7 December 2007

Dutch navigation-device maker TomTom has announced that it has partnered with Google so users can download maps from the Internet directly into its GPS-enabled products.

The integration will enable users to search for business addresses on their computers with Google Maps, and perform a one-click transfer to the TomTom portable navigation product connected as a peripheral. Loading business information into the device will give users step-by-step directions as they head to a restaurant or run errands, the companies said.

After performing a Google Maps Internet search, users click the "send" link at the top right of the screen, and then select "GPS" from the pop-up screen.  Then, after they connect the navigation device to their computer, the TomTom Home application launches automatically on the computer screen. It prompts the user to confirm that the address is correct, and then downloads the address to the device, TomTom said.

Last month, TomTom successfully countered a bid by, US SatNav industry leader, Garmin to takeover the Dutch digital mapmaker Tele Atlas. The acquisition is currently under "phase two" review by the European Commission, which has expressed concerns that the merger could limit competition in the European personal navigation space, though TomTom is confident that the deal will still clear.

TomTom is also feeling pressure from Nokia, the world's biggest handset maker, which has been looking to make GPS a larger part of its business. On Oct. 1, Nokia announced its $8.1 billion acquisition bid for Chicago-based Navteq, the digital mapmaker and principal rival of Tele Atlas.

For Google, the link-up is the latest in a recent series of moves the company has made as it continues to broaden its reach and corral more traffic into its Web properties. Yesterday, Google announced that it would link its Gmail chat instant messaging application with AOL's AIM, and consolidate iPhone applications into a single interface.


Keep up to date with industry and Nomensa news by signing up to Nomensa newsletters.