AppleInsider Staff
Company officials confirmed to AppleInsider Wednesday that although the Car Kit dock is compatible with all iPhone models, the TomTom application will only work with the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G — even with the dock connected to a first-generation iPhone or iPod touch. Since it appeared for order on the Apple Store last week, the hardware's Web page has read: "Note: The TomTom app for iPhone is not included with this TomTom Car Kit. The Car Kit dock is compatible with all iPhone models, but the Car Kit app only works with iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G."
When asked whether the application could be updated to allow it to work with the iPod touch and first-generation iPhone, a company spokesman simply said that TomTom has not made any "public announcements."
The news is a change from previous reports, which suggested that the hardware kit with its integrated GPS receiver would allow navigation functionality on devices other than the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G.
The Car Kit was expected to arrive this summer, but was delayed until October without any specific reason given. Given that the $119.95 hardware is listed as shipping in two to three weeks from the Apple Store, it would appear that the October deadline will also be missed.
The hardware is not necessary to use the TomTom navigation software that is currently available in the iPhone App Store, but it will amplify the GPS signal for the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS. The dock is also said to be secure, have a superior speaker, and allow for easy charging and hands-free calling. The application and Car Kit are sold separately.
The TomTom iPhone mount will boost the device's GPS reception.
Malcolm Owen
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
34 Comments
It sounds like they are having trouble getting GPS to work via the 30-pin connector. They’d be remiss to not get it working.
The potential for a great GPS app to run on the iPhone OS is there, but Apple has limited the way it works that I don’t want to have my phone as my primary GPS unit.
That's some severe back-pedalling and quite a disappointment. Though, to be honest, it didn't seem like a such a great value for the prices they're asking.
Not really a reason to buy it now then. Any window mount will put your iphone 3G or 3GS in the perfect place for an excellent signal and for a tiny fraction of the cost.
I was so excited initially about the TomTom app and adapter, but boy has it been a disappointment in terms of COST and now compatibility. I bought the Navigon because it launched first and never regretted it. Now it looks like the Google Nav app if released to the iPhone, will blow both of them away. I may end up using Navigon only when traveling in areas of no cell coverage.
The guy in that picture seems to be driving on the wrong side of the road...