Number of employees 4,400 (2015) Website TomTom NV is a Dutch company that produces traffic, navigation and mapping products. It also makes action cameras, GPS sport watches, fleet management systems, and location-based products. As of 2015 TomTom's business has four business units: Consumer, Automotive, Licensing and, through which it sells and licences its technology and products. Founded in 1991 and headquartered in, TomTom was originally named Palmtop Software, founded by, and.
The company currently has 4,600 employees worldwide and sells products in over 50 countries. It has 56 offices in 37 countries. In 2004 TomTom launched the first personal navigation device (PND), creating a new consumer electronics category. The company has since sold nearly 80 million PND devices worldwide.
In 2008, TomTom acquired, a digital map maker, for €2.9 billion. On 11 June 2012, at an event for 's 6 preview, TomTom was announced as the main mapping data provider for Apple's revamped iOS 6 app, replacing. In 2013, TomTom entered the GPS sports Watch market, and in 2014, it launched its action camera, the Bandit. In late 2015, TomTom extended its deal with Apple and signed a new contract with international transportation network company. The Uber driver app now uses TomTom maps and traffic data in 300 cities worldwide.
Contents. History Early years: 1991 - 2002 The company was founded in 1991 and, until 1996, developed business-to-business applications such as meter reading and bar-code reading. Subsequently, the company moved its focus to PDA software for the consumer market. Early mapping software included EnRoute, Citymaps and Routeplanner. Its first navigation product was released in 2002.
2002 TomTom Navigator The company released its first navigator product, TomTom Navigator, in 2002, for -powered PDAs, bundled with a car cradle and receiver. Version 2 of Navigator was released in 2003, followed in March 2004 by TomTom Navigator 3 for Windows CE, with live traffic data available on subscription, downloaded over the phone/PDA's data connection.
2004 TomTom Go Their first all-in-one device, the TomTom GO, based on NavCore version 4.1, was released in March 2004. It had a 3.5 in 320x240 screen, 200 MHz CPU, 32MB of RAM and integrated SD reader, and was substantially cheaper than other all-in-one solutions, at £499 in the UK. By year-end, it generated 60% of the company's revenue. 2005 IPO On 27 May 2005, TomTom listed on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange, valuing the company at nearly EUR500m.
Navigator 5 and TomTom Mobile 5 Several NavCore 5 products were released in 2005, with a unified feature and codebase: Navigator 5 for Windows CE and Palm OS, TomTom Mobile 5, and the updated GO models, the 300, 500 and 700. TomTom Plus For the version 5 release, the Traffic subscription service was rebranded 'TomTom Plus'.
Weather information and the ability to download new voices and other content were added. Updated GO-models All new GO-models supported Bluetooth, in order to connect to a mobile phone for TomTomPlus. The 500 and 700 added hands-free calling, a faster CPU and expanded mapping and storage. TomTom Rider and TomTom ONE TomTom expanded their range of NavCore 5 devices with the ruggedized Rider (for motorcycle users), and the budget ONE, in late 2005. Both devices used the SirfStar III GPS chipset, for much better GPS reception than previous devices. The ONE was also significantly slimmer than the earlier GO devices, at the expense of shorter battery life. 2006-2007 Acquisition of Applied Generics In January 2006, TomTom acquired the UK company Applied Generics, forming TomTom Traffic.
Text-to-speech and TomTom HOME The GO 510, 710 and 910, using NavCore 6, were released in April 2006. The 910 added MP3 player and text-to-speech for road names; all models supported hands-free calling via Bluetooth, new RDS-TMC traffic support and 4' wide screens. The 510 and 710 stored maps on an, while the 910 had a 20GB hard drive. TomTom HOME, software for managing a TomTom from a PC, was first released to accompany the x10 series. NavCore 6 was made available as an update to v5 all-in-one devices in summer 2006, and to Navigator users in August 2006. Text-to-speech was supported only on the 910.
In September 2006 the revised NavCore v6-powered ONE was released. An updated RIDER was released in May 2007, and a 4.3 in widescreen ONE XL. Aside from the larger screen, this added support for an RDS-TMC receiver to the existing ONE. Compared with the 510 and 710, the ONE XL, with a slightly larger screen, did not have hands-free calling capability, and had a slower CPU, fewer bundled accessories and a lower price. The GO x20 range released in Q3 2007 had NavCore v7, the 4.3 in screen of the ONE XL, built-in and an SD card slot. V7 had Map Share, allowing drivers to notify TomTom of closed roads, and for other drivers to share those updates, and speech recognition. All x20s included an FM transmitter and an MP3 player.
Launch models were the 520 and 720, while the 920, released Q4 2007, added Enhanced Positioning Technology, which estimated vehicle position when out of GPS range such as when travelling through tunnels. Text-to-speech was supported across the range. The ONE XL HD Traffic, featuring integrated GSM SIM card for internet-linked 'HD Traffic' data, and the ONE XL-S, which included text-to-speech, were released at the end of 2007.
