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iOS 6 + TomTom= Drive On


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TomTom could soon be telling iOS-ers where to go following the signing of a deal with Apple, it confirmed in a one line statement.

“TomTom has signed a global agreement with Apple for maps and related information. No further details of the agreement will be provided.”

Apple Maps to be released on iOS 6 due later this year (August/September) will boast a breathtaking menu of natigation tools inclduing:

Turn-by-turn navigation with voice command, ‘Flyover’, interactive 3D mapping and view of areas, realtime traffic info with alternative routes, and the clever iOS Maps gives you details on what’s causing a traffic backup.

“As you approach a turn, Maps speaks directions, so you can keep your eyes on the road,” according to the iOS maker who revealed Maps at WWD 2012 Monday.

“Large signs and arrows superimposed over the image show you which way to go and how long it’s going to take to get there — even if your screen is locked.”

And Siri is also joining the traffic team giving Apple’s the ability to search services in the vicinity.

Flyover let you see major urban areas from the sky with “photo-realistic” interactive 3D views and you zoom, pan, tilt, and rotate around the city and its landmarks.

But bad news for Apple oldies – the flyover tool and turn-by-turn navigation will be available only on newer iPhone 4S and iPad 2 models, notes Apple Insider.

And in what could potentially affect Aussie Apple’s: “some features may not be available in all countries or all areas.”

This comes as iOS 6, revealed at Apple’s WWD 2012 Monday, dumps Google Maps in favour of an in-house mapping system, as it looks to cease tier with Google, now its biggest rival in the smartphones and tab market with Android.

TomTom will be a primary supplier of maps to Apple, but other companies will contribute also, a TomTom spokesperson said.

Shares in Dutch giant TomTom surged 12% overnight on the Apple news.