Hey What’s That goes mobile

It’s been quite a while since I wrote about Hey What’s That?, a website that helps you identify mountains on the horizon. Well, today comes news that they have a mobile app for Android and iPhone (here is their mobile FAQ). So I tweeted about it and @CompeGPS turned me onto…

Peak.AR

Peak.AR (iTunes link) is a free augmented reality app that looks much better. There’s a screenshot at the top of this post (note that both English and German languages are supported). It’s limited to the iPhone now, but an Android app is expected by the end of February.

GPS manufacturers lag

Why can I do this with my phone, but not my handheld GPS? This is exactly the sort of thing that is leading to the demise of the industry at the hands of mobile applications. The GPS industry needs to develop a new model based on the ability to deliver innovation rapidly before free mobile apps eat their lunch.

• I thought the tryptophan in turkey was supposed to mellow people out. Must have worn off by the time the fights broke out in Wisconsin and Florida over TomTom Black Friday deals at Walmart!
• The Magellan Car Kit for the iPhone and iPod touch has shown up on Amazon, with a release date of December 11 and a price of $129.99.
• TomTom announced a special edition last week – the TomTom XXL 540S World Traveler Edition, with pre-loaded maps of the US, Canada and Europe. Full news release after the jump.

TomTom (TOM2.AS), the world’s leading provider of navigation solutions and digital maps, today announces a special edition of the TomTom XXL family of products – the TomTom XXL 540S World Traveler Edition. Drivers can now enjoy TomTom’s premium technologies, optimal routing and latest maps of the U.S., Canada and Europe, all on an extra-large five-inch screen.

“TomTom’s XXL products have been well received by consumers for their large, clear displays. The TomTom XXL 540S World Traveler Edition, in particular, appeals to globetrotters who appreciate a wide screen, a sleek design and the assurance that their routes are always the most efficient regardless of their destination,” said Jocelyn Vigreux, president of TomTom Inc. “With the introduction of the World Traveler Edition, TomTom continues to expand its product offerings to meet our customers’ diverse navigation needs.”

Optimal Routing
With TomTom’s proprietary IQ Routes™ Technology, the TomTom XXL 540S World Traveler Edition enables users to always drive the smartest and most efficient routes, whenever or wherever they go. The technology calculates routes based on historical speed measurements for every time of day and for every road segment, from large highways to small local roads. With IQ Routes, users get the fastest routes and can save significant travel time, money and fuel.

The new TomTom XXL devices also come with:

• Full maps of the U.S., Canada and Europe;
• TomTom Map Share™ technology, so users can instantly modify street names, street direction, points of interest and more on their device, as well as benefit from corrections made by others;
• TomTom “Help Me!” menu, so users can easily access local emergency service providers such as police, fire stations and hospitals;
• Award-winning Fold and Go EasyPort^® mount, folds flat against the device, making it easy for users to transport;
• TomTom HOME, the free desktop application to keep users’ devices up-to-date at all times;
• Increased memory with 4G of storage;
• Advanced Lane Guidance for realistic representations of complex highway junctions and lane-specific visual directions that take the stress out of navigating these otherwise challenging areas;

· Seven million points of interest, so users have access to information and location details of more restaurants, hotels, gas stations, etc. than ever before; and

· High-quality black finish, for a sleek look.

Availability and Pricing
The new TomTom XXL 540S World Traveler Edition will be in retailers across the United States and Canada in early December.

TomTom XXL 540S World Traveler Edition (MSRP): $349.95 USD / $399.95 CAD