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Tired of Google Maps? I checked how it works with the free TomTom GO

Interest in navigation does not decrease. 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, which I checked myself.

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How do I activate my free 1-year 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 application 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. When it comes to 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. Poor!

Jakość map. Google Maps vs. TomTom

What about 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 good 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 are updating data on key roads, and are taking into account new investments on lower category roads much slower. Hence, a new roundabout in a housing estate, a tunnel in the center of a smaller town or a market with a parking lot will appear in TomTom later 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 is the fastest route, and the surprisingly reasonable one is the most ecological, 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 different settings. TomTom also works very stably with Apple CarPlay (which I found out while 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 (what a practical plan.tomtom and MyDrive service), which I have checked many times with portable use. new navigators. During several days of testing in the smartphone application, routes developed on the computer appeared instantly. 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, roundabouts and intersections. I have 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 unexpected detours (which is common in Google Maps). He managed to avoid traffic jams so well that I don’t remember a situation in which I could complain about poor detours and equally bad information about traffic jams. In other words, there were very few situations where confidence in navigation was undermined.

Information about traffic jams in the TomTom GO application is quite reliable and very clearly presented. In Google Maps you can see a colorful map in which roads marked in green are free from traffic jams, and orange and red (two shades of red) highlight blocked sections. TomTom uses a different method. You will only see places where traffic jams occur on the map. When you touch a highlighted area on the screen, you will see detailed information about the estimated length and time of the delay. Practical and, most importantly, quite accurate. I have noticed more than once that TomTom showed 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 about payment

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 about the nearest gas stations, speed cameras, passenger service points, traffic jams and other difficulties. The whole thing reminds me a bit of the instructions for Lego sets, and the 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 renew automatically after a year and then TomTom will 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 about the navigation license in a year’s time until they receive a message about the account being debited.

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