~ Drivers can now safely tweet their ETA and search live travel reviews using new, driver-friendly versions of Expedia, TripAdvisor and Yelp ~
Johannesburg, 29 August 2011 – Today, TomTom is introducing new, driver-friendly versions of popular social networking and online travel services. New Search & Go LIVE Services – which include Expedia, TripAdvisor and Yelp – give users access to trusted online reviews and the best route to get there. This is the first time that online travel services and Twitter™ have been created specifically for satnav users.
“We know that people want to stay connected – at home, at work, and everywhere in between. By giving them the option to tweet their estimated time of arrival (ETA) and their destination, as well as offering access to leading online travel services through new Search & Go LIVE Services, TomTom is bringing a new level of connectivity to the car without compromising safety,” said Daan Henderickx, Country Manager for TomTom South Africa.
The Twitter functionality in TomTom devices will feature an option to tweet the driver’s destination to their followers with the ETA. The Twitter message is pre-set by the user before they set off, so they can concentrate safely on the road without worrying about informing people when they’re going to arrive. The estimated time of arrival will be updated before arrival to give more accuracy. All Twitter functionalities are optional – they can be turned on and off, depending on the user’s preferences.
Within the Search & Go LIVE Services portfolio, the Expedia feature allows people to compare accommodations in their vicinity. Trip Advisor and Yelp give drivers access to live, impartial reviews for restaurants, hotels, spas and theatres.
Each of the new Search & Go LIVE Services have been created to work seamlessly with TomTom’s map and routing technology. This means that once drivers have read reviews and selected where they want to go, they are automatically offered the best route to get there. All TomTom LIVE devices calculate the quickest route to through traffic congestion using TomTom HD Traffic.
“Today TomTom is giving drivers a glimpse into the future of connected navigation.
We will continue to develop real-time services and content that is useful and relevant in the car. We will continue to give millions of drivers around the world more reasons to drive LIVE and be part of TomTom’s connected community,” added Henderickx.
TomTom will be rolling out the new LIVE Services functionality at no additional cost first in the US from October 2011 and in Germany & New Zealand from October 2011. This service is set to be available in South Africa from 2012.
About TomTom HD Traffic
TomTom HD Traffic provides the most accurate, comprehensive and frequently updated real time traffic information available. It provides up to 99,9% road coverage than any other traffic solution and delivers updates every two minutes to allow drivers to get around traffic more effectively than ever before. As soon as an accident or other delay is found on route, TomTom alerts the driver and will re-route to an alternative, faster route if one is available.
For more information on TomTom HD Traffic visit: http://www.tomtom.com/services