TomTom have presented a new version of the car mount for their GO x10 models at the CES electronics fair in Las Vegas. This model includes a built-in FM transmitter, enabling the user to listen to route instructions through the car stereo. The expanded mount is to be released in the US first, but TomTom hopes to be able to release the FM transmitter to the European market before CeBIT (starting March 15).

The TomTom GO x10 range windscreen mount has always been a technically complex component, but the Dutch company has now succeeded in cramming even more electronics into it. Garmin have already managed something similar in the US market with their newly announced nÃŒvi 680 (mentioned here), but in Europe TomTom has taken the lead.

Now, users of the GO 510, 710 or 910 will be able to set the car mount to transmit on an unused FM frequency and the TomTom sound is then played through the car stereo. In addition to the normal route instructions and POI alerts, music MP3's and phone calls can also be replayed.

Legislation

The introduction of the FM transmitter into Europe won't be an easy task. Current legislation prohibits the use of such transmitters in many European countries and therefore use of the new car mount is still illegal in those countries. Although there is European Community legislation that allows the use of short Range FM transmitters, most countries still have local laws that prohibit their use.

Currently, Germany, Switzerland and only very recently also the United Kingdom have adapted their local legislation to take account of the new European laws. It's expected that these will become effective in the first half of 2007.

With the arrival of this latest mount, the long awaited Car-Connect-Kit will most likely not be launched at all. The Car-Connect-Kit would have had identical facilities as the new FM transmitter, but using Bluetooth instead of FM signals. It is expected that the new car mount will sell for around €49.95.

Downsides

The use of the FM Transmitter wil also have a downside, especially when used in the UK.
Firstly, the major disadvantage of this method is that the user will have to make a choice: either listen to the GO instructions, or listen to the radio, tape or CD - both is not possible. In addition to that, finding an unused frequency, that stays clear as you drive, can also be a daunting task.

This is one area where the Car-Connect-Kit would have proved itself over the FM Transmitter.

Finally, it's still doubtful if the signal of the FM Transmitter will be strong enough to be picked up by the car's antenna without any interference. The signal strength is limited by law, to avoid it interfering with other FM signals, and this could present an even greater problem if your car has a rear-mounted antenna.