TomTom NV is a Dutch company that produces traffic, navigation and mapping products. It also makes action cameras, GPS sport watches, fleet management systems, and location-based products. As of 2015 TomTom's business has four business units: Consumer, Automotive, Licensing and Telematics, through which it sells and licences its technology and products.
Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Amsterdam, TomTom was originally named Palmtop Software, founded by Peter-Frans Pauwels, Pieter Geelen, Harold Goddijn and Corinne Vigreux. The company currently has 4,600 employees worldwide and sells products in over 50 countries. It has 56 offices in 37 countries.
In 2004 TomTom launched the first personal navigation device (PND), creating a new consumer electronics category. The company has since sold nearly 80 million PND devices worldwide.
In 2008, TomTom acquired Tele Atlas, a digital map maker, for EUR2.9 billion.
On 11 June 2012, at an event for Apple's iOS 6 preview, TomTom was announced as the main mapping data provider for Apple's revamped iOS 6 "Maps" app, replacing Google Maps.
In 2013, TomTom entered the GPS sports watch market, and in 2014, it launched its action camera, the Bandit.
In late 2015, TomTom extended its deal with Apple and signed a new contract with international transportation network company Uber. The Uber driver app now uses TomTom maps and traffic data in 300 cities worldwide. In May 2018, TomTom launched new portable navigation device the TomTom Go Camper to cater the requirements of caravan and motorhome users.
Video TomTom
History
- Early years: 1991 - 2005: The company was founded in 1991 and, until 1996, developed business-to-business applications such as meter reading and bar-code reading. Subsequently, the company moved its focus to PDA software for the consumer market. Early mapping software included EnRoute, Citymaps and Routeplanner. The company released its first navigation product, TomTom Navigator, in 2002, for Windows CE-powered PDAs, bundled with a car cradle and GPS receiver. Version 2 and 3 were released in 2003 and 2004. Version 3 had live traffic data available on subscription, downloaded over the phone/PDA's data connection. The first all-in-one device, the TomTom GO, based on NavCore version 4.1, was released in March 2004. It had a 3.5 in 320x240 screen, 200 MHz CPU, 32MB of RAM and integrated SD reader, and was substantially cheaper than other all-in-one solutions, at £499 in the UK. By year-end, it generated 60% of the company's revenue.
- 2005 IPO: On 27 May 2005, TomTom listed on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange, valuing the company at nearly EUR500m. Several NavCore 5 products were released in 2005, with a unified feature and codebase: Navigator 5 for Windows CE and Palm OS, TomTom Mobile 5, and the updated GO models, the 300, 500 and 700. For the version 5 release, the Traffic subscription service was rebranded 'TomTom Plus'. Weather information and the ability to download new voices and other content were added. All new GO-models supported Bluetooth, in order to connect to a mobile phone for TomTomPlus. The 500 and 700 added hands-free calling, a faster CPU and expanded mapping and storage. TomTom expanded their range of NavCore 5 devices with the ruggedized Rider (for motorcycle users), and the budget ONE, in late 2005. Both devices used the SirfStar III GPS chipset, for much better GPS reception than previous devices. The ONE was also significantly slimmer than the earlier GO devices, at the expense of shorter battery life.
