TomTom to make GPS application for iPhone 3G

by ashoperon on June 11, 2008





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Apple has taken the time to generously add a GPS chip to the new iPhone 3G. The chip will be able to be accessed for certain applications by programs on the iPhone, built with the SDK. According to TomTom, they have already got the application to run on an iPhone.

TomTom did not announce when the application will be available. Since they have it ready and all, they could launch it on June 27th, when the App Store is rumored to launch. They also did not mention how much the application would cost, but it is safe to assume it will come at a premium.  [Via Reuters]

Editor's note:  Chase forgot to mention that the iPhone SDK agreement specifically forbids real-time route guidance.  Sharp BBG readers over at boingboing pointed out Section 3.3.7 (dev account needed) of the Apple iPhone SDK agreement, which states:

Applications may not be designed or marketed for real time route guidance; automatic or autonomous control of vehicles, aircraft, or other mechanical devices; dispatch or fleet management; or emergency or life-saving purposes.

Anyone else see a problem with the restriction?

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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }

1 JMR 06.11.08 at 2:49 pm

And is there enough storage space for the maps??

2 tony 06.11.08 at 4:08 pm

JMR says:
June 11th, 2008 at 2:49 pm

And is there enough storage space for the maps??

—–

In response, my tomtom now is 1gb, currently the lowest 3G iPhone will be 8gb, I dont see a conflict on space restraints.

3 dodo 06.11.08 at 5:03 pm

You guys sure that not just a grammar error. I think it means no route planning on safety critical systems e.g. Aircraft

4 Vincent Nguyen 06.11.08 at 6:48 pm

I can see the iPhone 3G/V 2.0 getting very very very very very cramped. Where the heck is the 32GB model? 16GB won’t leave a whole lot for apps, music, videos, podcasts etc…what do you guys think?

5 Dave 06.11.08 at 9:15 pm

Vincent- the biggest problem I see is that (at least currently) the iPhone has different partitions for applications and data. I’ve filled up my application space just grabbing stuff with Installer while I had 7+ gigabytes of space available for music. I hope Apple is addressing this limitation with the 2.0 software, since the addition of App Store is going to make this a much more common scenario. Previously it only affected those of us who jailbroke the phone to install 3rd party applications.

6 Will_BC 06.12.08 at 8:12 am

I think if you interpret the SDK statement: it means you cannot develop programs that act as artificial intelligence using the GPS. So the TomTom software is okay in that regards. It gives driving information BASED on the GPS, but does not ACTUALLY DRIVE the vehicles. Also I believe the statement was part of the Google Maps interaction. To cover their butts if their maps are accurate. There have been idiots who’ve driven into lakes or whatnot on the instructions of a PND (personal navigation device). I’m sure if someone did that with a iPhone, they would sue and it would be big news.

7 Derek 06.20.08 at 1:09 pm

Well I think that iphone sdk agreement already conflicts with gps usage along with google maps. If you watch the wwdc keynote. Steve shows real time gps signal as they drove the car in san fran. All tom tom would do is make that format 3d with more detail and voice guidance. Which would make it safer with a car mount. It would be nuts for apple not to let tom tom do this. This is going to be revolution for cell phones. I have a 8 gig now I just delete the podcast when I am done. I put new music on it when I get tired of the stuff I have on there. Delete movies and shows when I am done. But If I have a bunch of applications on there all the time, I am going to have to upgrade to the 16gb.

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