TomTom XL 340S LIVE | Connected GPS Navigation, Traffic, Fuel, Google Local Search, Weather Updates

TomTom XL 340S LIVE | Connected GPS Navigation, Traffic, Fuel, Google Local Search, Weather Updates | Review

TomTom’s XL 340S LIVE brings the convenience of LIVE services (Internet connection) to a less expensive (about $100) mid level features automotive GPS navigator. Highlight features which are missing compared to the popular GO 740 LIVE are Hands Free Bluetooth Wireless Technology, Voice Recognition and TomTom Buddies. While the screen sizes are the same at 4.3 inches, the XL 340S has a lower resolution QVGA (320×240 pixels) vs WQVGA (480 x 272 px).

TomTom GO 340 LIVE

GPSTekReviews has promoted the concept of GPS navigators with live Internet access from as far back as the early Dash Express offering. The XL 340S comes to the market supported by the well deserved popularity of the TomTom GO 740 LIVE which CNET and LAPTOP Magazine gave a Best of CES award.

TomToms LIVE automotive GPS models represent an evolutionary change in GPS navigation to dynamic (continuously connected) rather than static navigation data (infrequent PC updates). The second evolutionary product development is the integration into navigation calculations of data collected through a collaborative social network. Live Google Local Internet search spells the end for preloaded Points of Interest (POI) databases for current location based search results.

The data connection for the TomTom XL 340 LIVE is achieved, out of the box, through a built-in SIM card and GPRS modem (cell phone technology). It is the same backbone technology which allows Amazon’s Kindle reading device to download content remotely. TomTom provide three months free LIVE service.

The XL 340S LIVE is a compact device but has a large 4.3 inch widescreen 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 XL 340 LIVE automatically and wirelessly every 2 to 5 minutes. Relevant traffic delays are brought to the drivers attention for possible alternative route calculation.

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 yet 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 XL 340S 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 XL 340S LIVE’s data connection updates are more frequent and automatic.

TomTom’s IQ Routes Technology

The TomTom XL 340S LIVE has 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.

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.

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 TomTom XL 340 Live comes preloaded with maps of the US (including Alaska and Puerto Rico), Canada & Mexico and more than 7 million Points of Interest including restaurants, gas stations, shopping malls and golf courses.
Maps for the XL 340 Live unlike the other Live choice, the GO 740, do not cover Hawaii and Guam.

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 XL 340S 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.