TomTom thinking about its own "GPS PDA / smartphone?"

We definitely wouldn't recommend taking this to heart just yet, but according to DigiTimes, the likes of TomTom (and even Garmin) are "likely to soon launch their own-brand GPS PDA smartphones." Of course, the news comes smashed in with word that quite a few more notable smartphone manufacturers (such as HTC, i-mate, and HP) are also gearing up to release GPS-enabled handsets in the near future, and while Garmin is no stranger to the mobile GPS realm, this would be (relatively, at least) new territory for ole TomTom. Beyond that, details are scant, but we'll be sure to keep an ear to the ground.

[John M @ Sep 13th 2007 3:42PM]

Actually Garmin has manufactured and sold a GPS cellphone before...

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=84&tab=navtalk
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=145

[Zal @ Sep 13th 2007 3:42PM]

Sounds good. We need more innovation and price pressure on higher-end smartphones. I'd welcome a rush of new phones sporting HSDPA, WiFi, and GPS--bring em on!

[Johan S @ Sep 13th 2007 3:46PM]

This would be good. But TomTom please call up Sanyo/Epson and get their 500 ppi display. Or Samsung and their 400 ppi display. Basically, the screen should have a minimum of 800 px width so that it can be used for effective web browsing (even the iPhone's 480 is not enough) on the go.

Must haves for my next phone:

1. 800 px width display (but the phone must not be wider than iPhone)
2. GPS
3. Videoconferencing

[Rik @ Sep 13th 2007 3:58PM]

If the GPS doesn't come to the telephone, the telephone will come to the GPS.

[Canoehead @ Sep 13th 2007 4:24PM]

If you want something like that get a Nokia 770 or N800 - no phone but it can connect to a bluetooth phone and bluetooth GPS. I've got the 770 and the GPS map resolution is superb. Both are hackable Linux boxes and you can install your own OS and aps.

[R1cebrner @ Sep 13th 2007 3:59PM]

Someone talk them into making a cdma version. or talk verizon into switching to gsm

[dw @ Sep 13th 2007 4:10PM]

Have a HTC "Orbit" which is a pocket pc WM6 with TomTom GPS Built-in on O2 UK for 13 months, what my new pocket pc based devices will need is a decent 5M+ Camera, multi touch display, and SDHC Support. Many thanks.

http://www.xda-developers.com

[gfar @ Sep 13th 2007 4:28PM]

...http://www.blackberry8800.co.uk/blackberry8820/

[RadikulDude @ Sep 13th 2007 4:30PM]

The "GPS Enabled" moniker is misleading. I wonder if it is TRUE GPS? In other words, will it work as a location finder when you are -not- in the cellular service area? Since Tom-Tom and Garmin sell standalone units that only need to be able to see the sky, maybe theirs will be TRUE GPS.

[Grizz @ Sep 13th 2007 4:32PM]

Just so long as the GPS is not Pay-Per-Use. I need a one time purchase, unlimited use. At 12$ a month the gps app on my phone would end up costing more than buying a regular GPS.

[RadikulDude @ Sep 13th 2007 4:48PM]

Exactly my point. I have purchased software that lets me use the external GPS rcvr. with my phone as much as I want.... I just don't like needing the second piece of equipment. So if the chipset is in the phone and works with off the shelf software without the need for the carrier to provide it... I would be HAPPY. (or at least one step closer to being happy ;-))

[Kaiser777 @ Sep 13th 2007 6:07PM]

How about the HTC TYTN II released at the end of August. It has HSDPA, WiFi, GPS, WM6,3Meg Camera, push exchange, touch screen. Got one, GPS works great (when outside) Tom-Tom installs from CD then you get to download a map for only one city for free. Awesome phone
http://www.htc.com/product/03-product_tytn_II.htm

[DJT @ Sep 13th 2007 6:38PM]

The unlocked version of the Kaiser is great. However in the U.S., the TyTn-II is only going to be carried by AT&T and it is rumored that they have crippled the phone and disabled GPS on it, and also removed one of its two cameras. If this is true it is a shame, and enough to consider buying an unlocked one.

[Constable Odo @ Sep 13th 2007 7:03PM]

Gee. I guess every TomTom, Dick and Harry thinks they can get into the cellphone business now. The U.S. isn't China. Someone told me months back that the cellphone business was already saturated. Where did all this extra demand come from?

[keithwwalker @ Sep 13th 2007 7:39PM]

HTC Advantage already has GPS.
What would be ironic is if HTC ends up making the phones for TomTom...

[PEZ @ Sep 13th 2007 9:47PM]

Tomtom uses a linux for its OS.. hopefully they will stick with that.

[sickybit @ Sep 14th 2007 12:03AM]

Tom Tom on my iPhone or real-time Google Maps GPS would be sweet.