where you got that idea, but it's not correct. Nearly all, if not all, other apps use the GPS sats too. They have to; tower and wifi are not good enough for street-level navigation.

Moreover, there has been near confirmation that TT will work without the mount.

BTW: The Maps app uses not only the GPS sats, but wifi and tower triangulation too--and it can use the 3GS's compass. In an earlier I mentioned that I want all GPS apps to use them too. This actually improves upon, but does not replace, using the GPS receiver.



--
Mike

[djwindsor]

Has anyone given some thought to the fact that this leak was deliberate to gauge consumer feedback? I wouldn't be surprised if people from Tom Tom are monitoring blogs/forums etc to see what people are saying about the proposed pricing scheme. I for one think that they have priced it too high. There will be people that buy it but that windshield mount just makes it less portable (but not by much). I am wondering if the APP will work without the mount. If Navigon and other APPs work without a device to augment their reception, why does Tom Tom have to?

And FYI... all the navigation programs solely rely on a GPS fix to give directions. If they had to rely on cellular/wifi triangulation there would not be enough accuracy. If you've ever loaded google maps and saw the blue dot, sometimes its a little off from where you actually are. That is because it has a weak fix on a GPS signal so it is merely estimating your location based on cell towers and wi-fi (IF u have wi-fi turned on). No navigation program can accurately guide you without a good fix on a GPS signal. That is why Navigon is so finicky. If you see the red band on the top while driving, it hasn't lost the GPS signal (most of the time), it just is not strong enough to continue routing with accuracy.