IFA 2016: Scooter riders who want to know where they are going may be pleased to know TomTom has unveiled a new navigation system known as VIO.
The TomTom VIO is a small, circular display that connects to a smartphone running the free TomTom VIO navigation app and relays speed camera alerts and directions to the rider. A connection is made over Bluetooth.
Speed camera alerts are handled in rather neat fashion. Go too fast for the current limit and the display turns red until the appropriate speed is adhered to, allowing riders to keep their eyes on the road ahead more easily.
TomTom VIO can display call notifications so you know who is trying to get hold of you and, more usefully, will allow you to navigate to a contact if their address has been inputted. Not only that, you can ask it to avoid motorways and tunnels – places scooters may want to avoid.
TomTom says the GPS-enabled VIO is waterproof and can work with gloves so it should still prove useful when our spell of sunny weather comes to a close. As for fitting it, it can attach to the handlebars if you prefer that to the mirror.
Knowing the average Vespa rider is potentially aesthetically minded, the VIO can be covered with a snap-on silicon cover in one of six different colours. The rider can also customise the map and route colour within the display so everything matches (or doesn’t, if that is how you roll).
Recharging the TomTom VIO is done using a USB cable and its maker says to expect around five hours of continous usage. Bear in mind using the VIO will impact how long your smartphone lasts – although it does use the in-built GPS to help the situation, which in turn provides more accurate location data.
Completing the package is a carry case to keep the TomTom VIO scratch-free in between rides and a black snap-on cover. It costs £149.99 and will be available from Halfords, Amazon and TomTom’s own website from the 8th of September, 2016.
The TomTom VIO app, which only works with the VIO device unsurprisingly, is available on Android and iOS. We have asked if Windows Mobile will also be supported at a later date.
TomTom also used the IFA 2016 show to announce its latest Go navigation devices for the car, including the top-spec Go 6200 that will cost from £339.99 when it goes on sale in September, 2016. Destination prediction, Apple Siri support and lifetime support for mapping and cameras are standout features.
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