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The citizens of the UK are in for a nice treat with this new TomTom GPS they are getting soon. The TomTom GO 940 LIVE is an upgraded model to the TomTom GO 930 (pictured above).

The main differences between the 940 and 930 are IQ routes, Lane Assist, and Enhanced Positioning Technology. The LIVE in the name of the GPS stands for live HD traffic updates that comes from a subscription to HD Traffic. Another feature that the 940 comes with is Google Search. By using an available GSM connection the owner can access Google Search from the GPS. Unfortunately, the TomTom GO 940 is set to be pretty expensive costing 468 Euros, or around $871 US. In addition, the LIVE subscription comes with a complimentary 3 month trial, but after that it will cost $10-$15 a month.

TomTom GO 940 LIVE is ready to be pre-orded on Handtec, no word on actual shipping date.

Read [Handtec] Via [GPSLodge]

Recently, TomTom announced the availability of a new “PRO” series with two new GPS units called the TomTom PRO 4000 and TomTom PRO 8000.

The PRO series and the non-PRO series doesn’t have too many differences other than the fact that the PRO series comes with better software and customer service. Otherwise, it includes a two year warranty, menu lock functionality to stop the driver from using the GPS while driving, a protective case, a free mapping update in the first year of purchase, a dedicated customer service line, and PIN lock to keep data private. Additionally, the main difference between the 4000 and the 8000 is that the 8000 comes with something called IQ Routes, meaning the system chooses the best available route based on driving times and other driving data, Advanced Lane Guidance, Voice Address Input, and Bluetooth connectivity.

No word on when these two GPS units will be available, however, the PRO 4000 will cost $330, and the PRO 8000 will cost $460.

Via [NaviGadget]

TeleNav has confirmed they will be on the iPhone 3G using the GPS radio for turn by turn navigation in 3D.  This comes as interesting news for a couple of reasons.  One is Job’s statement that the GPS radio was not strong enough for turn by turn directions and two that Tom-Tom was the front runner in navigation partners.

“According to Apple, the iPhone’s G.P.S. antenna is much too small to emulate the turn-by-turn navigation of a G.P.S. unit for a vehicle, for example.” -David Pogue

Um, OK, so it is strong enough for TeleNav?  Anyone else confused?  More as it develops.

Also, I have a suspicion Gizmodo got the new slightly wrong: I believe the app will be available through the App store but you’ll still be charged a monthly access fee from TeleNav.  This has been their business model and I don’t see them going for a one time application fee.  You?

Company site [TeleNav]

TomTom came out with a GPS that boasts HD traffic capabilities, and it had been a hit in Europe. It recently passed through the FCC, and should be available in the US soon...hopefully. Details are scarce on this GPS, as there is no word on who will be the carrier for this, and how much the services will cost.

Basically, HD traffic uses cell phone data to display real time traffic updates. You might be thinking, there are already GPS’ which can give live traffic updates, what makes HD traffic so special? Well, HD traffic gives up to 5 times more traffic data and it covers up to 10 times more roads than GPS’ with basic live traffic updates. Additionally, it still maintains the same specs as the European version, which include a 4.3-inch LCD screen, 1GB of storage and SIM card.  Unfortunately, no word on pricing or availability at this time.

Via [GPS Tracklog]

TomTom, adding to their plethora of nice GPS units, recently introduced the new TomTom XL330S. This GPS seems to be a basic GPS, but still offering lots of nice features.

Some of the main features include a 4.3-inch touchscreen, text-to-speech functionality, revamped audio quality, and EasyPort. Basically, EasyPort is a new addition that allows the mount to fold into the GPS, allowing the driver to not have to leave the mount on the windshield. If you are worrying about the mount causing it to be bulky, you’ll be pleased to know that it still remains small, and should not be bulky at all. So far, there are a few other GPS units that have been added into the XL lineup, however, this is one of the main ones.

No word on exactly availability date, however, it is set to cost a meager $300. It looks to be a nice little GPS that gets the job done, while maintaining high quality.

Via [NaviGadget]

The TomTom 2nd Edition Rider is a GPS for people who mostly use a motorcycle as their means of transportation. TomTom did not add a lot of key features present in their normal, automobile GPS models, and so, with this update comes many features missing in the 2nd Edition Rider.

Some of the main features included in this update are Map Share, the Help Me! menu, which is a safety feature to try and help when needed, map guarantees, and Tele Atlas maps which cover Western and Eastern Europe, and they come pre-installed. Another cool update is that you can find out the stats of your trip, such as average and max speeds, total distance traveled, as well as the distance from the starting point. If you plan on buying a 2nd Edition Rider now, it would come with all of these new features. However, you might be wondering if you can still get these features if you already own this GPS or the 1st Edition Rider. The answer is yes, all you have to do is download the software from TomTom Home, and it’s free. 

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We love new gadgets and we always keep an eye on every new releases that come out of the market. We adore its shiny new look and get awed by its features. But have you ever stopped and thought about the possibility that the software that comes preinstalled in our new gadgets might be infected by viruses?

The Associated Press warns that some of today’s gadgets are coming into the market with extras - viruses. Recent cases examined by the AP pointed out that Apple iPods, digital picture frames sold by big-box retailers Target and Best Buy and the TomTom Navigation all contained viruses even before consumers ever had them in their hands.

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During CeBIT 2008, TomTom officials have announced a new range of TomTom GPS systems. The GO 930 and 730 models have several updates and new features over their predecessors the 920 and 720. They each contain something called ‘IQ Routes’ technology, which finds out the average speed of certain roads, rather than the speed limit, so it can calculate whether the shortest route is actually the quickest, thus saving time and fuel.

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The Boston Globe picked a fight with TomTom.  Really, picking on TomTom isn’t fair, most GPS units figure out street numbers the same way.  Most units take a street with say 100 numbers and spread them out evenly.  It gets you pretty close most or some of the time.

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As a regular Google maps user I use “the Send to” button whenever the option arises. Although sending a map to my phone was a big help, I have been lusting for GPS integration for a while now. Now TomTom looks to steep into that void and partner up with Google to offer a “send to GPS” feature in Google Maps. Your TomTom GPS must be connected to the internet via TomTom’s HOME application that they offer for free, but other than that it should be a fairly straightforward process. A quick check to Google Maps and TomTom’s website don’t show any immediate movement on this but there should to be some noise about it in the coming weeks.

read [SlashGear]