TomTom lets users share map updates

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Tom Keating
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TomTom lets users share map updates

TomTom Go 720Out-of-date maps suck. As a huge GPS fan I've encountered my fair share of inaccurate GPS map data. But TomTom’s new Map Share software combines cartography with community features that allow users to update maps on the go and then later share the map data with other TomTom users. This still isn't direct P2P GPS functionality with automatic traffic data sharing, but it's a start.

So when is this useful? Suppose you are driving and the GPS takes you to a closed road, a detour, or an entirely new road. You can enter changes to the route on the TomTom’s screen - assuming you don't rear-end the car in front of you while trying to key in the data!

The new data can be uploaded to the Internet with the TomTom Home software. Then other TomTom users can choose to download all map updates from the community to their own TomTom units, or just those verified by TomTom. I can think of some nice pranks to pull with this. Like say reprogramming Boston Red Sox's Fenway Park to take them to Yankee Stadium instead.

The TomTom Map Share technology is free and included with the new TomTom GO 720 GPS receiver. The GO 720 has a 4.3-inch color screen, a built-in FM transmitter to play music stored on the device or from MP3 players through the car’s radio, and the ability to record your own audio driving instructions.

The Map Share software will eventually be released to users of older TomTom products.

Source: NY Times


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