TomTom, a Dutch company that specializes in navigation and map products, has been busy at the IFA 2016 held in Berlin, Germany, with several product launches that range from fitness trackers to smart satnavs for cars. However, one of the most intriguing releases from the company is the TomTom VIO, a circular satnav display that is specifically tailored for scooters.
It should be understood that the TomTom VIO is not a standalone satnav system but is a smartphone-connected one. As such, it will stream most of the needed information from the phone through Bluetooth. A wireless touchscreen display extension with a built-in GPS is a more accurate way of categorizing this innovation.
Once the VIO is paired with a smartphone, its accompanying TomTom VIO app can feed details to it, such as traffic conditions in certain routes and speed camera alerts. On the other hand, the built-in GPS gives the user turn-by-turn navigation instructions. Further navigation guidance is audibly provided through the Bluetooth helmet system. This negates the need to pull the phone out and hence, allows motorists to focus on the road, making trips quicker and safer.
"The innovative new TomTom VIO is game-changer for scooter riders," says Corinne Vigreux, co-founder and managing director, TomTom Consumer. "Not only will it speed up the commute, but gone are the days of fiddling with your mobile at the traffic lights, or wondering who's calling as you negotiate the traffic. For the first time, riders can explore the urban jungle safely, and confidently, in style."
Aside from driving directions, the TomTom VIO will also inform the user when someone is calling and display the caller's corresponding photo. The call can be taken using a connected Bluetooth headset.
TomTom also baked its speed camera warning system into the VIO. Users will get warnings for when they approach speed zones and speed cameras. Aside from the prompt to slow down, the VIO's display will also change into a different color for a better visual reminder.
Traffic alerts will also be displayed on the VIO. This goes together with suggested alternate traffic routes.
Knowing that it will be out in the open and constantly face the elements, TomTom built the VIO to withstand most of what nature can throw at it — rain, snow, sleet. Moreover, the VIO's screen is glove-friendly and will take taps and swipes even with gloves on.
The TomTom VIO, which is currently listed for $199.40, comes with a snap-on silicon cover in black. Aside from the black default, other colors such as yellow, red, pink, white, blue and green are also available but need to be purchased. Each sells for $17.27.
