TomTom iPhone App Price Leaked… OUCH!!!

Posted on 06 August 2009, at 7:18 am, by Dan Cohen

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I’ve happily been using Navigon’s GPS solution on my iPhone 3GS. Sure there are benefits to having a standalone unit but, at least for me, having one integrated solution is the way to go. What can I say, I like being able to avoid having yet another device in my car.

When the Navigon app was released I debated whether or not I should jump on the initial discount that currently has the app for $69.99 or wait until TomTom released or, at a minimum, announced pricing of theirs. After all, the TomTom app had been shown as part of a larger system that included a nice windshield mount that enhances the GPS signal.

The TomTom pricing was leaked today. I’m glad I jumped on Navigon.

According to TUAW the price will be $160 to $200. Sure it includes the mount but… it will be $160 – $200. In fairness the post points out that TomTom units go for between $119 and $400 so this is totally unreasonable but… it will be $160 – $200. I could, if I wanted, almost have my Navigon app AND the low-end TomTom for the price which will be $160 – $200.

via TUAW

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Tags | Apple iPhone and Touch Applications, GPS

7 Comments For This Post

Christopher Spera Says:
August 6th, 2009 at 7:25 am
So you’re saying its going to be between $160-$200..?

Seriously, that’s way pricey for an iPhone app. this is just software and a base. The combo is not worth that much. This thing better do a lot more than get me from A to B…
Christopher Gavula Says:
August 6th, 2009 at 8:40 am
Of course it’s NOT just an app -= it’s a piece of hardware too that should improve the phone’s ability to maintain a GPS lock.

That said, Navigon is a nice app, but I’d also take a look at iGo My Way and Sygic.
Dan Cohen Says:
August 6th, 2009 at 9:07 am
You are totally correct Chris… But… I have no trouble with the signal lock already so while the hardwre looks slick… For under $70 I have a perfectly fine gps. Don’t really need the hardware… Or to spend morethn double the price.
Joel McLaughlin Says:
August 6th, 2009 at 9:10 am
Ahh heck…just go buy a Tomtom or Garmin. These work WITHOUT cell networks. Those in San Francisco with iPhones totally know what I mean!
Dan Cohen Says:
August 6th, 2009 at 9:17 am
If you don’t mind having two different devices go right ahead.
Sure some people live in areas where they need to device that best grabs and holds a gps signal. Others don’t want the battery drain of gps on the iPhone. Still others don’t like the fact that nav stops when a call comes in. For them an individual device is best.

For others of us the iPhone as gps is just fine and for under $70 we have a fully functioning gps.

Everyone’s needs are different Joel.
Christopher Gavula Says:
August 6th, 2009 at 9:28 am
Another point to consider is that European nav sotware is typically priced higher than U.S. counterparts anyway, so the actual price will likely be a little lower than what is suggested here – but still higher than competitors. That said – I totally agree – I don’t want to haul around two devices and all the cables, etc. I don’t need the extra pieces TomTom offers either, but I was trying to point out that there was no reasonable way it could be at the same pricepoint as software-only solutions.

In my vehicles, I get a decent signal lock only iPhone, but only if it’s up near the windshield. If I use a mount that places it nearer to the center console, the signal isn’t as stable and I can understand someone who might want and need that better GPS signal quality. If I was TomTom, I’d sell that add-in separately as well – let it install a driver that redirected the calls for the GPS to the add-in instead (if Apple will allow that kind of redirection). That way they could still make money from people who aren’t fond of the TomTom application istelf!

There are a lot of very good applications for navigation out there now and many people, as you point out, don’t need the GPS boost. TomTom is going to find themselves in an uphill battle in a market that is filling up quickly. It will be interesting to see what they actually do when they enter the U.S. market.
Remo Knops Says:
August 17th, 2009 at 7:40 am
This is what I have learned from my TomTom PR contact this morning:

“The TomTom app for iPhone 3G and 3GS users includes a map of the US and Canada from Tele Atlas, and is available to download through http://www.tomtom.com/tomtom-app for $99.99 USD”

I hope to find out further information about the device holder as well.

http://www.mobilityminded.com/.....-app-store

Remark: TomTom is using more advanced routing technologies, like IQ routes.