The Mövenpick hotel in Amsterdam was the place to be today for the launch of two new TomTom products. These products are a new step in the gathering and presentation of real-time traffic information on navigational devices. The first new product is the long-awaited "High Definition Traffic" service, which has been developed in close collaboration with telecom-provider Vodafone. The second product is a new device: the ONE XL HD Traffic: the first TomTom device to actually support the aforementioned new service.
HD Traffic
The new TomTom HD traffic technology uses anonymous data which is generated by mobile phones combined with existing traffic information sources. This way, it's possible to determine more accurately where jams will occur and how long it will take to drive from point A to point B. HD traffic will send the users traffic information every three minutes, which is up to five times faster than with other systems. And, because the system is not limited to motorways and secondary roads, it covers at least ten times as many roads than is the case with current systems.
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TomTom HD Traffic
"TomTom High Definition Traffic information is a big change for users when planning their daily journeys. They know more about traffic flows and how to avoid them than anyone else. This creates a feeling of control and comfort. This world premiere provides TomTom users with a breakthrough solution to a structural, every-day problem and marks a significant change in mobility management and route guidance," says Harold Goddijn, chief executive officer at TomTom. "With High Definition Traffic, drivers can plan their day in a smarter way, based on accurate and precise traffic information. We are looking forward to expanding our High Definition Traffic offering to other European countries in 2008."
TomTom has signed an agreement with mobile phone operator Vodafone for the provision of anonymous GSM positioning data in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Guy Laurence, CEO of Vodafone Netherlands: "As the leading mobile telecommunications provider we are constantly looking at new ways of deploying mobile technology in areas with great impact on society. Through this partnership we are truly helping people to make the most of their valuable time. I am proud that combining our innovative power with TomTom has resulted in a product which I'm sure will put a smile on customers' faces."
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TomTom HD Traffic Receiver
ONE XL HD Traffic
Combined with the new HD Traffic service, TomTom also launches the first PND which is compatible with this real-time traffic information. A new variant of the existing TomTom XL will be shipped this week, the TomTom XL HD Traffic.
This new ONE XL will accept a Vodafone SIM card, which can be used to connect to the Vodafone network. This way, the position of the PND is continuously followed, and in that way it can add more information to improve the traffic mapping. That same connection is used every three minutes to acquire the actual traffic data, and that data is used whilst navigating and the planning the route.
The rest of the ONE XL HD Traffic's specifications are identical to those of the existing ONE XL, e.g. the 4.3 inch touch screen and the latest map of 25 countries in Western-Europe. The ONE XL HD Traffic is shipped initially with NavCore version 7.30, a version specially created with support for the retrieval and processing of traffic information.
The new navigational system will be available from next week, with a recommended sale price of ¤ 399,-. This amount includes the use of HD Traffic and the charges for the data traffic for one year. The subscription can be renewed every year for ¤ 9.95/month. This also includes the costs of the live data connection.
Users group
From the beginning of 2008, TomTom hopes to expand the HD Traffic users group, and in this way enhance the service. Apart from the ONE XL HD Traffic with SIM card, other users will also be able to use the new service. How this will be made possible has not been announced yet, but on the website of the American Federal Communications Commission (FCC), it's already been leaked that there will be a 12V power cable with built-in SIM card available. (see the photos at the side) This means that all existing users of TomTom devices will be able to use the new traffic service in future.
After the initial launch in the Netherlands in the next six months, HD Traffic will be rolled out in the UK. TomToms' goal is to have the service available in half of Europe by the end of 2008.
Other news:
March 2
Posted on: November 15, 2007 - 12:23 hour
By:
stingray
so i guess one needs a subscription to one of these mobile phone operators to get HD traffic? Another expense? TMC is FREE over Classic FM.. might not be as accurate but still FREE.
Posted on: November 15, 2007 - 13:14 hour
By:
Bart
The TMC antenna still isn't free. The cost of such an antenna will probably be very comparable the cost of a (few?) annual subscription(s) to this new service.
Posted on: November 15, 2007 - 13:48 hour
By:
NickG
TMC is not free. You have to pay a one off subscription charge, which is usually built in to the receiving device such as the TMC antenna adapter.
Posted on: November 15, 2007 - 14:06 hour
By:
Wishlist
QUOTE (NickG @ Nov 15 2007, 12:48) 
TMC is not free. You have to pay a one off subscription charge, which is usually built in to the receiving device such as the TMC antenna adapter.
You know what he meant,
you still pay the 50 Euros extra for this version and then in 12 months it will be 10 euros per month after that. So the costs of obtaining a traffic receiver are the same (ish) to start with but from then on TMC is free and this one is 10 Euros per month.
Posted on: November 16, 2007 - 18:07 hour
By:
stingray
Come on Bart get real man! the cost of the TMC antenna is gonna be FAR FAR less than even 6 months of a mobile phone company sim subscription! And you may even have to sign a contract too! - Especially Vodafones' ... i know, i got one! Then you got the data charges that are continually going up and up and up and up!!! TMC antenna... any day mate!
It will only work if the mobile phone companies drastically reduce their tariffs and ease off on their "gottacha for life" binding contracts.. Look at mobile Internet.. its still not cost effective for most consumer users.
QUOTE It will only work if the mobile phone companies drastically reduce their tariffs and ease off on their "gottacha for life" binding contracts.. Look at mobile Internet.. its still not cost effective for most consumer users
ALL THE ANSWERS ARE IN THE REVIEW IF YOU READ IT!!
