TomTom For iPhone review

Jim Martin

We review TomTom, probably the most eagerly awaited application for the Apple iPhone

Published on Sep 23, 2009

It's the SatNav app that iPhone 3G owners have been waiting for, but TomTom for iPhone is a letdown.

Far from being the superb navigation aid that TomTom's standalone devices are known as, the iPhone app is the runt of the litter.

True, it will get you from A to B with the minimum of fuss, but that's about all it does. Given that the iPhone has a permanent data connection, it's annoying that TomTom hasn't included a way to get traffic information, fuel prices or search Google for a points of interest.

Another unexplained omission is lane guidance, which shows a realistic graphics for motorway junctions.

Text-to-speech (for reading out road names) is also absent. Safety camera locations are included, but you can't alter the distance or alert sound for these warnings, nor for any other POI category.

MapShare (for user-created map updates) is AWOL, as is the ability to update the app via TomTom's Home software or tie the app to a TomTom account. Like Navigon and CoPilot's iPhone offerings, there's no way to add extra map regions after you've bought the app, so you'd have to pay for the app again if you need extra coverage later on.

The interface works both in portrait and landscape, and the driving view is virtually identical to TomTom's Go SatNav range. Entering a destination couldn't be simpler, and there are both Recent Destinations and Favourites in the list (the latter is missing from CoPilot). You can enter a full seven-digit postcode or tap Contact to jump straight to your iPhone's contact list.

When calculating a journey, TomTom's IQ Routes data is factored in.

This uses real road speeds, not just speed limits, to give a more accurate journey time and optimal route. You can easily plan routes in advance, choosing both a departure and arrival point, and the date and time of travel, in order to incorporate the IQ Routes information.

Out on the road, TomTom picked up a GPS signal quicker than its rivals, but routes weren't always as sensible as Navigon's and the screen didn't update as smoothly. Voice prompts were both timely and descriptive, and there are plenty of voices to choose between.

With the lack of features and relatively steep price, many people will be better served by investing in a standalone SatNav which can be shared among family members, unlike your iPhone.