TomTom and Navman say "snap" Both launch user-initiated map updating services

View more images

6 June 2007 10:36 GMT / By Amy-Mae Elliott

TomTom and Navman have both introduced new ways to update their GPS device's maps.

TomTom's method is via a new user generated Map Share desktop/web service whereas Navman's iUpData is a little less home-brew as users report inaccuracies to a central office.

TomTom's launch coincides with their latest State-side sat nav offering, the TomTom GO 720.

The GO 720 has all the features and functionality you'd expect from the excellent sat nav brand but as well as improved slim-line design the new thing to shout about is the spanking new TomTom Map Share.

Map Share works in conjunction TomTom HOME (TomTom's free desktop application) and enables drivers to easily and instantly improve their own maps and share those improvements with others (as well as get other user's improvements in return).

Linked to this new offering is a new voice recording capability, so users can be record their own directions to accompany a certain route – or get others to record them for them.

In a similar vein, Navman have introduced their new iUpdata service (which is available in the UK) which allows customers to report any changes or errors to the road network to operatives working on the iUpdata database.

Every single comment will then be passed onto mapping experts, so that they can be verified and updated. Navman users will then get these changes via updates.

The new TomTom GO will be available across the US and Canada starting the end of July for around $500, we'll bring you more details closer to a UK launch.