TomTom announce HD Traffic at CeBIT

MikeB

Well it looks like BluRay has won the format war for HD in the DVD arena, now TomTom wades into the marketplace with HD Traffic.

TomTom HD traffic is basically a replacement power cable which not only powers the SatNav but also has built in communications capabilities (using a SIM card and GPRS) to provide real time traffic information. This data is not just the standard traffic data we get via TMC, but it is enriched with actual current traffic conditions (via anonymous cellphone monitoring) enabling better and more accurate routes to be generated with realistic Estimated Times of Arrival.

Currently HD Traffic will be available on the new GO x30 range and the current GO x20 for €60 including 6 months subscription. Other devices will follow later with a software upgrade.

For more pictures and more details as we get them click here to check the CeBIT blog.

Darren · Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2008 11:26 am Post subject:

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Darren Griffin

xda · Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2008 12:47 pm Post subject:

Not going to be easily used if using a Brodit Active mount and the cable looks rather short to reach from the cigar socket to a dash or windscreen mounted unit.
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Graham.
TT Go720, App:9.510(1234792.1) OS:842337
GPS: V1.20, Boot: 5.5279, Home: V2.9.5.3093
Map: Europe V910.4892
Map: Europe_Truck V870.3421, Kingston 8GB SD
Nokia 925 Windows 8

Darren · Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2008 12:57 pm Post subject:

It will need Carcomm and Brodit to adapt their cradles or some user modifications.

I think the cable is longer than would appear from the PR shots! It obviously vastly improves the TMC data quality and reception issues, the question is how many of us could justify the expense? I couldn't but road warriors may perhaps benefit.
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Darren Griffin

perussell · Frequent Visitor Joined: May 12, 2006 Posts: 292

It will be interesting to see the difference in data between the new service and the current GPRS offering to which I already subscribe. 9.95€ per month does seem a bit steep though compared to the current £30 per annum. It will need to be good to justify that kind of expense though it is nice to see a manufacturer offering something new that can be applied to older models and doesn't automatically require purchase of a complete new unit.

Darren · Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2008 1:07 pm Post subject:

Don't forget that much of the additional cost is because the data connection is included, at the moment TRAFFIC does not include your data charges.
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Darren Griffin

rtj70 · Regular Visitor Joined: Jun 18, 2005 Posts: 144

I'm using the GPRS Traffic option again since December. And very good it has been. Now for some more money and "unlimited" updates over GPRS included and all within the power adapter - I'd be interested.

Currently have a non-GPRS work phone, TomTom 720 and an old PAYG mobile for the traffic GPRS connection. If I didn't have to worry about having a second phone I think this is good.

And once you buy this... not easy to justify moving from TomTom to say a Garmin?

Privateer · Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2008 3:58 pm Post subject:

MikeB,

I was hoping that the new TomTom 930, 730, and 530 units would come with a SIM slot in the actual unit and not have to reply on HD Traffic via what looks like an afterthought designed power cable. I can understand TomTom providing a power cable with SIM for previous models, but surely current models should have the SIM in the unit itself.

As xda has already said, the power supply is not easy to use if you use Brodit or Carcomm. That’s more expense when Brodit or Carcomm produce new holders.

When will HD Traffic be ready in the UK?

Regards,
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Robert.
iPhone 6s Plus, iOS 14.0.1: iOS CamerAlert v2.0.7
TomTom GO Mobile iOS 2.3.1; TomTom (UK & ROI and Europe) iOS apps v1.29
Garmin Camper 770 LMT-D

SpeedCam · Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 10:42 pm Post subject:

I wonder if the subscription is country based or european, ie does the price include call costs just in the country of purchase or anywhere in the Europe. If it is European then the subscription cost is not too high.

If it is country based, how will the device work if you travel from the Uk into France (due 2009), extra charges, or no service. It looks like the HD receiver also includes or connects to the TMC receiver. The pictures at YourNAV are interesting:

http://www.yournav.com/content/n/423/TomTom_CeBIT_GO_x30_NC_8_HD_Traffic.html
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MikeB · Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 10:58 pm Post subject:

I think you will find that only the last image is the HD Traffic accessory, the rest are just normal TMC device shots.
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Mike Barrett

Ray-of-Sunshine · Regular Visitor Joined: Jul 21, 2007 Posts: 73

ItsMikeE · Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 1:43 pm Post subject:

Is there any feedback from the Netherlands on how well the Traffic HD works? and how many people are using it?

Presumably the more people that use it, the better the information gets, so it might be a hard sell at the beginning.

limans75 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Mar 14, 2006 Posts: 41

JimmyTheHand · Frequent Visitor Joined: Apr 16, 2005 Posts: 386

MrT · Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 9:30 am Post subject: Latest Dates???

What is the latest news on the date for HD traffic to be released in the UK? I thought it was by the end of April.

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