14 DAY TRIAL // Navigation systems expert TomTom has announced an all-new Navigation app that costs only $0.99/€0.89 and allows customers to test-drive all the key functions offered by the company’s hot-selling navigation apps.
The company fails to provide a link in the press release, and it seems Apple has yet to approve the software in the iTunes Store, but nothing is stopping TomTom from making the proper introductions.
According to the announcement, “Starting today, drivers can experience TomTom’s Navigation app for iPhone for 30 days at a cost of $0.99[€0.89]. The new trial app includes access to TomTom Traffic, helping drivers to get there faster,” says the navigation expert.
TomTom promises to provide “all the features and functionality of the latest TomTom Navigation app,” plus a subscription to traffic information, all for the aforementioned stellar price of just one buck Americano.
“For the first time, we are offering iPhone and iPad owners the chance to experience the power of premium TomTom Navigation and TomTom Traffic for themselves,” said Jocelyn Vigreux, president of TomTom, Inc. “Once drivers experience how TomTom can help them avoid traffic and get there faster, we are confident they won’t want to drive without TomTom ever again.”
TomTom says that “the app can be purchased from the iTunes App Store,” and I’m sure they’re not lying, but it seems Apple hasn’t yet gone through the motions of actually publishing it. The navigation expert also says that users who decide to keep the app can unlock it via in-app purchase.
The biggest advantage of going with a full user license is probably the fact that maps get stored on the iPhone / iPad, allowing drivers to plan a new route, get re-routed, or search for points of interest without requiring any data coverage.
With the one-time purchase you also get free map updates for life. TomTom says, “Drivers can download four or more full map updates every year for the life of the app.” The company also promises that “drivers benefit from shared daily map corrections from TomTom's 20 million-strong Map Share community.”
The TomTom navigation apps give drivers real-time traffic information. The company has proved through independent tests that its Traffic function covers the most roads with the highest level of accuracy of any navigation app out there.
IQ Routes offers the fastest routes and the most accurate and reliable arrival times, the search function serves up destinations with TomTom Places, Facebook, and Foursquare, Multi-Tasking lets you switch through apps and keep your navigation app on (including turn-by-turn guidance), and the app integrates with Contacts, the camera roll, the Music app, Mail, Safari, Calendar, iCloud, and even Apple Maps.