TomTom iPhone App Gets Traffic Service

By Joseph Palenchar -- TWICE, 3/15/2010

Concord, Mass. - TomTom upgraded its iPhone navigation app with the addition of Google Local Search and optional real-time traffic.

 Other new features of Version 1.3 of the app include:

• pinch and zoom capability to see a more detailed view of a map;

• an updated map, said to include 1 million more miles of U.S. roads than competitors. Maps;

• an automatic day/night mode that, through onboard calculation of  local sunrise and sunset times, automatically adjusts screen brightness; and

• music fading to decrease music volume when turn-by-turn instructions are announced. Previously, the music muted abruptly.

Version 1.3 is available and free to existing app owners. First-time buyers pay $59.99 for an app with U.S. maps and $69.99 for an app with U.S. and Canadian maps. The traffic service is available as an in-app purchase for an additional $19.99 per 12 months of service.

TomTom Traffic updates are received automatically every three minutes, allowing for automatic re-routing. Traffic delays are announced audibly and displayed on the screen.