- 2006-2007: In January 2006, TomTom acquired the UK company Applied Generics, forming TomTom Traffic. The GO 510, 710 and 910, using NavCore 6, were released in April 2006. The 910 added MP3 player and text-to-speech for road names; all models supported hands-free calling via Bluetooth, new RDS-TMC traffic support and 4" wide screens. The 510 and 710 stored maps on an SD card, while the 910 had a 20GB hard drive. TomTom HOME, software for managing a TomTom from a PC, was first released to accompany the x10 series. NavCore 6 was made available as an update to v5 all-in-one devices in summer 2006, and to Navigator users in August 2006. Text-to-speech was supported only on the 910. In September 2006 the revised NavCore v6-powered ONE was released. An updated RIDER was released in May 2007, and a 4.3 in widescreen ONE XL. Aside from the larger screen, this added support for an RDS-TMC receiver to the existing ONE. Compared with the 510 and 710, the ONE XL, with a slightly larger screen, did not have hands-free calling capability, and had a slower CPU, fewer bundled accessories and a lower price. The GO x20 range released in Q3 2007 had NavCore v7, the 4.3 in screen of the ONE XL, built-in flash storage and an SD card slot. V7 had Map Share, allowing drivers to notify TomTom of closed roads, and for other drivers to share those updates, and speech recognition. All x20s included an FM transmitter and an MP3 player. Launch models were the 520 and 720, while the 920, released Q4 2007, added Enhanced Positioning Technology, which estimated vehicle position when out of GPS range such as when travelling through tunnels. Text-to-speech was supported across the range. The ONE XL HD Traffic, featuring integrated Vodafone GSM SIM card for internet-linked 'HD Traffic' data, and the ONE XL-S, which included text-to-speech, were released at the end of 2007. NavCore 7 was released for all older TomTom all-in-one devices with the purchase of a new, compatible map. Some versions of the HTC Touch Diamond phone came with the TomTom Navigator 7, from May 2008. TomTom said that they would not make a standalone release of the software, but in 2009 reversed this policy, and Navigator 7 was made available for general sale, without text-to-speech or speech recognition; as of 2015 TomTom had not produced a further version.
- 2008: Enhanced Positioning. TomTom released the GO x30 range in April 2008 based on NavCore 8. New features included IQ Routes, which estimated journey times based on average recorded speeds, rather than speed limits, and Advanced Lane Guidance, an on-screen representation of the correct lane to take. The 930, like the x20, had Enhanced Positioning Technology. GSM HD Traffic receivers, plugging into the car's cigarette lighter, added HD Traffic to the GO range. Refreshed ONE and XL models were released in May 2008, still based on NavCore 7, with an improved speaker. NavCore 8 updates for NavCore 7 devices, including the ONE v3 and v4, were released in June 2008, giving x20 users (only) IQ Routes and Advanced Lane Guidance, with the purchase of new maps.
- 2008: HD Traffic. The GO x40 series, with NavCore 8.2, was released in the autumn of 2008. The x40 series was branded "LIVE" with a built-in GSM SIM card, for connected features including HD Traffic, Google Local search, real-time speed camera updates, and the facility to search for the cheapest fuel on route. In addition, IQ Routes "24/7" used the average speed for the time of day, instead of a time-independent average. x20 and x30 users were given an update with support for IQ Routes 24/7 on buying an up-to-date map.
- 2009: The GO range was updated again in September 2009 with the 550, 750 and 950 LIVE, with NavCore 9. Compared with the x40, changes were relatively minor. The MP3 player and FM transmitter were removed from the 940 to the 950. TomTom released a variety of lower-cost models, including a 5 in XXL, with many of the features from the GO x40 and x50, including LIVE, IQ Routes and Advanced Lane Guidance. They do not have a micro-SD slot, and are restricted to a maximum of 2GB of internal storage, Bluetooth hands-free, and voice control.
- 2012 TomTom signed a global content deal with Apple.
- 2013: TomTom entered the sports watch market with the launch of the TomTom Runner and TomTom Multi-Sport GPS.
- 2014: TomTom extended its range of GPS sports watches with the launch of the Runner Cardio GPS with a built-in heart rate monitor.
- 2015: TomTom entered a new product category with the launch of its new action camera, the Bandit. It had a built-in media server, enabling users to share footage in a matter of minutes. TomTom partnered with Bosch on innovative mapping technology for autonomous driving. TomTom launched a new sports watch, the TomTom Spark, which in addition to GPS and a heart-rate monitor, included music on the wrist and a 24/7 activity tracker. The device could store up to 500 songs and came pre-loaded with a 30-minute workout playlist curated by The Ministry of Sound.
