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TomTom - Third party POI alerts are no more
Article by: Darren Griffin
Date: 1 Jul 2010
 We have discussed the move by TomTom with withdraw support for third party POI alerts in some of their new models in previous issues.
Until now we have had to speculate as to the reasons for this change, whether they were choosing to remove this feature on budget models only or if this was a change that would eventually transfer to every new model.
Well TomTom have now responded to our request for an official comment on their position.
"TomTom has stopped supporting 3rd party POI proximity warning sounds in speed camera products."
Their official position is "TomTom Start2 and XL IQR2 still supports 3rd party POI, but TomTom has stopped supporting 3rd party POI proximity warning sounds in speed camera products. We do not comment on roadmaps or future products, but we continue to remain supportive of 3rd party developer content".
So there you have it, new models will no longer offer POI Warning functionality for third party POI data.
| Comments
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 Posted by matthewj on Thu Jul 01, 2010 8:29 am |
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Well, if they provide a way for YOU to sell your POI through their store, then this will be acceptable. Otherwise I've bought my last TomTom device.
It is obviously a move to protect their speed camera business, but it is simplistic and naive. After all, I already pay for Live so they get their camera money. Why must they stop me also having other POIs too?
Perhaps the most useful POI warning I have is for a set I made myself of service stations. This means that the satnav sounds a special noise when we are approaching services, and we can then judge whether the kids are going to need the toilet. But no, TomTom know better so want to remove this facility.
Perhaps I'll start using iPhone satnav instead of a new device in the future. One that is open.
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| Posted by BrianA on Thu Jul 01, 2010 8:39 am |
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Darren
I'm unclear - is it just new hardware that's affected, or does this statement imply that as/when the software on my Go520 is updated, I will lose the audible warnings ?
Brian Abbott
Go 520 + Navcore 8
(was a happy PDA user until TT stopped updating the software) |
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| Posted by PaulB2005 on Thu Jul 01, 2010 8:42 am |
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| Quote: | | After all, I already pay for Live so they get their camera money. Why must they stop me also having other POIs too? |
Not all units have LIVE Services. Some just have the TT cameras which still requires a subscription. However i suspect in those cases TT are loosing out on revenue to PGPSW....
I also wonder if they are about to tie up some major POI database deals...
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| Posted by Darren on Thu Jul 01, 2010 8:44 am |
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| BrianA Wrote: | Darren
I'm unclear - is it just new hardware that's affected, or does this statement imply that as/when the software on my Go520 is updated, I will lose the audible warnings ? |
Although their statement isn't very clear, our understanding is that, for now at least, those current models that do support POI Alerts will continue to do so.
If TomTom chose to release an update that removed this it would cause a furore and we cannot see them choosing to remove that functionality from existing devices where it was available at point of sale.
Darren Griffin |
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| Posted by Ian_J on Thu Jul 01, 2010 8:46 am |
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| BrianA Wrote: | Darren
I'm unclear - is it just new hardware that's affected, or does this statement imply that as/when the software on my Go520 is updated, I will lose the audible warnings ? |
Seconded
I'm looking round for a new SatNav, will I be safe buying an older vs new TomTom unit or should I buy a different brand?
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| Posted by Darren on Thu Jul 01, 2010 9:00 am |
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| Ian_J Wrote: |
Seconded
I'm looking round for a new SatNav, will I be safe buying an older vs new TomTom unit or should I buy a different brand? |
See my previous reply.
Darren Griffin |
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| Posted by GerryC on Thu Jul 01, 2010 9:09 am |
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| Darren Wrote: | | If TomTom chose to release an update that removed this it would cause a furore and we cannot see them choosing to remove that functionality from existing devices where it was available at point of sale. |
Probably more importantly, remember that some new maps need the latest software to work. If they did decide to take the function off existing devices with a software upgrade, existing users won't bother to upgrade the map (and pay TT for it) - I certainly won't. Let's face it, roads don't change that much (not nearly the 15%/year they claim).
I'd be quite happy running my 730 with it's current software and map for a few more years.
Gerry
TomTom730T
Cameralert for Android
Brodit ProClip mount |
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| Posted by Oldboy on Thu Jul 01, 2010 9:42 am |
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| GerryC Wrote: | | I'd be quite happy running my 730 with it's current software and map for a few more years. |
Ditto for my 910.
Richard
TT 910 V7.903: Europe Map v1045
TT Via 135 App 12.075: Europe Map v1120 |
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| Posted by Daggers on Thu Jul 01, 2010 10:44 am |
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This could be bad news for PGPSW in the longer term.
As members renew their devices, will they stick with the most popular brand, TomTom and their reasonable, but not quite accurate speed cameras, or will they change brands to one of the manufacturers which fully supports 3rd party POI alerts?
If' it's the former, will people bother to renew their membership if the PGPSW speed cameras are no longer useful to them?
I suspect it will be a bit of both, with some of the less active members opting to stick with TomTom.
Garmin DriveSmart 50 LMT-D |
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| Posted by gatorguy6996 on Thu Jul 01, 2010 10:55 am |
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I wouldn't be surprised if Tomtom approaches PGPS in a few months and offers to purchase your Speed Camera database, albeit at a marginal price. It's unfortunate that the Tomtom that got much of it's attractiveness from the open platform and 3rd party software capabilities as a start-up has now decided only certain development is to allowed anymore. Even that will be squashed when Tomtom has methods in place (web-based Home) to either derive some income from the developers or develop their own software for some of the extended functions. Going forward it appears that if it doesn't come from Tomtom themselves, it won't be allowed.
They are no longer the TomTom of even a couple years ago. A shame.
Garmin 1695 / 255 / 760 w/MSN - Droid w/Google nav + Navigon - Navigon 8100T - Dakota10 - GPSMap76C - GeoMate Jr. |
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| Posted by Darren on Thu Jul 01, 2010 11:41 am |
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| Daggers Wrote: | | This could be bad news for PGPSW in the longer term. |
Indeed so but we have always had competition from TomTom and the vast majority already use TT's data in blissful ignorance of an alternative.
If this occurs and TT do not offer a service for us and others to sell via them then we will do as we have done before and diversify.
| Quote: | | TomTom and their reasonable, but not quite accurate speed cameras, |
Have to challenge that, they are much worse than that! They are atrocious, compared them only yesterday and received warnings for cameras long since gone/moved. This included fixed cameras for which there can be no excuse.
Darren Griffin |
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