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Monday April 6, 2009
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In the increasingly beleaguered world of plug-in GPS navigators--which faces a combined threat from razor-thin margins and cell phone navigation software--manufacturers are looking for a killer feature to push their products out front. Despite the failure of the Dash Express, the first connected navigator, GPS makers are cautiously optimistic that connected services have a future.
This month, TomTom will begin selling the GO 740 Live, a $499 navigator that will offer live Google searches, and Jasper Wireless announced that it's been selected to deliver the cellular connectivity. Connected navigators use cellular connections, just like cell phones, to send and receive data.
The good news for customers here is that they'll be able to activate their GO 740 Live navigators instantly, without any registration. Each navigator will come with three months of free service (which is $9.95 per month thereafter). With a cellular connection, drivers will be able to receive real-time traffic feeds, search Google for local businesses, get updated gas prices, and view weather reports.
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May 16, 2009 11:39 PM
Does this version not allow you to get these services through a "wireless data connection" with your phone? Previous TomTom models with bluetooth would work with your phone's data plan to get the information free. Is that no longer an option? It would certainly solve your whole dilemma