- January 2018 the company faced criticism for announcing that it would no longer be providing map updates for some devices. It also said that "lifetime" meant the "useful life" of a device.
Key dates
Maps TomTom
TomTom Group business structure
Consumer
TomTom's Consumer business is focused on creating location-based products that give consumers the knowledge they need to get where they want to go. Their consumer activities are focused on the drive and sports categories; products include PNDs, GPS sports watches and smartphone navigation applications. In late 2017, the Consumer division accounted for about 45% of TomTom's revenues.
Automotive and Licensing
TomTom's automotive business provides modular components (maps) and traffic and navigation software to car manufacturers and Tier 1 head unit vendors. Each component can be integrated as a stand-alone product, or combined into the Connected Navigation System. TomTom's licensing branch sells TomTom map, traffic and navigation software. It also offers cloud-based products and platforms that allow developers access to create location-enabled applications for businesses and governments. Licensing focuses on two types of customers:
- B2B2C, where TomTom's products are incorporated in end user applications such as smartphones and tablets, and on the internet
- B2B, serving professional users for location-based applications such as geographical information systems (GIS) providers, governmental bodies and traffic management institutions
In late 2017, the Automotive and Licensing division accounted for about 37% of TomTom's revenues.
Telematics
TomTom Telematics is the business-to-business division of TomTom and has been operating since 2005. This arm of TomTom specialises in telematics, providing vehicle tracking, navigation, two-way communications, job scheduling and report-logging capabilities to organizations. In 2010, TomTom said that it was providing its service to over 125,000 vehicles operating in Europe. Telematics offers fleet management solutions for commercial fleets and is also a partner for the insurance industry to provide usage-based insurance products. Telematics' WEBFLEET software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution allows integration with third-party applications and offers information security certified to ISO 27001 standards. In late 2017, the Telematics division accounted for about 18% of TomTom's revenues.
Products
TomTom as a company offers five types of products: navigation devices, in-dashboard navigation and car control services, navigation software for installation on mobile devices, sports watches, and action cameras. In-dashboard systems are released for the automotive market. The navigation devices and portable devices with installed software are referred to as units. TomTom Business Solutions products offer telematics services for fleet management, aimed at the business market. The latest of these is the GO 9000 which provides telematics services in a portable unit the same size as the TomTom sat navs.
TomTom units provide a flying interface with an oblique bird's-eye view of the road, as well as a direct-overhead map view. They use a GPS receiver to show the precise location and provide visual and spoken directions on how to drive to the specified destination. Some TomTom systems also integrate with mobile phones using Bluetooth, traffic congestion maps or to actually take calls and read aloud SMS messages.
Models are largely hardware-compatible, with different software; it has been reported that some users have been able to upgrade low-cost hardware with the software of more advanced models, for example providing a ONE XL or GO 510 with most of the functionality of a GO 940.
- TomTom GO - an all-in-one GPS navigation device. It has a touch screen, speaker, USB port, internal Lithium ion battery. Most models have Bluetooth transceivers that allow connection to a smartphone. This allows it to make and receive calls (on NAV2 and NAV3 models, but only on certain NAV4 models).The TomTom GO models belong either to the NAV2, NAV3 or NAV4 ranges.
- TomTom Camper & Caravan / RV - an all-in-one GPS navigation device. It has a touch screen, speaker, USB port, internal Lithium ion battery. Most models have Bluetooth transceivers that allow connection to a smartphone. This allows it to make and receive calls. In Europe, the Camper model is based on the TomTom GO 1005, in North America the RV models are based on the NAV3 Start 60 model. The TomTom Camper & Caravan and RV models belong to the NAV3 range and their biggest difference compared to other NAV3 models is the map that is supplied with, which allows certain size and weight data to be entered and being considered in the route planning. Technically any NAV3 device can be made to a Camper/RV editing by purchasing the camper map from the TomTom web shop.
