FREE Lifetime Map/traffic Updates for new NA models!

[dhn]

Then there is this (backtracking) from TT:

To make its PNDs even more interesting for consumers, TomTom also announced at CES it would bring to market lifetime traffic and lifetime map update options in 2010. The real-time traffic information – from Clear Channel and INRIX - will be downloaded via a RDS-TMC module compatible with some existing and all future devices. “This will be a paid option, but in some cases we will use these options to run special promotions with our partners that will offer these services bundled for free.”
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David

[Seamaster]

In my experience, changes to Tomtom maps have happened rarely if ever. Stories are legion here of changes reported years ago, and repeatedly, still not implemented. Easy to give those kind of "updates" away for free. More surprising is how long they've got away with charging for them.

[MikeB]

A bit late, I know, but here is the lowdown on the lifetime offers announced by TomTom.

Firstly I was a bit miffed at the way they released the info. We interviewed them the day before they made the press release and nothing was mentioned or even hinted (despite a direct question) of this. The announcement slipped out when we were on the show floor with no access to the Internet.

I managed to to speak to the Corporate Communications Manager to pose some questions about the Lifetime offers.

Basically the Lifetime means the serviceable life of the device. I questioned the definition of serviceable and was told that it meant as long as the device was operational they would support it. This support will continue even if the whole structure of the mapping format is changed. The average lifetime of a PND is 2 years, but when asked they said they would still support devices that reach the age of 5 years.

Also the Lifetimes Updates will not be free but will be priced in a hardware/software bundle. This means that effectively that there will be a base price for the unit, then a premium for the lifetime map updates, and a separate premium for the lifetime traffic. Therefore they will be offering three different configuration options for each hardware device.

The lifetime traffic will be provided by hardware in the Power Line Connector removing the need for a trailing antenna. From my discussions it is not quite clear what the format will be but I assume it will be RDS-TMC. This new power lead will form the traffic bundle.

I asked if the lifetime updates would be available for legacy devices, and was told that there are discussions going on at the moment and it has not been ruled out. No decision seems to have been made either way.

I also asked if the same would be available in Europe and other regions and was told that this was purely a US business unit decision. Europe was subject to different marketing plans and they was unable to comment on them.
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Mike Barrett

[dhn]

Thanks, Mike (I heard you were there ).

There is some feeling that TomTom really do not know what their marketing strategy is. And the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing.

Initially they reported the EASE (a.k.a Start) would have free maps included, then they backtracked on that ....

All new models being introduced and 'maybe' some existing models....


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David

[Seamaster]

[Darren]

[gatorguy6996]

According to TomTom's Vice President of Marketing, it's RDS-TMC.
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Garmin 1695 / 255 / 760 w/MSN - Droid w/Google nav + Navigon - Navigon 8100T - Dakota10 - GPSMap76C - GeoMate Jr.

[Seamaster]

Whatever happened to the in-line HD Traffic receiver that was punted a year or two ago as an means of updating pre-LIVE legacy units? Did it ever see the light of day?

[Darren]

[MikeB]

[mikealder]

North America don't have HD Traffic, even the Live connected devices don't get the same type of service we enjoy within Europe where the HD Traffic service is available.

If TomTom were going to launch HD Traffic in North America there would have been a huge fanfare/ song and dance, as it is they seem to be releasing a new type of RDS-TMC receiver that "might" be free to use for life depending upon which device it gets bundled with, with the receiver built in to the power supply/ charger lead (not that far away from what we have enjoyed in Europe for a number of years (quality of data might be a different issue when comparing UK/ NA though for RDS supplied traffic) - Mike

[MrT]

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