The Package "Includes SIM Service and Data for the First Year"
After the first year the monthly charge covers data transfer and service.
So NO Contract or Large Data bill to worry about,
I have seen a demo of this service and its going to stomp on Standard TMC from a very big height.
Posted on: November 17, 2007 - 00:34 hour
By:
stingray
One is still 10 euros a month EVERY MONTH no matter what u say mate!
10euros a month for a reliable system that works
or a one off chage for a useless out of date system
Hmm. Why is there thias attitude that I WANT SOMETHING GOOD - But I Dont want to pay for it
This is the real world. The service costs money to set up run and manage. Its going to cost and 10 euros a month is good value for anyone who has a real need for it.
Posted on: November 17, 2007 - 12:46 hour
By:
Bart
Agreed. I'd also rather pay 10 euro/month for a system that works, then 50 euro for an antenna that sometimes works, and is less accurate. I'm funny that way.
Posted on: November 17, 2007 - 22:08 hour
By:
Andy_P
Sorry to drift off topic, but I got really confused and thought "flashyphotos" was arguing with himself...
Until I realised that he isn't the one with a picture of a camera as his avatar!
Posted on: November 18, 2007 - 11:45 hour
By:
stingray
flashy i thought the new antenna (version 2) was reliable from what others have said it was pretty good. However, since i dont use it i cannot verify it.
You have to put things into perspective.. many are already paying for a speed camera database. And Im sure the majority of users or at least a large percentage dont rely on traffic on a daily basis, or even weekly for that matter.
As with anything subscription based you are bound by charges that invariably go up not down.
TMC has its downfalls .. agreed. However in my experience its served me reasonably well (i use inbuilt Honda Navigation and maybe its more reliable than the TT system?) but for a free service i cannot complain. I often have to drive to place that Im not familiar with but find I have more problems with incomplete Map Data than with incorrect Traffic info.
Be interesting to see some real life hands-on reviews of this HD Traffic. Havent even got an HD TV yet!!!! ;)
Hi Stingray.
The new TT Antenna is still fairly miserable compared to any inbuilt system, (I use one in an Alfa and the signal is 10x better) than TT, I would assume you have the same situation in your Honda.
TMC can be OK but it still relies on a system with inherent delays and inacurracies
I do about 70k a year so live on traffic info (also the fact that I have a temper fuse that goes off in a flash!, means I would rather travel an extra 20 miles than sit in traffic!)
Having seen a demo of the proposed Voda system, if it can produce the results they suggest it will collecting anonymous data from not just a limited amout of Sat Navs, but all phones on the network that are switched on and in motion it looks like its going to be a stunning system that should make basic TMC look like a throwback from the dark ages!. Of course it could all go really T1Ts up once it hits the real world, so like anything judgement is reserved till its seen in a daily situation..
And also in the real works there is nothing that going to be a 100% solution, given todays traffic levels, no systems ever going to get you out of all the mire unless the unit can magically supply wings to fly you over the traffic!
But personally I am in the camp that would rather pay a monthly subscription for a reliable service. And thats a strong comment coming from someone who dumped Sky for Freeview and unlocked an Iphone to use on PAYG rather than stump up for a contract.
But anything that would save me from going "Postal" on the M1 on a friday afternoon has to be worth a punt!
Cheers
Posted on: November 19, 2007 - 12:25 hour
By:
stingray
hi flashy,
I think u have made a fair comment, especially as somebody who drives 70k mile p/year you could easily justify a subscription based system. As for your short fused temper in traffic.. u sound just like me!
Going on from one of your previous posts: I really wish we could get something for free, i think most of us deserve it with the high price of living. That’s why TMC appealed to me. Im curious about the TMC sensitivity though, I am surprised (given what i've read from a handful of TT users) that the new Antenna was so bad.. to be honest, i thought TMC was jus TMC no matter what device u used?! Moreover, I very, very rarely lost the TMC signal im my Honda.
Lets hope HD Traffic does what it says then perhaps the 'contract-less' subscription wont be so bad after all?!
Drive safe!
Posted on: November 27, 2007 - 08:21 hour
By:
nemosinbad
Hi all
Just a quick point, I have a TT 720 and i use the traffic info through a connection on my t-mobile which doesn't cost anything on data downloads with there 'Web n Walk' package,
I was coming back to Rochester, Kent. from Southampton on Sunday 25th nov when my TT720 picked up a traffic problem of 114 minutes delay on my route on the M3, So i hit 'Minimize traffic delays' button and it gave me an alternative route, Only problem with 'Alternative route' was that there was even more traffic on that as everyone was trying to get off motorway, and the tt didn't know this alternative was jammed because it's not monitored,
So I ended up doubling back on the M3 to the previous junction and following my nose across country, all the time TT was trying to turn me around to go back onto it's 'alternative route',
Eventuly I managed to get on the A3 and was making good progress when slam!!!!
huge traffic and not a peep out of my TT, again the old problem of the delay between a problem occuring to when it gets reported and then procesed and then sent down the line,
This new system should solve this if there is enough people with a Vodaphone on the same route, As data will be instantly relayed to your unit,
Only problem is how many stationary vodaphones do they count as a traffic problem and not just a few units pulled into the services all at the same time!
Doug
12-03