- TomTom PRO/TRUCK - designed for professional truck drivers and include truck specific software and maps. It has a touch screen, speaker, USB port, internal Lithium ion battery. Most models have Bluetooth transceivers that allow connection to a smartphone. This allows it to make and receive calls (on NAV3 models).The TomTom PRO/TRUCK models belong either to the NAV3 or NAV4 ranges. Few years ago truck maps were available to NAV2 models too. For individual professional drivers the PRO 5150 model is recommended, due to the support provided by TomTom's general consumer customer support, whilst the other PRO/TRUCK models are supported by TomTom Telematics only, which require a WebFleet account with TomTom.
- TomTom VIA - middle class GPS navigation device. It has a touch screen, speaker, USB port, internal Lithium ion battery. Most models have Bluetooth transceivers that allow connection to a smartphone. This allows it to make and receive calls. All the TomTom VIA models belong to the NAV3 range.
- TomTom Start - an entry level GPS navigation device. It has a touch screen, speaker, USB port, internal Lithium ion battery, but usually a lower HW specification, compared to the VIA and GO models. Some models have Bluetooth transceivers that allow connection to a smartphone. The TomTom Start models belong either to the NAV2, NAV3 or NAV4 ranges.
- TomTom ONE and ONE XL - The TomTom One is the base model for automobile navigation. The difference between the TomTom One XL and the TomTom One is the size of the touch screen (4.3 vs 3.5 in or 110 vs 89 mm). Neither model of the One contains the added functions included in the Go models, such as Bluetooth hands-free calling and MP3 Jukebox. However, the One is able to receive traffic and weather updates using the TomTom Plus service when paired via Bluetooth with a mobile phone with a DUN data service. The reduced software capability means less demand on the hardware, which allows the One to be sold at a significantly lower price than the Go. The XL is also available as a Live version with integrated LIVE services.
- TomTom RIDER - Portable water resistant models for motorcycle and motorscooter users. They differ from other devices in that the RIDER is partly shielded and has a 'glove-friendly' screen and GUI. There are many different models in the NAV2 and NAV4 ranges.
- TomTom NAVIGATOR - a GPS navigation software product for personal digital assistants (PDAs), Palm devices, Pocket PCs, and some smartphones. TomTom Navigator 6 replaced the earlier TomTom Mobile 5.2. It can use GPS receivers built into the device or external (e.g., Bluetooth-connected) receivers. Navigator 7 was the latest release of this software, released as a part of the software that came with the June 2008 HTC Touch Diamond. Frequently used functions can be added to the main screen of the program, and users can report map corrections and share them with other users. Navigator supports touch screens; devices without touch screens use a cursor to input data. The software is available on SD card and DVD. It runs on a number of devices listed on the TomTom website, but will run successfully on many unlisted devices using the Windows Mobile operating system, discontinued in 2010. The DVD version includes a DVD, printed 15-character product code, Quick Start Guide, Licensing Agreement, a poster with a picture diagram for setup procedure of DVD version and SD card version, and an advertisement for associated TomTom PLUS services. The DVD contains installation software for TomTom Home, software for mobile devices, licenses, manuals, maps, and voices. The software for mobile devices includes CAB files for Palm, PPC, Symbian, and UIQ3.
Sports
- TomTom sport and golf watches - In 2011, TomTom teamed up with Nike to create a fitness watch. Since then, TomTom have introduced their own watches (Runner, Multi-sport, Spark, Touch, Adventurer), and extended the range to the golf players too. All watches include GPS sensors that allow monitoring the user's activities or see green and hazard distances along the golf course. The sports watches also include a heart-rate monitor in the strap, and the Spark allows the user to stream MP3 files from the watch to a wireless headset via Bluetooth.
- TomTom action camera - On 29 April 2015, TomTom announced their latest innovation, the TomTom Bandit action camera. It is TomTom's first try in the action camera segment.
