TomTom developing iPhone GPS module?

Here's a fresh Apple rumor in the run-up to MacWorld: a TomTom GPS module for the iPhone. We just received this supposed photographic "evidence" of said device from a Dutch tipster. Our take? Might be, might not. TomTom is a Dutch company and a righteous, straight-talkin' Dutchman would never tell such a fib, would he? On the other hand, that device is clearly not in a car heading to Rotterdam. Still, it could be a route demo and that stretch of highway (A13/E19) is a favorite for internal TomTom validation studies. Surely a move towards GPS is a logical next step for Apple -- particularly after that little VW concept. And with Apple on the verge of opening the iPhone to third party developers, well, anything goes, eh?

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 23rd 2008 1:20PM]

I sure hope they find a way to allow me to charge the iPhone while using that GPS Module. Otherwise we will all get to our destinations, but will not be able to use our phone once we get there.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 12th 2007 2:31PM]

It's a retouched photo. Pixelated image and image kernel dimensions are incorrect, sides of image are not parallel to phone sides (skewed), upper left rounded corner, overall image does not correspond to iPhone image area (but close).

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 12th 2007 3:12PM]

Might be legit, they got some big offices in Amsterdam and that maps heading for Rotterdam down the road. Although could just have been made by some TomTom engineering folks for a laugh.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 12th 2007 4:20PM]

I think this is a fake photo, since TomTom produce widescreen form factor devices (although the smartphone ones are in portrait mode), you'd think they'd utilise the widescreen aspect ratio of a rotated iPhone.

[NickArts Posted Dec 12th 2007 5:13PM]

Adding to this rumor: TomTom is going to (or already) did acuire another Dutch company called TeleAtlas, which currently supplies a great lot of satelity images used on Google Maps.. makes this rumor a little more plausible..

But I do hope that the next iPhone has this hardware build-in! I hate add-ons!

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 12th 2007 8:25PM]

Hopefully as part of the iphone SDK, apple will have a bluetooth serial port API so that we could use a BT GPS with this. Also since all iphones have data plans i think it makes sense to go with an online nav solution like telenav, wayfinder vs an offline solution like tomtom which would take up valuable space on my 8GB iphone (tt typically takes 1-2GB).

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 12th 2007 8:21PM]

the bluetooth chip in the iphone is also available with built in/on GPS capability... why hasn't apple put that chip into the iphone, making it unnecessary to attach an external unit via bluetooth or dock connector...

for my part i'm waiting for an iphone version that allows me to use my tomtom bluetooth GPS or includes a GPS internally... to have to attach a GPS physically to the dock connector is not a good option!!!

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 12th 2007 11:23PM]

great idea, that way, ipod touch's could get gps as well!

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 17th 2007 10:19AM]

I think it wouldn't hurt your stocks when you can deliver a fully functional software product ready to go with a GPS enabled iphone. Either Customers could go buy into your software or Apple might buy it from you.

It's a nice piece of software already.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 13th 2007 5:41AM]

FAKE. the photo is taken on a Desk. But gps shows a highway???. I do often drive with my desk on highways with 14.2kmh =)

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 13th 2007 7:51AM]

[Sebastian] I was just going to say that myself... I can't believe that no-one pointed that out until today! I don't know many desks that travel more than 0km when in situ, but I'd love to see that desk in action. ;-)

Definitely a FAKE! The feature would be nice though, but like previously mentioned, use the Widescreen aspect.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 13th 2007 8:12AM]

Another reply from Holland:

Three years ago I bought a TomTom navigator working on Palm Tungsten + Bluetooth GPS module. The photo suggests the exact same functionality. TomTom is making software for 3rd party hardware for ages. When they can do it for Palm, why not for iPhone. In fact, when the SDK is out, it's so obvious...

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 13th 2007 1:10PM]

I live in Canada, and while I'm not sure if I would buy the iphone I have to ask where to hell is it? This gps might just be the tipping point for me in which i might buy it. Its all over europe and the USA and people can get them in china no problem. I know I can fetch one on ebay and get it unlocked, but is it so hard for apple to score a deal with fido, rogers or telus? we have 3 GSM carriers all with decent coverage. WHERE IS OUR IPHONE!!!???

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 24th 2007 2:49AM]

Since it already has GPS chip inside, why not uncripple the existing device to GPS software?

Apple, why must you make us cry?

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 13th 2007 8:35PM]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/15103971@N00/2108660559/

Haha

[azz0r Posted Dec 15th 2007 11:14AM]

I wonder what the odds of it working with the iPod Touch are?

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 17th 2007 2:18AM]

本来就该有的.™

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2007 8:30AM]

You will note that the interface you see on this picture is Nav 5, not Nav 6.

I call hoax (for now)

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 10th 2008 2:58PM]

This is either fake or unfair. It means tomtom has been given a heads up on the SDK whilst other companies can only start their iphone app development when the SDK is released.