TomTom 930

[mikealder]

Having used the TomTom 930 for a few months now whilst the device was under wraps, we have been permitted to share some of this knowledge with you.

Firstly we will not enter into specific information such as software version, a test device may be running different software to that released to the public. Suffice to say the 930 is using Navcore 8 software.



The actual device looks like the x20 range that it replaces, although the black screen surround is a nice touch, gone is that garish chrome screen bezel, otherwise the 930 is the same as the x20 in all dimensions.

With the hardware changes out of the way, what does Navcore 8 introduce?

Firstly a new colour scheme for the menu pages, orange and brown, at first I christened this the “Terry’s Chocolate Orange” but given time I have grown to like this in preference to the old Blue/ Grey we have become accustomed to.



IQ Routes

For the very first time this nav unit actually offers a route I can follow for the daily run when commuting to work. This needs further explanation, traditionally I have been routed to turn right across a major motorway exit – not a very good idea in the rush hour.



The 930 has consistently avoided this junction and the associated delays the earlier maps provided. I admit this is only one example, but unless you perform repeats of the same trips on a regular basis it is very difficult to detect the differences it offers in use. My own view on this though, is the IQ routes do offer a route based more upon local knowledge, so this is a big step in the right direction, it should also lead to fuel savings as journey times are reduced.

Lane Assist

The Lane Assist s a great asset and has proven to be very helpful on motorways and major A roads, even while negotiating Manchester city centre the lane assist is ever present in the lower left corner of the screen.



A simple glance gives far better information than previously seen making advanced lane choice much easier in unknown areas, a most welcome addition.


Reality View, this only seems to work on some motorway junctions, not all are covered and the image displayed is static. The distance to go counter and current speed display are still updated with real time data but the picture remains constant on the screen with no movement.



That said this feature never fails to generate the “wow look at that” comment from people that have never seen it before, but I am not too sure this offers anything more than “eye candy” Combined with the Lane Assist feature this works well, take the above picture where I am routed to Birmingham International Airport, it clearly indicates the exact lane required, the lane to the extreme left is for the NEC.
The images it uses are created “on the fly” and can contain buildings, trees, road features and a representation of the overhead road signs. The actual make up of the picture is fully dependent upon the data contained within the map files, this will also cause the road signs on the display to change colour depending upon the country you are in.

Map Share has the added functionality to change the speed limit on a road or a small part of a road by breaking it down into segments. The speed limit data embedded into the map is great when it is correct, when it is wrong it can be annoying, producing results like this:



At least you can now read the speed display when speeding, but this is not a change specific to the 930. To alter a map speed limit is easy, simply tap MapShare, select the “Change Road Speed” icon then choose the method to identify the road that requires amendment.





It is not something that can be used on the move though, this feature is best used in the comfort of ones armchair. It works and is very effective, but for accurate changes you do need to look at the screen and think about what you are doing. We will create a more detailed guide as to how to get the best out of this particular function soon.

More on this here

With some forum users jumping the gun purchasing devices intended for Southern Europe a quick word of caution. The Text To Speech and Advanced Speech Recognition will not work for the UK on devices intended for other regions. It is not possible to copy files from an x20 device to get this fully working either, (trust me I tried this when I messed up my 930 mid February). My advice is to sit tight and await the true release of the product in the UK which is scheduled for the end of April.

Also can I advise people against running Navcore 8 software on any x20 or x10 device, firstly there is no point, without a version 8 map you will get no benefit. Secondly it will cause problems with TomTom Home, finally if you damage a device doing this don’t expect too much in the way of sympathy from TomTom - Mike

[Andy_P]

Thanks Mike, a useful first look.

A couple of questions about the Lane assist...

At what point as you approach a junction does the "Reality view" static lane assist picture appear, and how long does it replace the moving navigation display for?
Does it really only work on motorways, or does it cover the major A-roads too?
And if you decide you don't like it, can it be switched off?

[mikealder]

The Reality View will appear at 0,40 Miles to go before the junction, it will remain in view until you are at the junction. I have only ever seen the display change to this mode on an "A" road once and that was immediately prior to joining the motorway on leaving the NEC, I was sat at the traffic lights waiting to join the motorway.
The reality view can be turned off by going to page 3 of preferences and de-selecting the "Lane Images"



The Lane Assist function works on other roads though including "A" Roads, this part cannot be turned off - Mike

[vicky]

[Brickie64]

Mike,
A very useful post, thanks for taking the time to give us a tour.

I think the lane assist could be quite useful feature but I'm convinced the reality view is something of a gimmick and TT have done it "just because we can". Guess this feature will impress a few and make more sales.

Nice to see some steps forward in terms of routing too. Hopefully TT will give us an option to select a route using major roads for those days when we'd rather not meet a Transit Van on a minor Cornish road. (have I missed something in my setup options menu ?).

How much of the features in *30 series do you think will get offered to us with *20 devices ? Guess you'll have some idea from previous upgrades.

Thanks again.

Gav
_________________
"A good scientist is a person with original ideas. A good engineer is a person who makes a design that works with as few original ideas as possible"

Garmin Nuvi 3598 + GO 720 (+USA Map Card) + NavFree for iPhone in case all else fails ;-)

[mikealder]

[vicky]

[mikealder]

[Andy_P]

[JockTamsonsBairn]

[shadamehr]

[DennisN]

[griffo86]

Great review Mike, looking forward to seeing further details emerging in the coming weeks

[stuart]

[Darren]

Can we all be a little more selective when quoting please?

There is no need to include an entire post and its accompanying images when replying. I've had to edit half a dozen posts in quick succession now to remove the images Andy posted, I'm sure we don't need to have them repeated in every reply?

If a post requires quoting to convey meaning to your reply, edit the quoted text to leave only that which is pertinent AND don't leave images in.
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Darren Griffin

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