NavCore 7 was released for all older TomTom all-in-one devices with the purchase of a new, compatible map. Some versions of the phone came with the TomTom Navigator 7, from May 2008. TomTom said that they would not make a standalone release of the software, but in 2009 reversed this policy, and Navigator 7 was made available for general sale, without text-to-speech or speech recognition; as of 2015 TomTom had not produced a further version. 2008 Enhanced Positioning TomTom released the GO x30 range in April 2008 based on NavCore 8. New features included IQ Routes, which estimated journey times based on average recorded speeds, rather than speed limits, and Advanced Lane Guidance, an on-screen representation of the correct lane to take. The 930, like the x20, had Enhanced Positioning Technology.
GSM HD Traffic receivers, plugging into the car's cigarette lighter, added HD Traffic to the GO range. Refreshed ONE and XL models were released in May 2008, still based on NavCore 7, with an improved speaker. NavCore 8 updates for NavCore 7 devices, including the ONE v3 and v4, were released in June 2008, giving x20 users (only) IQ Routes and Advanced Lane Guidance, with the purchase of new maps. HD Traffic The GO x40 series, with NavCore 8.2, was released in the autumn of 2008. The x40 series was branded 'LIVE' with a built-in GSM SIM card, for connected features including HD Traffic, Google Local search, real-time speed camera updates, and the facility to search for the cheapest fuel on route. In addition, IQ Routes '24/7' used the average speed for the time of day, instead of a time-independent average.
X20 and x30 users were given an update with support for IQ Routes 24/7 on buying an up-to-date map. 2009 The GO range was updated again in September 2009 with the 550, 750 and 950 LIVE, with NavCore 9. Compared with the x40, changes were relatively minor.
The MP3 player and FM transmitter were removed from the 940 to the 950. TomTom released a variety of lower-cost models, including a 5 in XXL, with many of the features from the GO x40 and x50, including LIVE, IQ Routes and Advanced Lane Guidance. They do not have a micro-SD slot, and are restricted to a maximum of 2GB of internal storage, Bluetooth hands-free, and voice control. 2012 TomTom signed a global content deal with Apple.
2013 TomTom entered the sports watch market with the launch of the TomTom Runner and TomTom Multi-Sport GPS. 2014 TomTom extended its range of GPS sports watches with the launch of the Runner Cardio GPS with a built-in heart rate monitor. 2015 TomTom entered a new product category with the launch of its new action camera, the Bandit. It had a built-in media server, enabling users to share footage in a matter of minutes. TomTom partnered with Bosch on innovative mapping technology for autonomous driving. TomTom launched a new sports watch, the TomTom Spark, which in addition to GPS and a heart-rate monitor, included music on the wrist and a 24/7 activity tracker. The device could store up to 500 songs and came pre-loaded with a 30-minute workout playlist curated by The Ministry of Sound.
TomTom Group business structure Consumer TomTom's Consumer business is focused on creating location-based products that give consumers the knowledge they need to get where they want to go. Their consumer activities are focused on the drive and sports categories; products include PNDs, GPS sports watches and smartphone navigation applications. TomTom consumer products strive to be smart and have intuitive user interfaces, strong GPS performance and innovative design and features. Automotive TomTom's automotive business provides modular components (maps) and traffic and navigation software to car manufacturers and Tier 1 head unit vendors. Each component can be integrated as a stand-alone product, or combined into the Connected Navigation System. Licensing TomTom's licensing branche sells TomTom map, traffic and navigation software. It also offers cloud-based products and platforms that allow developers access to create location-enabled applications for businesses and governments.
Licensing focuses on two types of customers:. B2B2C, where TomTom's products are incorporated in end user applications such as smartphones and tablets, and on the internet. B2B, serving professional users for location-based applications such as geographical information systems (GIS) providers, governmental bodies and traffic management institutions Telematics TomTom Telematics is the business-to-business division of TomTom and has been operating since 2005. This arm of TomTom specialises in, providing vehicle tracking, navigation, two-way communications, job scheduling and report-logging capabilities to organizations. In 2010, TomTom said that it was providing its service to over 125,000 vehicles operating in Europe.
Telematics offers fleet management solutions for commercial fleets and is also a partner for the insurance industry to provide usage-based insurance products. Telematics' WEBFLEET software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution allows integration with third-party applications and offers information security certified to ISO 27001 standards. Products TomTom as a company offers five types of products: navigation devices, in-dashboard navigation and car control services, navigation software for installation on mobile devices, sports watches, and action cameras. In-dashboard systems are released for the automotive market.
The navigation devices and portable devices with installed software are referred to as units. TomTom Business Solutions products offer telematics services for fleet management, aimed at the business market. The latest of these is the GO 9000 which provides telematics services in a portable unit the same size as the TomTom sat navs. Navigation TomTom units provide a flying interface with an oblique of the road, as well as a direct-overhead map view. They use a GPS receiver to show the precise location and provide visual and spoken directions on how to drive to the specified destination. Some TomTom systems also integrate with using Bluetooth, or to actually take calls and read aloud.
