TomTom to release iPod touch-specific GPS car kit

In conjunction with its newly updated App Store software, TomTom announced it will release a car kit that will bring GPS functionality specifically to the iPod touch.

The new TomTom car kit for iPod touch is compatible with both the first- and second-generation iPod touch, and requires iPhone OS 3.0 or later. The hardware will be "available shortly," the company announced this week.

At $99.95, the hardware is $20 cheaper than the car kit for iPhone. According to a TomTom spokesperson, the car kit for iPhone has Bluetooth capabilities, while the iPod touch kit does not. In addition, the iPod touch kit is slightly smaller.

Features of the new hardware, according to TomTom, include:

Secure docking: Award-winning EasyPort mount fixes your iPod touch.
Built-in GPS receiver: The built-in GPS receiver turns your iPod touch into a mobile navigation device.
Clear voice instructions: Built-in speaker allows users to hear instructions.
Line out for music playback: Using the line out connector, users can play songs through a car's audio system with the optional audio cable. The system also fades music when giving directions.
Rotates for optimal positioning: Rotate the screen for widescreen route display. And the kit folds flat, making it easier to move from car to car.
Charges iPod touch while driving: Dock your iPod and have it charge as you drive.

Earlier this week, TomTom updated its application on the App Store to version 1.2, adding support for the first-generation iPhone, as well as the iPod touch. Previously, the software could only be installed on the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS.

Both the first-generation iPhone and the iPod touch require car kits, because the devices lack an integrated GPS receiver. The kit also boosts GPS reception with its external receiver for the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS. The iPhone car kit retails for $119.95.

37 Comments

msantti 1362 comments · 22 Years

About 14 years ago

So $100 for the car kit and another $100 for the software.

Ridiculous.

Just buy a standalone GPS for $120.

And Garmin or Magellan software is better IMO.

Good luck Tom Tom.

icloud 3 comments · 19 Years

Dear TomTom;

Fire your marketing and sales department immediately!

This almost feels like maltreatment. I really wanted to support you guys, but your train wreck of marketing and pricing products have demanded better sense of me to look elsewhere

iphonedeveloperthailand 63 comments · 15 Years

Rip off!!

gsteeno 56 comments · 17 Years

The navigation software for $100 plus $100 for kit is kind of expensive, but aren't you allowed to distribute the software with devices authorized on the same account?

My wife has the 1G iPod Touch, and I had always considered TomTom for my iPhone. I don't know what the sharing rules are, but I assume it's the same with all apps. So we'd be splitting the software cost which makes it a much more compelling purchase. Additionally, I have two friends who are authorized (back from the DRM days of music) which effectively makes it even cheaper. So ~$25 for software and ~$100 for kit. Not so bad.

Can anyone confirm this is the case?

(Yes, I should just look up the terms and conditions myself. It's Friday and I'm lazy.)

- Greg

ninma002 4 comments · 15 Years

What are the differences between this one and the iPhone version? Will both versions work with the iPhone? At $20 cheaper, why should I not buy this one. I don't neccesarily want the TOMTOM software, but a hand charging dock with line-out would be nice.... oh an whatever happen to the proposed FM transmitter that was supposed to be build-in, did TomTom nix this idea.