TomTom Via GPS series now available in North America

By Geoff Duncan Published April 1, 2011

Sure, the dedicated GPS business has taken a hit from factory-installed in-vehicle systems and the ever-popular smartphone with assisted GPS, but that doesn’t mean TomTom is giving up the fight: the company has just announced that its Via series of automotive GPS units are now available in North America, padding out the company’s mid-range offerings.

TomTom Via 1535 GPS — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Originally introduced back in January at CES, the Via series comprises six series: the Via 1400, Via 1405, and Via 1435 series, all featuring 4.3-inch displays, and the Via 1500, Via 1505, and Via 1535 series. All the new models feature a new slim design with touchscreen interfaces, an updated software platform, and safety-enhancing features like optional hands-free Bluetooth calling and (in the 1435 and 1535) “Intuitive Voice Recognition” that enables users to input destinations and issue commands without taking hands off the wheel.

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Different models come with different map packages, with the higher-end units featuring built-in maps of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico and the lower-end models omitting Mexico. Users will also have the option to purchase any of the units with lifetime maps or traffic info: the map package includes up to four map updates per year until the units “useful life expires;” the lifetime traffic service only applies to the U.S. and Canada.

TomTom says the Via GPS series should eb available now, with suggested prices beginning at $169.

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Emerging Tech

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Outdoors

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