TomTom HOME and MyDrive Connect
TomTom HOME is a 32-bit PC application that allows synchronization/updates to be sent to the mobile device. The container states that it is compatible with Mac OS × v10.3 or greater and Windows ME/2000/XP/Vista/7/8/8.1 (see above reference). After installation, it has options to choose a device to be associated to and activate the software. A caution is given that the software only allows one device to be associated to an email address and the associated device can be changed only after 14 days since the previous association. TomTom HOME version 2.0 and above is implemented on the XULRunner platform. With version 2.2, TomTom HOME added a content-sharing platform where users can download and upload content to personalize their device such as voices, start-up images, POI sets, etc. At the moment TomTom HOME is on version 2.9.
Despite it being based on the cross-platform XULRunner, TomTom Home lacks support for Linux (and most probably it won't ever support, as the NAV2 devices are mostly legacy models by now). It is for instance impossible to update the maps in these devices by connecting them to another machine running Linux, even when using a common web browser like Firefox that normally allowed such update when run under Microsoft Windows. However the devices can still be read in a Linux OS as a disk drive. There is even software made by the community to manage some functions of the TomTom.
The NAV3 and NAV4 range of models use MyDrive Connect. MyDrive Connect is compatible with 32bit and 64bit versions of Windows XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10 preview and with most Mac OS. The internal flash memory or the memory card content of the device cannot be accessed anymore through USB for security reasons (modified applications would easily accept a map that wasn't sold by TomTom). The device can update itself by getting files through the HTTP protocol over USB. The Support App is nothing more than a proxy on the PC buffering the download. So far the security achieved using this mechanism has not been broken yet. Also it is worth to mention that the usage of the non-FAT/FAT32 file system brought stability improvement in device operations. On the downside, some users might experience compatibility issues between their PC, device and the MyDrive Connect support application. For those issues, TomTom Customer Services or members of the community forum are usually able to provide solutions.
TomTom on smartphones
Navigation software for several mobile phones discontinued after release 5.2; Navigator, which does not support all the phones that Mobile did, is the nearest equivalent. Mobile 5.2 cannot use maps later than v6.60 build 1223; this and earlier program versions are not compatible with all map versions, particularly other builds of version 6.
These are not supported by TomTom anymore in any way.
TomTom for iOS devices
A version for the iPhone was announced at the Apple WWDC Keynote speech in early June 2009, and released internationally on 15 August 2009 in the Apple App Store, with various map packs for different regions. TomTom Vice President of Marketing Development gave information in an interview by Macworld in July 2009.
Currently the app works with iPhone (all models), the iPod Touch (all models) and the iPad (all models), however Apple dropped the support for the early models and latest versions of the TomTom iOS app might have issues on certain devices. There are two separate TomTom car kits available for certain Apple devices. The current maps available in each countries' app stores varies according to language availability of the app itself, the country of the app store, and thus differing region group map packs are available.
Turkey and Greece were not included in the larger Europe map pack; this is related to the AppStore's App size limitation of 2 GB. These maps are available separately. Iceland is not available in any map package sold by TomTom at the moment, but they are working on it (and a few other countries too). Also most likely there will be a new iOS app available, based on the NavKit, which might cure the issue with the size limit (also Apple increased the app size limit to 4GB).
TomTom for Android devices
There is an app for Android, called TomTom GO Mobile. It replaced the old app, which had similar features to the iOS app. In March 2015, TomTom announced the new TomTom GO Mobile app for Android with a freemium subscription model for maps with the first 50 miles/75 kilometres per month being free, including all the maps that are available, TomTom Traffic and Speed Cameras. The previous app, which had promised "free lifetime updates", is not available for purchase on Play Store anymore and its maps are not updated since October 2015. TomTom claims their definition of lifetime map updates is "the period of time that TomTom continues to support the app with updates". Previous customers of TomTom's Android navigation app are offered a discount on the subscription in the new app for three years. There is no provision for users who want to keep using the old app under the conditions it was sold with lifetime map updates.
