Interest in navigation is not decreasing. We found this out by checking the statistics of the text devoted to the TomTom campaign, under which paid navigation was made available for free. In other words, just enter the appropriate code to use an annual license for the quite successful and popular TomTom GO application. It is significant that the Dutch carried out the action together with the German daily Bild (ends on April 19, 2024). It can also be used by those interested in Poland, as I have checked.
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How do I activate my free annual navigation license?
- Use your computer and browser to visit the TomTom online store
- In the TomTom store, register as a new user and create an account
- In the store, select the TomTom GO application and enter the code TOMTOMBILD2024 when finalizing the transaction (note: the code does not work in Apple and Google stores)
- To complete the transaction, please provide your payment method (payment card or PayPal account)
- Download the TomTom GO app from the App Store or Google Play and log in with the details you provided when registering in the store
TomTom GO for iOS. Navigation Tomasz Okurowski
TomTom GO for iOS. Navigation Tomasz Okurowski
Is TomTom Go better than Google Maps? That’s a good question. But the answer is not that simple. Well, I’ll use the popular phrase – it depends. In terms of the catalog of addresses and the search method, Google Maps is unrivaled. I would venture to say that it is even light years away from its competitors. This also applies to TomTom, which cannot boast such a rich catalog of addresses. After so many years of development, the Dutch application still does not respond to simple phrases such as Asian food, Polish cuisine, plumber or home air conditioning. Poorly!
Map quality. Google Maps vs. TomTom
What regarding the quality of the maps? I have been using various TomTom devices for years and I have the impression that the Dutch company’s maps have fewer errors than Google’s (maybe it’s a matter of luck or bad luck). The company responds quite well to new road investments (e.g. the eastern section of the A2 under construction is already visible on the map) and there were cases where in Poland TomTom updated the map more efficiently than Google. I also noticed that the Dutch update data on key roads and take into account new investments on lower category roads much slower. Hence, a new roundregarding in a housing estate, a tunnel in the center of a smaller town or a supermarket with a parking lot will appear later in TomTom than in Google Maps.
TomTom GO app. iOS version Tomasz Okurowski
In other categories it is much better. The application is easy to use, so planning a route is not a problem (the standard one is the fastest route, and the surprisingly reasonable one is the most ecological one, which prefers less frequented local roads). It is also easy to indicate a destination (it works well even with the Siri voice assistant), update maps (the device stores maps in memory, so you can use navigation without Internet access) or use various settings. TomTom also worked very stably with Apple CarPlay (which I found out by testing the beta version for a long time).
Plan your route at home
TomTom can plan a route in a browser (e.g. on a computer at home) and then send it to the device (the very practical plan.tomtom and MyDrive services), which I have tested many times with portable navigators. During several days of testing, routes developed on the computer appeared quickly in the smartphone application. After just a few seconds it was visible on the phone. Excellent!
TomTom GO app. iOS version Tomasz Okurowski
TomTom’s strong point is guidance to your destination. In this respect, it is a worthy rival to Google Maps. The graphics are so clear that it is difficult to make a mistake even at more complicated road junctions, motorway exits, roundregardings and intersections. I have also been testing the version as part of the beta program for months and I remember that it leads to the destination very predictably and rarely surprises with quite unexpected detours (which is common in Google Maps). It managed to avoid traffic jams so well that I don’t remember a situation in which I might complain regarding poor detours and equally poor information regarding traffic jams. In other words, there were very rare occasions when confidence in navigation was undermined.
Information regarding traffic jams in the TomTom GO application is quite reliable and very clearly presented. In Google Maps, you can view a colorful map in which roads marked in green are free from congestion, and blocked sections are highlighted in orange and red (two shades of red). TomTom uses a different method. You will only see places where traffic jams occur on the map. When you touch the highlighted area on the screen, you will see detailed information regarding the estimated length and time of the delay. Practical and, most importantly, quite accurate. I have often found that TomTom showed with great precision where the traffic jam begins and ends. There is something to praise.
TomTom GO app. iOS version Tomasz Okurowski
A strip like in Lego blocks. Remember to pay
How does TomTom inform you when you are approaching a traffic jam? Through a practical gadget. A very successful solution is the information bar displayed on the right side of the screen. This is a solution that TomTom has been using for years. You will see key data regarding the nearest gas stations, speed cameras, traveler service points, traffic jams and other difficulties. The whole thing reminds me a bit of the instructions for Lego sets, and a bar that indicates the building progress. A very useful solution for everyday use.
TomTom GO app. iOS version Tomasz Okurowski
It remains to mention the issue of costs. Remember that the subscription will automatically renew following a year and TomTom will then charge our payment card. Therefore, if you do not intend to extend the license, simply cancel your subscription before the deadline. Therefore, it is worth entering a reminder. I doubt that anyone will remember regarding the navigation license in a year’s time until they receive a message regarding their account being debited.
