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TomTom ditches map updates for some sat-navs TomTom ditches map updates for some sat-navs
(about 1 hour later)
A number of customers with TomTom sat-navs have been told that their devices will no longer receive map updates.A number of customers with TomTom sat-navs have been told that their devices will no longer receive map updates.
"Your maps will become out-of-date and as such navigation will be less accurate," the firm told customers."Your maps will become out-of-date and as such navigation will be less accurate," the firm told customers.
"It has become clear that some of our older generation navigation devices do not have sufficient resources to run the newest maps and software.""It has become clear that some of our older generation navigation devices do not have sufficient resources to run the newest maps and software."
Some devices that were on sale in 2017 will stop being updated and the BBC has asked TomTom for comment. A spokesman for TomTom told the BBC the company had been "proactively" communicating with customers.
The firm has published a list of affected models online. "A full list of those affected devices is available on our website," he said.
TomTom has said active subscriptions to map updates will continue until subscriptions run out, but customers will not be able to renew maps or receive new software updates.TomTom has said active subscriptions to map updates will continue until subscriptions run out, but customers will not be able to renew maps or receive new software updates.
'Lifetime updates''Lifetime updates'
In an email to customers, the firm added: "We will continue to provide quick GPS fix updates so your device will continue to function as it does now."In an email to customers, the firm added: "We will continue to provide quick GPS fix updates so your device will continue to function as it does now."
The BBC has spoken to one user who was only given her sat-nav at Christmas, though the model was first released in 2011. The BBC has spoken to one user who was given a new sat-nav at Christmas.
Paula Hatcher's partner bought her the Start 20 device because her previous sat-nav - the same model - had not come with lifetime maps. Paula Hatcher's partner bought her the Start 20 device because her previous sat-nav - an older model with the same name - had not come with lifetime maps.
"I haven't even had the opportunity to update it even once, since the email I received this morning [advised] the withdrawal of lifetime maps," she said."I haven't even had the opportunity to update it even once, since the email I received this morning [advised] the withdrawal of lifetime maps," she said.
Many of the affected sat-navs are still available online at a number of retailers. When the BBC contacted TomTom, the company confirmed that there were two devices named "Start 20" and that Paula's, the newer version, would in fact receive map updates.
Some product descriptions continue to state that maps on the devices will update multiple times a year "for the lifetime of your device". A spokesman for the firm said the TomTom website would be updated to reflect this naming issue and avoid confusion.
However, some of the affected sat-navs are still available online at a number of retailers.
Product descriptions continue to state that maps on these devices will update multiple times a year "for the lifetime of your device".
On its website, TomTom explains that "lifetime" means the "useful life" of a device: "ie: the period of time TomTom supports your device with updates, services, content or accessories. A device will have reached the end of its life when none of these are available any more."On its website, TomTom explains that "lifetime" means the "useful life" of a device: "ie: the period of time TomTom supports your device with updates, services, content or accessories. A device will have reached the end of its life when none of these are available any more."
Another customer who bought a TomTom sat-nav in 2013 said he won't be buying another product from the company. Another customer who bought a TomTom Start 25 sat-nav in 2013 said he won't be buying another product from the company.
"I will use my current smartphone with updated maps," said Chris Syntichakis."I will use my current smartphone with updated maps," said Chris Syntichakis.
TomTom's sales of devices direct to customers have recently been in "severe decline", according to analyst Chris Jones at Canalys.TomTom's sales of devices direct to customers have recently been in "severe decline", according to analyst Chris Jones at Canalys.
"Clearly they've identified a business market for future growth - that includes navigation and traffic services integrated into cars," he explained."Clearly they've identified a business market for future growth - that includes navigation and traffic services integrated into cars," he explained.
He said the market for personal sat-navs had been eroded by the rise of smartphone apps that offer similar services and frequent updates.He said the market for personal sat-navs had been eroded by the rise of smartphone apps that offer similar services and frequent updates.
"Within months the [sat-navs] will quickly become out-of-date when those updates stop appearing," he added."Within months the [sat-navs] will quickly become out-of-date when those updates stop appearing," he added.
"It's not just new roads, it's [information about] features on roads - road signs, speed limits, rights of way and crossings.""It's not just new roads, it's [information about] features on roads - road signs, speed limits, rights of way and crossings."