Partnership with Apple (iOS 6 Maps)
In September 2012, Apple collaborated with TomTom to provide mapping data for its revamped iOS 6 updated Apple Maps app. The partnership was in part due to Apple's decision to wean itself off the products of its competitor, Google.
TomTom speed camera app
TomTom introduced a free of charge speed camera app in late 2015.
TomTom partners with several car manufacturers and offers built-in navigation solutions.
Services
TomTom PLUS
The company offers fee-based services under the name TomTom PLUS, which include services to warn drivers about speed cameras, provide weather updates, change voices and provide traffic alerts. Currently the fees are only for European countries.
Traffic data is also available to subscribers in many parts of Europe and the US via a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone with Internet service or an add-on aerial, which picks up RDS data (broadcast on FM radio frequencies) offering traffic information without the requirement for a data connection. The TomTom Plus service is not compatible with Apple's iPhone.
TomTom LIVE Services
In October 2008 the company released LIVE Services on the GO 940 LIVE. These allowed users to receive updates over the mobile telephone network using the SIM card in the device. These services included HD Traffic, Safety Alerts, Local Search with Google and Fuel Prices.
On 12 May 2011, TomTom announced that it was offering up its real-time traffic products to "industry partners" in the United States.
On the latest NAV4 devices the service is not available anymore in the old form. The included services had been separated and now being called TomTom Traffic and Speed Cameras. On the x0/x00/x000 devices the traffic service is free of charge either via the built-in SIM (Always Connected models) or via a compatible smartphone (Smartphone Connected or BYOD - Bring Your Own Device). The speed camera service is free for three months on these models. However, there is a newer range, the x10/x100 models, which come now with free lifetime speed camera subscription too.
Map Share is a proprietary map technology launched by TomTom in June 2007. Map Share allows users to make changes to the maps on their navigation devices and share them with others. It allows drivers to make changes to their maps directly on their navigation devices. Drivers can block or unblock streets, change the direction of traffic, edit street names and add, edit or remove points of interest (POIs). Improvements can be shared with other users through TomTom HOME, TomTom's content management software.
An online version called Map Share Reporter is on the TomTom website.
TomTom Traffic (previously HD Traffic)
A traffic monitoring service that uses multiple sources to provide traffic information. The service does this by combining data from:
- traditional sources: Governmental/third party data such as induction loops in the roads, cameras and traffic surveillance
- new sources: traffic flow of millions of anonymous mobile phone users
The information is merged by TomTom and algorithms are used to improve the data and filter out anomalous readings. The system sends updates to all TomTom Traffic users every two minutes (and the data the users receive is never older than 30 seconds). Users can receive the service through the built-in SIM, via a smartphone connection or on older devices via a standard phone connection. Re-routing can be set to be transparent to the user with the only sign that the route has been changed due to a traffic jam being a sound indication from the device and a changed ETA.
The system was first launched in the Netherlands in 2007, and expanded to the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Switzerland in 2008. In mid-2011 TomTom live services, including TomTom Traffic are available in the United States, South Africa, New Zealand and the following 17 European countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. As of 2015, the service is vastly expanded and current coverage is available on the TomTom Traffic site (34 countries as of 26/05/2015 and the list expands every few months to new regions).
TomTom Traffic improvements
- HD Traffic 6.0 (August 2012): More accurate location of traffic jams, improved coverage of automatically detected road closures
- TomTom Traffic 7.0 (September 2013): Increased accuracy of jam location now allows for 'Jam Ahead Warnings', warning drivers when approaching a jam tail too fast. Improved coverage of automatic road closure detection started to include also major secondary roads. Automatic road works detection on highways. TomTom also added 'Predictive Flow Feed' for better predicting approaching traffic delays, with the goal of improving optimal route calculation and ETA.
- TomTom Traffic 8.0 (November 2014): TomTom included real-time weather information in their routing algorithms, and warns users in areas of bad weather. Also, version 8.0 now incorporates in their real-time traffic information road closures that are reported via the online Map Share Reporter tool.
