TomTom's new app takes on Apple and Google with free navigation


TomTom has announced a new navigation app for Android called TomTom GO Mobile.


It’s a relaunch of TomTom’s previous app, and offers up limited free navigation and real-time traffic info.


The app is free to download, but you’ll need to sign up to a subscription if you want to use the service for more than 50 miles (75km) each month.


You can upgrade to the premium service through in-app purchases; £14.99 gets you a one-year subscription, while 3 years of membership costs £34.99.


If you already subscribe to TomTom’s current Android app, however, then you can upgrade to a three-year unlimited navigation subscription for 50p with the new mobile app.


Corinne Vigreux, Managing Director for TomTom’s consumer division, said: “The TomTom GO Mobile app for Android is made for drivers who want to experience the best of TomTom on their smartphone.”


We have entirely re-thought our mobile solution so every driver has the chance to try navigation with TomTom Traffic. Now all Android owners can avoid the traffic jams and get to their destinations faster, every day.”


Related: Best Sat Navs 2015


The GO Mobile app uses the same interface at TomTom’s physical GO sat nav, so it’ll be easy to pick up for TomTom loyalists.


It’s chock full of features, including offline map viewing, TomTom’s traffic services, speed camera warnings, and a global map license that lets you use the service in 111 countries with network connection.


To download the app, you’ll need a Gmail account, a phone with Android 4.0.3 or later installed, and a screen resolution of at least 800 x 480.


The standalone sat nav market has been reeling in recent years since the rise of smartphones pushed users to more mobile navigation methods.


TomTom has struggled to compete in the mobile sat nav space, with the likes of Google Maps and Apple Maps offering their own strong, subscription-free services.


While offering some navigation services for free might be a small step in the right direction, many consumers will still struggle to justify the premium subscription.