The difference is, neither Apple or Microsoft share the data they collect. TomTom, on the other hand, does.

While they maintain a position that all user data is anonymous, they do share it with government officials, specifically, the traffic information. Not only that, but TomTom also shares vehicular speed data, allowing the police to place speed-deterring cameras at known speeding hotspots. So while the data from individual vehicles remains secret, the fact that TomTom customers speed is not. A direct quote from the company addresses the situation:

We are now aware that the police have used traffic information that you have helped to create to place speed cameras at dangerous locations where the average speed is higher than the legally allowed speed limit. We are aware a lot of our customers do not like the idea and we will look at if we should allow this type of usage [emphasis added by editor].

While the adherence to keeping its customers anonymous, is it much of a stretch to think law enforcement agencies will want more from this technology? Perhaps a daily list of speeders they can send snail mail tickets to? Is that too much of a tin foil approach? Perhaps, but considering the way the US government has already ignored a user’s right to privacy concerning wireless tech, perhaps not.

TomTom users can opt out of the data collection aspect of using the device, provided the conspiracy against them is getting a little too close for comfort. Apparently, and perhaps thankfully, the TomTom company is a little embarrassed by the news concerning their data collection protocols, and so, CEO Harold Goddijn has been making the rounds in an attempt to salve any wounds:

Possibly feeling their market encroached upon by the likes of Google and their Maps Navigation for Android, the site will allow anyone in the world to access up-to-the-minute traffic information in their area.  That is assuming you live in one of seventeen European countries or South Africa.  Sadly the new site, however accessible it is to those in the States, only contains real time traffic data for 18 countries.

TomTom released what they called a “Traffic Manifesto” last year which stated that they were “on a mission to reduce traffic congestion for all.”  Around that time they debuted their newest traffic scouting technology, what they called HD Traffic 4.0.  They touted it as the best available saying, “TomTom’s real-time and predictive traffic technology now detects traffic jams that other services are unable to. HD Traffic 4.0 reports traffic jams with higher accuracy, reporting up to 200% more traffic jams during rush hours.”

The website itself looks good, not great.  It groups accidents in one area with a single icon, which you click  for further information.  Of course, you’re not getting the latest news on delays in your neighborhood, but it would help on even a moderate length trip.  Live traffic in Luxembourg looks like this:

All of this sounds great, except right now it doesn’t exactly benefit many North Americans.  Checking the traffic on your computer before heading to work sounds like a worthwhile activity.  Even accessing it on a mobile device was fine for me, as it wasn’t any clunkier on the iPhone than on my computer.  Maybe TomTom will expand their live traffic service westward in the near future.

"The number of GPS-enabled LBS subscribers is expected to take a big leap in coming years with market revenue reaching around US$ 9.8 Billion in 2013," a representative for Localeze tells WebProNews.

"We are pleased to work with an industry leader like TomTom and its industry customers, to deliver our descriptive local search business listings," says Jeff Beard, president, Localeze. "Relevant points of interest and information including a business’ name, address, and phone number drive a more dynamic and interactive experience for consumers when they are on-the-go."

"Localeze has a wide network of local search platform partners and far-reaching, pervasive local search business listings,” adds TomTom VP of partner development Dan Adams. "By working with Localeze, we can strengthen our product offerings with relevant content for our vast range of industry partners."

Among Localeze’s 14 million local search business listings are about 600,000 verified ones. This deal should force that number up.

This feature made its first widespread appearance in BMWs; owners throughout Europe are able to use Google Maps in the comfort of their homes or offices and simply send directions to their navigation systems when it’s time to go.  Mercedes made a similar move that involved both Yahoo Maps and Google Maps.

Now we’re reaching the masses, though – those who couldn’t afford a BMW or Mercedes or simply chose something else (and “something else” is, in all reality, likely to be sexier and/or more reliable).  The one catch here is that the new deal only involves the TomTom brand of navigation systems.

And Google – Yahoo fans will have to either ignore this innovation or adapt.  Still, TomTom is a pretty major player in this field, and Google is, well, Google.  The (free) feature’s ease of use adds even more value to the equation; a demo video proves that just about anyone who can type and click should be able to operate it.

Keep an eye out for Garmin, another company that specializes in nav systems, to follow TomTom’s lead.  Also, this development will increase the pressure on automakers to come up with their own out-of-the-factory solutions.

TomTom May Provide “Navigation 2.0″

The company plans to acquire Europe-based Tele Atlas, a digital mapmaker that utilizes user-generated content to update auto-travel information – closed roads, construction, cool new restaurant on a particular street – all submitted by users, providing more information than traditional GPS services offer.

But don’t get too excited yet. The deal’s not complete yet and it is not yet known if "Navigation 2.0" will be implemented in the US.

Many are touting the possibility as a wisdom-of-crowds triumph, and are wondering what other uses the user-generated model could be put to in the mobile sector.

Seems to me it’s only a matter of time before it’s put to nefarious purposes: the night security guard here takes naps between 2 and 4 a.m.; the woman at this house doesn’t close her blinds; vehicle enforcement cops spotted on this stretch of highway.

Well, that last one doesn’t sound so bad.