Waze, the user-generated road mapping service goes global today.

The Waze application runs on users' smartphones, automatically and anonymously sending back GPS points as they drive. This data is then used to build and continuously update the Waze system map, giving users up to date information on traffic, road closures and more.

The program has already proved popular elsewhere around the globe. Drivers have organically formed their own groups and have started using Waze to build local maps in over 20 countries around the world, including Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, Thailand, Kazakhstan, and Trinidad and Tobago.

"Even without specific country support, we were amazed to see Wazers on our live map in clusters all over the world self organizing," said Noam Bardin, CEO of Waze. "We are committed to fostering this community of users and supporting them with the new infrastructure launched today. I would like to thank these motivated Wazers from all over the world for helping us bring better maps, free navigation and an improved daily commute to their regions."

As it is essentially a community driven service, the brand new global app still has some way to go before it is truly useful to UK road users, as so few have yet had a chance to try out the software and build the UK road grid. Still, it's a nice idea and watching the live map grow on the Waze website is quite a sight.

Definitely one to keep an eye on in the future.

For more information, visit www.waze.com.

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TomTom today released details of its brand new Go I-90 integrated navigation system.

The Go I-90 can be installed into any car model and provides full radio integration with the car speakers for high quality audio when using spoken instructions, or making hands-free phone calls.

The device will also feature a pre-installed map of Western Europe and TomTom Map Share, enabling drivers to share directions and traffic updates on the fly.

It is a premium bit of kit, so don't expect to see much change from £550. The Go I-90 will be available from December.

Here is a full list of the GO I-90 specifications:

• Pre-installed map of Western Europe.
• TomTom Map Share™ technology - so drivers get daily map changes from the TomTom community.
• TomTom Safety Alerts, including safety cameras.
• Enhanced Positioning Technology - for uninterrupted navigation, even in tunnels.
• Improved hands-free calling - so drivers can make and answer phone calls safely while driving.
• Help-Me! emergency menu - local information to get help quickly.
• Optional iPod support - optimal support for iPod playback and iPod charging.
• Extensive phone compatibility.
• Optimised TMC reception through the car's antenna.
• Latest map guarantee.
• TomTom HOME desktop software for everything a driver needs to keep the device up to date.
• Address speech recognition and text-to-speech.
• USB connection for MP3/I-pod.

Radio Features

• Amplifier (4 x 40 WATT).


• FM reception.


• RDS support for PS, AF, TA.


• AM reception (LW and MW).


• Built in TMC receiver.


• Ready for steering wheel control (3rd party accessory).


• Connectors to car and outside world (GPS, USB, iPod).


• 2 DIN box.


• No CD drive

TomTom has introduced a car kit for the iPhone. Compatible with the iPhone 3G and 3GS (running OS 3.0 or later), it features a secure mount to dock the iPhone to the desired position on the car windshield or dashboard.

An adjustable mount securely rotates iPhone to either portrait or landscape mode for optimal positioning and widescreen route display. Voice instructions are provided through the built-in speaker and the integrated microphone and speaker also allow hands-free calling while driving.

TomTom claims that the built-in GPS receiver reduces the chance of signal drop out in areas where GPS reception is limited like cities with tall buildings or forested areas. Additional features include an iPhone charging facility and a facility to play music via the audio output (providing your car stereo has an audio input of course).

The TomTom car kit for iPhone is now available in the TomTom web store (www.tomtom.com) and on Apple's online store with a recommended retail price of £99.99. The TomTom car kit for iPhone is available in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxemburg, Norway, Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, the UK, Sweden and Switzerland.

It will be available in the US on the TomTom web store and in US Apple online and retail stores in the near future.

Big news for sat nav fans as market leader TomTom has just unveiled a trio of new high end systems in the guise of the TomTom GO 950 LIVE, TomTom GO 750 LIVE and TomTom GO 550 LIVE.

All three offer access to TomTom's Live Service offering which gives the driver traffic alerts and fuel prices before they start as well as real-time updates. There's also an Eco Routes option has also been introduced, so drivers can select the most fuel-efficient route.

Other facilities include TomTom's Map Share technology. This enables users to make changes to maps and share them with others through Tom Tom's desktop app.

The difference between the three sat nav systems is as follow

TomTom GO 950 LIVE comes with pre-installed maps for door-to-door navigation in US, Canada and 45 countries in Europe and offers Enhanced Positioning Technology (EPT) for uninterrupted navigation when driving through tunnels.

TomTom GO 750 LIVE offer seamless door-to-door navigation across 45 countries n Europe.

TomTom GO 550 LIVE features maps of the UK/Republic of Ireland

All three will go on sale in the UK in the autumn with prices determined nearer the launch. LIVE Services are available for a flat fee of £7.99 per month with no hidden costs.

More info here

Here's a sat nav with a difference. The Econav 435 from Vexia claims to be able to reduce your fuel consumption by up to a third.

Available in September for £169 it works by telling you, in real time, the most economical and ecological way to drive, saving you up to £400 a year on your fuel bill and also reducing the amount of amount of CO2 you produce when driving.

Just input the car and fuel type and number of passengers and the Econav 435 will direct drivers on the route that is kindest to their fuel consumption. The system will also advise on which gear to use, while the Accelerator Pedal Indicator will measure driving efficiency. With the average driver notching up 11,000 miles every year, Vexia claims the Econav system will pay for itself in just six months.

Vexia

Vexia Econav 435 product information:
4.3" colour touch-screen
Automatic day / night mode
Econav system
Eco tips
Tunnel mode
Two models available

Econav 435 Regional maps: £169.99
Econav 435 European maps: £219.99

Following the launch earlier this year of Mio's flagship Navman Spirit range, Mio today announces new mid-range and entry level sat navs with prices ranging from £69.99 to £119.99

Featuring NavPix photo navigation, lane guidance and spoken motorway exit instructions, the mid-range Navman M-Series comprises two models - the £89.99 3.5 inch M300 and the £119.99 widescreen, 4.3 inch M400.

The long rumoured and much discussed Tom Tom app for the Apple iPhone and iTouch finally arrives at the iTunes store today. It is on sale for £59.99 loaded with a map of the UK and Ireland and £79.99 if you want Western Europe as well.

The company claims that the app bears all the hallmarks of its popular GPS systems. It includes Tom Tom's IQ Routes technology which the maker claims is the fastest and most accurate route planning system available. Also on board are a speed camera database, the latest Tele Atlas maps and multiple display options including 3D, night or day and portrait or landscape views.

The app also syncs with the iPhone address book in offering instant access to addresses.

The Tom Tom app faces plenty of rivals though from the likes of Co-Pilot and Navigon.