Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/TomTom
While many people believe GPS navigators are pretty redundant these days, companies like TomTom and Garmin continue to be rather committed to this product category.
And at some level, they have every reason to be so, as navigation apps are not everybody's cup of tea. GPS navigators provide route guidance to the configured destination without the need for an Internet connection, without using the phone's battery, and without any unnecessary features.
These devices are typically focused exclusively on the navigation experience, though they also come with one major shortcoming. Compared to Google Maps and Waze, which are always connected to the Internet and always receive the latest maps nearly on the spot, GPS navigators require manual updates when the parent company releases new map versions (unless they sport a permanent Internet connection, a feature typically available on more advanced models).
TomTom has just released a new map version, bringing the database to version 1110. The new maps are available for TomTom GO Discover, GO Expert, GO Camper Max, and GO Exclusive, and can be downloaded right now using either a Wi-Fi connection or with a computer.
Needless to say, always running the latest maps is critical for the overall navigation experience. With the newest maps, GPS navigators are aware of the latest road updates, including potential closures and detours. Given they don't always feature a permanent Internet connection, these devices need up-to-date maps for accurate navigation.
While Google Maps, Waze, and Apple Maps are typically focused on navigation for passenger vehicles, certain GPS navigators also pack special features aimed at trucks, RVs, and motorhomes. These devices take into account the vehicle size, the cargo dimensions, and possible weight restrictions, so the suggested routes only include proper roads suitable for your profile. Google Maps competitors have also developed similar software, including Sygic, offering truck and RV navigation on mobile devices.
In the meantime, TomTom is slowly but surely moving from stand-alone GPS navigators to alternative navigation solutions. The company's maps and services are already pre-loaded with several car models out there, but at the same time, its mobile applications often serve as top alternatives to Google Maps and Waze. TomTom's software includes not only basic navigation information but also additional data, such as warnings and traffic conditions.
If you want to check for new map updates on your GPS navigator, make sure you charge it fully and then go to the main menu and look for the settings screen. You should see a section called Map & Display, with the number of available updates to be displayed in a red notification dot on the maps icon. If a wireless Internet connection is available, you should be able to download the new map version and install it on the navigator automatically.
These devices are typically focused exclusively on the navigation experience, though they also come with one major shortcoming. Compared to Google Maps and Waze, which are always connected to the Internet and always receive the latest maps nearly on the spot, GPS navigators require manual updates when the parent company releases new map versions (unless they sport a permanent Internet connection, a feature typically available on more advanced models).
TomTom has just released a new map version, bringing the database to version 1110. The new maps are available for TomTom GO Discover, GO Expert, GO Camper Max, and GO Exclusive, and can be downloaded right now using either a Wi-Fi connection or with a computer.
Needless to say, always running the latest maps is critical for the overall navigation experience. With the newest maps, GPS navigators are aware of the latest road updates, including potential closures and detours. Given they don't always feature a permanent Internet connection, these devices need up-to-date maps for accurate navigation.
While Google Maps, Waze, and Apple Maps are typically focused on navigation for passenger vehicles, certain GPS navigators also pack special features aimed at trucks, RVs, and motorhomes. These devices take into account the vehicle size, the cargo dimensions, and possible weight restrictions, so the suggested routes only include proper roads suitable for your profile. Google Maps competitors have also developed similar software, including Sygic, offering truck and RV navigation on mobile devices.
In the meantime, TomTom is slowly but surely moving from stand-alone GPS navigators to alternative navigation solutions. The company's maps and services are already pre-loaded with several car models out there, but at the same time, its mobile applications often serve as top alternatives to Google Maps and Waze. TomTom's software includes not only basic navigation information but also additional data, such as warnings and traffic conditions.
If you want to check for new map updates on your GPS navigator, make sure you charge it fully and then go to the main menu and look for the settings screen. You should see a section called Map & Display, with the number of available updates to be displayed in a red notification dot on the maps icon. If a wireless Internet connection is available, you should be able to download the new map version and install it on the navigator automatically.
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