By AppleInsider Staff
Published: 12:55 PM EST (09:55 AM PST)
The forthcoming TomTom Car Kit navigation dock will not enable GPS functionality for the corresponding App Store software on the iPod touch and first-generation iPhone.
Company officials confirmed to
AppleInsider Wednesday that although the Car Kit dock is compatible with all iPhone models, the TomTom application will only work with the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G -- even with the dock connected to a first-generation iPhone or iPod touch. Since it appeared for order on the
Apple Store last week, the hardware's Web page has read: "Note: The TomTom app for iPhone is not included with this TomTom Car Kit. The Car Kit dock is compatible with all iPhone models, but the Car Kit app only works with iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G."
When asked whether the application could be updated to allow it to work with the iPod touch and first-generation iPhone, a company spokesman simply said that TomTom has not made any "public announcements."
The news is a change from previous reports, which suggested that the hardware kit with its integrated GPS receiver would
allow navigation functionality on devices other than the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G.
The Car Kit was expected to arrive this summer, but was
delayed until October without any specific reason given. Given that the $119.95 hardware is listed as shipping in two to three weeks from the Apple Store, it would appear that the October deadline will also be missed.
The hardware is not necessary to use the TomTom navigation software that is currently available in the iPhone App Store, but it will amplify the GPS signal for the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS. The dock is also said to be secure, have a superior speaker, and allow for easy charging and hands-free calling. The application and Car Kit are sold separately.
The TomTom iPhone mount will boost the device's GPS reception.