Models are largely hardware-compatible, with different software; it has been reported that some users have been able to upgrade low-cost hardware with the software of more advanced models, for example providing a ONE XL or GO 510 with most of the functionality of a GO 940. TomTom GO - an all-in-one GPS navigation device. It has a, speaker, port, internal.
Most models have Bluetooth transceivers that allow connection to a. This allows it to make and receive calls (on NAV2 and NAV3 models, but only on certain NAV4 models).The TomTom GO models belong either to the NAV2, NAV3 or NAV4 ranges. TomTom Camper & Caravan / RV - an all-in-one GPS navigation device. It has a, speaker, port, internal. Most models have Bluetooth transceivers that allow connection to a.
This allows it to make and receive calls. In Europe, the Camper model is based on the TomTom GO 1005, in North America the RV models are based on the NAV3 Start 60 model. The TomTom Camper & Caravan and RV models belong to the NAV3 range and their biggest difference compared to other NAV3 models is the map that is supplied with, which allows certain size and weight data to be entered and being considered in the route planning. Technically any NAV3 device can be made to a Camper/RV editing by purchasing the camper map from the TomTom web shop. TomTom PRO/TRUCK - designed for professional truck drivers and include truck specific software and maps.
It has a, speaker, port, internal. Most models have Bluetooth transceivers that allow connection to a. This allows it to make and receive calls (on NAV3 models).The TomTom PRO/TRUCK models belong either to the NAV3 or NAV4 ranges.
Few years ago truck maps were available to NAV2 models too. For individual professional drivers the PRO 5150 model is recommended, due to the support provided by TomTom's general consumer customer support, whilst the other PRO/TRUCK models are supported by TomTom Telematics only, which require a WebFleet account with TomTom. TomTom VIA - middle class GPS navigation device. It has a, speaker, port, internal.
Most models have Bluetooth transceivers that allow connection to a. This allows it to make and receive calls. All the TomTom VIA models belong to the NAV3 range.
TomTom Start - an entry level GPS navigation device. It has a, speaker, port, internal, but usually a lower HW specification, compared to the VIA and GO models.
Some models have Bluetooth transceivers that allow connection to a. The TomTom Start models belong either to the NAV2, NAV3 or NAV4 ranges. TomTom ONE and ONE XL - The TomTom One is the base model for. The difference between the TomTom One XL and the TomTom One is the size of the touch screen (4.3 vs 3.5 in or 110 vs 89 mm). Neither model of the One contains the added functions included in the Go models, such as Bluetooth hands-free calling and MP3 Jukebox. However, the One is able to receive traffic and weather updates using the TomTom Plus service when paired via Bluetooth with a mobile phone with a DUN data service.
The reduced software capability means less demand on the hardware, which allows the One to be sold at a significantly lower price than the Go. The XL is also available as a Live version with integrated LIVE services.
TomTom RIDER - Portable water resistant models for and users. They differ from other devices in that the RIDER is partly shielded and has a 'glove-friendly' screen and GUI. There are many different models in the NAV2 and NAV4 ranges. TomTom NAVIGATOR - a GPS navigation software product for (PDAs), devices, and some smartphones. TomTom Navigator 6 replaced the earlier TomTom Mobile 5.2.
It can use GPS receivers built into the device or external (e.g., Bluetooth-connected) receivers. Navigator 7 was the latest release of this software, released as a part of the software that came with the June 2008 HTC Touch Diamond. Frequently used functions can be added to the main screen of the program, and users can report map corrections and share them with other users. Navigator supports touch screens; devices without touch screens use a cursor to input data. The software is available on SD card and DVD. It runs on a number of devices listed on the TomTom website, but will run successfully on many unlisted devices using the, discontinued in 2010. The DVD version includes a DVD, printed 15-character product code, Quick Start Guide, Licensing Agreement, a poster with a picture diagram for setup procedure of DVD version and SD card version, and an advertisement for associated services.
The DVD contains installation software for, software for mobile devices, licenses, manuals, maps, and voices. The software for mobile devices includes CAB files for Palm, PPC, Symbian, and UIQ3. Sports. TomTom sport and golf watches - In 2011, TomTom teamed up with Nike to create a fitness watch. Since then, TomTom have introduced their own watches (Runner, Multi-sport, Spark, Touch, Adventurer), and extended the range to the golf players too. All watches include GPS sensors that allow monitoring the user's activities or see green and hazard distances along the golf course.
The sports watches also include a heart-rate monitor in the strap, and the Spark allows the user to stream MP3 files from the watch to a wireless headset via Bluetooth. TomTom action camera - On 29 April 2015, TomTom announced their latest innovation, the TomTom Bandit action camera. It is TomTom's first try in the action camera segment. Retrieved 2 August 2015. Wall Street Journal.
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. The update software varies by model. Confirm the software before updating. Updating requires a computer with built-in Bluetooth or a Bluetooth dongle OR Android phone with 'Bluetooth File Transfer' APP from Google Play Store. Do not update Bluetooth software while driving.
Do not turn off the vehicle’s ACC or Head Unit power while updating. The update will not be performed correctly and the product may become unusable. Updating results in all user information being deleted: user settings, paired phones, and phonebook contacts.