We at TomTom are proud to announce that the TomTom GO 910, GO 510, GO 700, GO 300, ONE XL and ONE devices are now compatible with TomTom’s latest software. This allows users of these devices to utilize TomTom’s exclusive map improvement technology Map Share™ and to get access to the unique ‘Help Me!’ safety features.

TomTom Map Share™ and ‘Help Me!’ already are pre-installed on the TomTom GO 920, GO 920 T, GO 720, ONE 3rd Edition, ONE XL, and ONE XL•S.

“At TomTom, we believe that all of our customers should have easy access to our latest technologies and innovations,” said TomTom Inc. president Jocelyn Vigreux. “This free software upgrade underscores TomTom’s commitment to ensuring that existing TomTom users can get the most out of their investment in TomTom devices. By enabling our users to benefit from all the latest TomTom innovations, we are helping more users continue to get from A to B as accurately and safely as possible.”

TomTom’s newest software can be easily downloaded and installed via TomTom HOME. When the TomTom ONE XL or TomTom ONE device is connected, a free-of-charge upgrade to TomTom’s latest software will be offered.

To use Map Share™ and ‘HELP ME!’ features, users must maps version 6.75 or higher. Users of the TomTom ONE model with a map version earlier than 6.75 can purchase the latest map version through TomTom HOME at www.tomtom.com/maps.

To watch a video about how Map Share™ works, check out this previous entry and click here for more information about ‘HELP ME!’ features.

Popularity: 70% [?]

Oh do we get letters! This one came from Kristina in Worcester, Massachusetts…

I had to share this sad story with fellow TomTommers…

I was in my office this week with no AC so I had the windows open. I’m on the second floor. I’m just working when I hear a loud smash from the street below. I go to the window in time to see someone running away from a car parked on the street, holding a small black box.

I went downstairs and saw a man standing next to the car, broken glass all over the ground. He was shaking his head.

“What did he take?” I asked.

“He took my GPS.”

I perked up. I have a GO 700 myself and use it all the time. I travel to visit clients a lot and I rarely know where I need to go.

“What kind?”

“It was a TomTom.”

Ouch. So, I just wanted to share my story because I thought it was important to remind people that GPS systems are popular smash-and-grab items. It’s probably best to take that mount off the windshield and take your TomTom out of your car.

So true, Kristina. So true. Protect your TomTom; take it out of the car when you’re leaving!

Popularity: 8% [?]

New maps for the U.S. and Canada are now available on DVD for all TomTom users. They are part of a special promotional program through March 31, 2007.

• The new maps are free plus shipping and handling for GO 910 & 510, ONE, and NAVIGATOR 6 users.

• GO, GO 300 & 700, RIDER, and NAVIGATOR 5 users pay only $49.95 plus shipping and handling for the new maps.

• These special promotional prices are valid through March 31, 2007. The new maps will be $149.95 thereafter.

• The new maps are available via TomTom.com.

The latest US/Canada maps include:

• More than 410,000 new road miles

• Improved road detail and visual representation of surrounding areas

• More than six million new household and business addresses

• Updated Points of Interest, including more than half a million new POIs

• More one way indications, restricted turns, signposts and updated intersections

• Updated shopping centers and golf courses

This latest release is based on the Tele Atlas MultiNetä 2006.10 global digital map database. The content is developed through the most comprehensive and advanced industry processes for anticipating and detecting real world change, and contains data from more than 50,000 authoritative resources. Today, nearly 90 percent of all e911 calls in the US annually are routed using Tele Atlas maps, encompassing about 100 million emergency response calls each year in states including CA, TX, NY, PA, FL and OH. Now TomTom is bringing this same quality content to its end users.

To get your new maps DVD, all you’ll need is:

1. The serial number of your GO, ONE or RIDER, (where is it?) or
2. The product code for your NAVIGATOR product (where is it?).

Get Maps Now

Popularity: 26% [?]

Still looking for a great gift for the directionally-challenged in your life? Now through December 14, American Express cardholders can get a TomTom GO700 for $299.95*. Head on over to My Life My Card for details and to take advantage of this awesome deal.

*Sorry, the GiveGive $100 rebate does not apply to this offer.

Popularity: 8% [?]

A few months back (OK, fine, it was almost a year ago), we posted instructions on how to change the splash screen on your TomTom GO x00. A lot has changed in that time. Ummm, the seasons for one. Also, TomTom has released a few new products.

So, GO 510 and 910 users, this one’s for you! Follow these instructions to customize your device’s startup and shutdown splash screen:

1. Select the image or photograph you want to have displayed on your TomTom GO 510/910

2. Re-size the image to 480 pixels wide x 272 pixels high.

3. Save the image as a 24-bit Bitmap file named “splashw.bmp”

4. Plug Your TomTom GO x10 into your computer via the USB docking station

5. Open your TomTom GO x10 “hard drive” within My Computer

6. Locate the original splash file which is called “splashw.bmp” and rename it “splashw1.bmp” (this naming allows you keep the original TomTom splash screen)

7. Copy the new image (splashw.bmp) from your computer to the same TomTom GO x10 directory

8. Disconnect and boot up your TomTom GO. Your personalized picture should be there to greet you when you turn it on or off!

I’ll tell you what: Give it a try and send us your results. E-mail images of your new splash screens to splashscreen@clubtomtom.com. The best of the best new TomTom splash screens will be featured here at Club TomTom.

Popularity: 21% [?]