TomTom responds to your questions

A couple of weeks ago, TomTom invited a single representative each from a range of European countries to Amsterdam to share some of its plans and strategies for its satnav app on the iPhone. I was the UK journalist who attended, and, as I headed out for an informal evening meal with some of the senior product managers and PR folks, I pinged up a tweet from my iPhone inviting our Twitter followers to put some questions to TomTom.

I'm delighted to say that they've responded to each one, and while the answers may not be what you were hoping for, I think it's important we give credit to as large a company as TomTom for taking the time to address each question individually.

@cansurmeli Are they planning traffic integrated navigation for Turkey.
TomTom Nothing we can communicate yet, but we are always looking at expanding our services to reach more users. They should keep an eye out in the near future if and when we announce anything.

@__Makaveli__ i don't think TomTom have a future with the iPhone' they need to look at there prices' to high for most to buy.?
TomTom We have looked at our prices (and competitor pricing) and really believe that with what you receive with the TomTom app it is good value for money. For instance with IQ Routing and a seamless integration with the interface the iPhone uses it is a perfect addition to complement the iPhone. On top of this, we have several really great, free updates coming out this year which will invigorate the app itself.

@Seamaster73 Yes, why doesn't it work on foot and are they planning to do anything to fix it - it's worse than Google Maps for pedestrian use!
TomTom TomTom was indeed designed for in-car usage. But we do offer the ability to plan a route on foot. Of course we are always looking too at improving features such as this one.

@SteveSJS 3rd part POI's (speed cams)!and a price cut for the holder!! Otherwise at present most of their customers won't be buying it
TomTom Unfortunately due to restrictions set on the iPhone itself custom POI's (any third party ones) are unable to download into the iPhone. In regards to the holder we also have looked at competitive pricing and feel this is good value for money, especially considering the features you receive such as integrated Bluetooth handsfree, enhanced GPS performance and a good speaker.

@daveag When is @TomTom_ going to update its iphone app to be on par w/ navigon?
TomTom We are bringing several, free updates out this year which will not only improve the application but bring new features as well. Of course this is in addition to the already present IQ Routing system currently available in the TomTom for iPhone application.

@DrDLittle I'd like to know why the tomtom app/dock are ridiculously overpriced, particularly with the new google nav potential
TomTom We have looked at pricing, also competitively, and the application is indeed value for money as indeed, is the car kit.

@michalstochl where the future with satnav will go? Thanks
TomTom That is a great question! And interesting as well, as there are many new avenues still in which sat nav can go. We are already witnessing that more companies are realizing the potential of satellite navigation. The future shows us that there is actually much more to come and more innovation, and we will strive to be a forerunner of innovation within the industry.

@michalstochl is there going to be future in online maps or downloaded maps? If online how is going to work with network problems?
TomTom Certainly maps is a large platform to work with. TomTom have, for instance, our online-based TomTom Route Planner (http://routes.tomtom.com <http://routes.tomtom.com/> ) and of course off-board navigation systems are becoming very visible. Indeed TomTom's current focus is providing an excellent on-board navigation solution.

@M4RKM when is it going to give me traffic reports?
TomTom We are continually looking at improving our software (and providing additional features). Unfortunately we do not have a time frame if and when this will be available; however please check any updated information we may have in future.

@Mutley627441 I would like to see why they think that £160 all in is a fair price! A Tomtom is cheaper!
@big_blue_wolf Why is the cradle so damn expensive? It's put me off buying the App and cradle. Can buy a stand alone unit for a lot less.
TomTom We price our application competitively and also feel that with the existing technologies and our frequent, free updates, we offer a sat nav solution that is value for money.

@rosshaywood will tom tom enable the gps cradle for the iPod touch?
TomTom We announced this last week…[Note from MacFormat – remember that the cradle for the touch is different to the iPhone cradle; make sure you buy the right one!]

@macevg Could you please ask TomTom when map coverage of Eastern Europe and Russia will be ready?
TomTom No information yet on when and if this will made available. We do listen to comments and experiences and forward these onto product management.

@_gavinjones would love to know the roadmap (no pun intended) for the app, I'm waiting for realtime traffic alerts before I buy it.
TomTom That sounds great; and we can assure you that we are looking at comments and continually working to improve and update our app. When we release any feature within the application we always ensure that it works to the best possible standard. If and when there is information on new features that adhere to those standards we will definitely provide communication for it in the near future.

@BrizschoolsIT only about the cost, and why is it so expensive in comparison to alternative products on the iphone?
TomTom A number of factors influence pricing; however we do feel that the application and the additional updates which will follow will provide value for money for anyone who wishes to use a navigation app.

@RoryMitchell will the price drop Anytime soon? On the tom tom app?
TomTom No information on this unfortunately.

@garymarshall “how badly did you crap your pants when Google showed its free sat-nav?” springs to mind ☺
TomTom TomTom strives to provide the best navigation experience. Through technologies, such as IQ Routes, we believe we can provide the best in routing and maps.

@saltysmith1 One question i would like to ask is when is there going to be a map update as the one on the iphone is way out of date?
TomTom We recently announced that the latest update submitted for Apple approval will contain an update of the maps as a free update.

@merc5555 Ask them why their prices are so high. I've used their products for years, but on a recent US trip I used CoPilot - just as good
TomTom Once again, we do wish to state that we do price our application competitively and also feel that with the existing technologies, our frequent updates we offer an sat nav solution that is value for money.

Don't let the conversation end there, though – let us know what you think in the comments!