TomTom has today announced the ‘TomTom VIA’ series, two new Satellite Navigation units which partner with your smartphone for enhanced functionality.
The new VIA 52 and 62 satnavs have the ability to connect with a smartphone, allowing users to get the benefit of hands-free operation for calls and messaging. The former carries a 5-inch 480 x 272 panel, while the later has a 6-inch 800 x 480 screen. Aside from this, specifications are identical. You get a microSD slot for storing and transferring maps, plus 1 hour of battery life when not plugged in.
You’ll also get the usual tricks such as real-time traffic information and live speed camera alerts. TomTom has been analysing traffic since 2008 and their service offers both weather alerts and traffic prediction. There’s also the guaranteed bonus of free lifetime maps, which entitles the user to four full European map updates every year. Drivers can plan journeys at home using the TomTom MyDrive application for Android or iOS, then use the VIA satnav for the actual trip, which is a clever combination of both services.
The TomTom VIA 52 is available immediately from selected retailers priced from £139.99 (UK maps) and on the TomTom webstore, while the VIA 62 will be on sale from July for £169.99.
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