TomTom intros new GO, brings Web 2.0 to GPS

TomTom began Tuesday by launching a new model in its GO line. The 4.3-inch GO 720 is the first GPS mapping unit from the company to focus on collaboration and customization through a new feature dubbed TomTom Map Share. Unlike most receivers, whose maps depend on updates solely from one company, the 720's map information can be altered by the drivers themselves: similar to Wikipedia, owners can note when a street name changes or construction blocks a route; the changes can either be limited to just individual units but can also be shared with other drivers, providing advance warnings for those who aren't already familiar with a given area. Owners can even personalize their voice navigation by having friends or family record audio for individual routes.

Other core aspects of the GO have been updated, TomTom says. The newer model revamps the hands-free Bluetooth calling feature with better noise cancelling and an automatic answer feature; for emergencies, a new "Help Me1" shortcut can direct the car to the nearest hospital or any of multiple essential services. Less essential but still useful, according to the company, is direct iPod playback support and the option of an RDS traffic receiver for live road condition updates.

Starting in July, the GO 720 will ship with maps of Canada and the US preloaded on to 2GB of internal flash memory and an SD card slot for expanding with additional information. Pricing hasn't been announced and will appear closer to the actual release.