IQ Routes
IQ Routes, developed by TomTom and available since spring 2008 on the TomTom GO 730 & 930, uses anonymous travel time data accumulated by users of TomTom satnav devices. Newer TomTom devices use this data to take into account the time and day when determining the fastest route.
Travel time data is stored in Historical Speed Profiles, one for each road segment, covering large motorways, main roads and also small local roads. Historic Speed Profiles are part of the digital map and are updated with every new map release. They give insight into real-world traffic patterns. This is a fact-based routing system based on measured travel times, compared to most other methods which use speed limits or 'assumed' speeds.
In September 2008, map upgrade v8.10 was released for x20 series models, extending the IQ Routes feature to those devices with a free software update using TomTom Home.
On the NAV3 and NAV4 models the IQ Routes feature is available by default on all map versions.
Enhanced Positioning Technology
Offers continuous navigation, even when a navigation device can't receive GPS satellite signals (e.g. in tunnels or amongst high buildings) using movement and gravity sensors.
Mapping
TomTom products use Tele Atlas based maps. Map errors are reported using the Tele Atlas Map Insight and the TomTom Map Share Reporter Tool (preferred tool). Reports can be done via the devices too.These reports are processed and approved/rejected by TomTom staff members and the end products are synchronized via the TomTom support applications, such as TomTom HOME for the NAV2 devices and MyDrive Connect for the NAV3 and NAV4 devices. These support applications are available for Windows or Mac OS X based computers.
Maps are not universally compatible across TomTom devices; while most maps are available for most modern devices, a compatible version must be used. Version numbers have a 3-digit number identifying the major version, a dot, then a 4-digit build number. Major version v940, for example, is available for most regions and most devices, but different builds are available for different regions and devices, and supporting different features. The support applications ensure that the correct map version is assigned for download. For NAV2 devices one has to purchase the map via the TomTom HOME support application and for NAV3 and NAV4 devices, one has to obtain the updates via the TomTom webshop.
Controversy
In April 2011, TomTom "apologized for supplying driving data collected from customers to police to use in catching speeding motorists". The company had collected data from its Dutch customers which Dutch police subsequently used to set targeted speed traps. As a result of this, TomTom was investigated by the Dutch Data Protection Authority (nl:Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens), who found that TomTom had not contravened the Dutch Data Protection Act (nl:Wet bescherming persoonsgegevens).
In 2011, TomTom improved the clarity of its explanation of how it uses the data it collects from its customers.
In May 2011, the company announced that it was planning to sell aggregated customer information to the Australian Roads and Traffic Authority, which could also potentially be used for targeted speed enforcement.
The privacy implications of this announcement were widely reported, particularly the lack of anonymity and the potential to associate the data with individuals. The company's practice of selling its user data has been criticised by Electronic Frontiers Australia. David Vaile of the University of New South Wales' Cyberspace Law and Policy Centre has called for an independent technical analysis of the company's data collection practices. TomTom navigation devices collect user data that includes point of origin, point of destination, journey times, speeds and routes taken. The Australian Privacy Foundation said it would be easy to trace the data back to individual customers, even if TomTom claimed it used only aggregated, anonymous data.
TomTom VP of Marketing Chris Kearney insisted the information was totally anonymous. In addition to this he said TomTom never sold the information to Dutch authorities with speed cameras in mind, although Kearney would not rule out selling the user data for similar use in Australia.
Such data is being purchased from various mapping companies by governments on a fairly regular basis. It is not known if governments use this data for purposes other than the placement of speed cameras, such as to improve the road network, introduce traffic lights or find accident hotspots.
Competition
TomTom's main retail Car Sat Nav competitor is Garmin.
TomTom's main autonomous driving HD maps competitor is Here which is owned by a consortium of German automotive companies (namely Volkswagen, BMW, and Daimler).
See also
- Comparison of commercial GPS software
References
External links
- Official website
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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