TomTom technology now in Sony Xplod

02 September 2010

Satnav specialist firm TomTom has announced a collaboration that brings the firm's navigation services technology to Sony's new in-car multimedia AV devices.

The company said that the new Sony Xplod AV Navigation Systems, come fully connected and offer TomTom's navigation module, including full access to live services like HD Traffic, Local Search with Google and Safety Alerts.

Live services include HD Traffic, which is updated every three minutes to give drivers speed camera details about road incidents and delays, helping motorists through traffic quicker than other traffic services.

Drivers also receive live weather updates, and access to IQ Routes, local Google business address searches and Map Share features.

The automotive navigation systems manufacturer said it compiles IQ Routes using actual speed data collected from millions of users to accurately calculate the travel time of any given route, and considers rush hour, traffic lights and even shopping crowds when calculating journey times.

Map Share lets users keep maps up-to-date by correcting them and benefit from the changes made by other drivers.

Giles Shrimpton, managing director of TomTom Automotive, said: "We are delighted that Sony has selected TomTom as their navigation services supplier in Europe.

"Combining the audio and video know-how of Sony with our navigational expertise has resulted in an excellent product range.

"Moreover, as the technology incorporates a flexible hardware design based on standard interfaces, it allows for easy updates in the future - a huge advantage in the automotive industry."

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