TomTom brings GO 740 LIVE to US shores

TomTom at CES brought out an Americanized version of the GO 740 LIVE, its first real-time aware GPS navigator. It earns its name from a constantly updated GPRS data link that automatically determines the best route based on short- and long-term traffic information. Updates on drive times and accidents are delivered every few minutes and give an immediate option to reroute if conditions delay the optimal route; route histories are also collected over the long term to predict the quickest route based on traffic on particular days or at different times.

The 740 LIVE additionally brings Google searches for local information, gas prices, weather and locating other TomTom owners. A newer interface brings both easier touch controls as well as improved voice activation that the company argues is better for planning whole routes as well as controlling the media functions of the mapping device.

Much like the GO 730, the new offering has a 4.3-inch touchscreen and Bluetooth for hands-free calls. It comes preloaded with maps of Canada and the US on its 2GB of internal memory but accepts microSD cards for additional maps.

TomTom ships the GO 740 LIVE in the spring for $499 and bundles a year-long free subscription to LIVE services. The company doesn't say how much any additional years will cost.