TomTom GO 740 LIVE | Connected GPS Navigation, Traffic, Fuel, Google Local Search, Weather Updates

TomTom GO 740 LIVE | Connected GPS Navigation, Traffic, Fuel, Google Local Search, Weather Updates | Review

The TomTom GO 740 LIVE is new GPS navigator model following in the path of the Dash Express towards an evolutionary change in GPS navigation to dynamic rather than static navigation data (updated infrequently via PC) through utilization of an always-on data connection. The second factor in the evolutionary change is the integration of data collected through a collaborative social network. With the TomTom GO 740 LIVE this can be seen in the MapShare, IQ Routes and Buddies features. Live Google Local Internet search means an end to static Points of Interest (POI) databases through location based search.

TomTom GO 740 LIVE

The data connection for the TomTom GO 740 LIVE is achieved, out of the box, through a built-in SIM card and GPRS modem (cell phone technology). TomTom have included one free year of service.

The TomTom GO 740 LIVE has been popular with reviewers with CNET and LAPTOP Magazine giving it a Best of CES award.

The GO 740 LIVE is a fairly compact device considering its premium features and extensive onboard hardware. The color touch screen is of widescreen format being 4.3 inches (WQVGA 480 x 272 pixels resolution) for easier viewing of navigation information compared to smaller screen navigators. The unit has a large 2 GB of internal Flash memory with a micro-SD slot for additional storage.

Real-Time Traffic Information

Real-time traffic speeds and incident reports are fed to the GO 740 LIVE automatically and wirelessly every 2-5 minutes. Relevant traffic delays are brought to the drivers attention as an option to continue on the current route or take an alternative, faster route based on the known traffic conditions. The minutes of drive time that will be saved are displayed on the navigation interface.

TomTom LIVE Services

LIVE Services refers to a range of relevant services delivered directly ‘over-the-air’ via the GPRS modem. Unfortunately for those in Canada, LIVE Services are not compatible with Canadian data networks and will not update in Canada.

Local Search powered by Google

Local Search by Google using the two-way data connection produces limitless numbers of POIs and replaces the static database of POI. TomTom have stated that Google Local Search will give GO 740 LIVE users access to information and location details of more than 11 million businesses. The result format is; the location name, a user-generated rating (the social network comes into play) and phone number.

TomTom Fuel Price Service

Fuel price information for TomTom’s Fuel Price Service is updated six times a day for 120,000 gas stations across the U.S. It’s possible to track regular, mid-grade, premium or diesel lowest prices along one’s route or in the local area.

TomTom Weather

Five-day weather reports are available for the local area or a chosen destination allowing for trip planning in consideration of predicted weather/road conditions.

TomTom QuickGPSfix

QuickGPSfix provides quicker GPS satellite acquisition times through storage of GPS satellite orbit predictions (almanac data). Usually the orbit data is only updated when the TomTom GPS device is connected to a PC or Mac running TomTom’s HOME software. With the GO 740 LIVE’s data connection updates are more frequent and automatic.

TomTom Buddies

TomTom’s Buddies allows drivers to link their TomTom navigator with those of their friends so they can locate each other on the map, share favourite locations, as well as exchange and share location information and text messages. It’s a great way to get together quickly.

TomTom’s IQ Routes Technology – Extended Version

The TomTom GO 740 LIVE has a new and extended version of TomTom’s innovative IQ Routes Technology, which calculates routes based on historical travel time information for every road, every day of the week and now even the time of day. The travel time information is made possible by the contributions of a network of millions of global TomTom customers in the form of anonymous traffic flow data as they drive. TomTom over the past two years has recorded data for more than 1.8 trillion miles of roads.

Voice Recognition

Some 130 voice recognition commands are available for programming the TomTom GO 740 LIVE navigation interface and Map Share. You can even use it to make hands free calls via a Bluetooth connected cell phone. Like Garmin’s speech recognition models the Garmin nuvi 880 and 850, the GO 740 LIVE uses structured voice instructions. If you would like use more natural language you would have to look at the Pioneer AVIC-500BT which uses VoiceBox’s Conversational Voice Search Platform.

TomTom GO 740 LIVE Demo

Other Features of the TomTom GO 740 LIVE

Advanced Lane Guidance

Using a more realistic view of highway junctions on the navigation screen combined lane indicating arrows and vocal instructions drivers are better able to navigate their way through lane changes required.

Text-to-Speech

Text-to-Speech (TTS) is a safety/convenience feature which allows street names to be announced as part of navigation directions rather than simply stating the turn direction. TTS improves added driving safety by providing confirmation that you are on route without needing to check the map display.

Hands Free Bluetooth Wireless Technology

The GO 740 LIVE has Bluetooth wireless technology for connecting to enabled cellular for safer hands-free phone use.

Help Me!

Help Me! is another safety feature which provides information about the nearest car repair service center, police station, or hospital. It also allows users to either locate or call the closest emergency service provider. Apart from allowing users to quickly identify their exact location, Help Me! can also provide this information to emergency service providers for a quick response.

Maps

The GO 740 LIVE comes preloaded with maps from Tele Atlas of the US & Canada including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Guam. If a new map is released within 30 days of purchase, TomTom guarantee you can download it for free using TomTom HOME.

Map Share

Map Share gives users the ability to personalize their maps and correct and improve available maps. With Map Share TomTom users can; 1) change street names and direction 2) add, remove or rename POIs and 3) (un)block streets on their own device. Using the data connection TomTom GO 740 LIVE users map improvements are shared/available far quicker.

TomTom HOME

TomTom’s free software HOME allows you to manage, update and personalize your TomTom as well as purchase and install maps, make back-ups and download software updates.