Navigation » Tom Tom arrives

It looks like BMW is finally throwing in the Garmin towel and will be installing Tom Tom navigation devices on future models: https://www.motorcycle.com/bikes/news/bm...forces-44603923

Looks like a Connected Ride cradle and phone.

Not really a surprise. The Connected Ride app and navigator use Tom Tom maps.

I'm missing something in the whole dedicated navigation device thing. With fancy new TFTs I thought almost all future navigation services would be via the phone in your pocket, displayed on the TFT. Where does having a separate device, screen and all the nav mount faff it requires come in this?

For ordinary people, maybe it serves no purpose. The GPS function built into a bike only gives you basic directions and can't give you maps unless it has a dedicated storage unit for all that data. Bluetooth doesn't have the bandwidth to transfer all that data in real time. I use my iPhone in my Prius and truck regularly rather than go through the trouble to mount the Nav system just because it does more than well enough for my needs.

That said, there are places where cell phones don't work...even in/near cities with plenty of towers. So long as you can connect with enough satellites, you can know where you are and plot a route. On a road trip, I don't want to risk being lost because I can't get a cell signal. I know some apps will load the directions and prompt so long as the GPS positioning on the phone indicate it's time, but for big trips, I want a dedicated Nav unit.

Then, you have the interactivity. Maybe not with BMW, but not all bikes have cell phone integration where you can answer and dial calls without removing your hands from the bars. A Nav that pairs with your phone lets you at least do this from the screen. I also would rather keep my phone someplace protected (like my tank bag) rather than in a mount on the handlebars.

I haven't used the connected ride stuff, but a video review I saw of it had the phone app (I think it's BMW labelled TomTom software) capable of downloading maps to make sure you can navigate without data service. I think phones are no worse than dedicated gps units at tuning in to the satellites, so when you go somewhere remote, so long as you've sight of the sky, you should be still good to navigate.

I think you are right that some people will prefer a dedicated unit. The thing is though that if only a small number of people are being catered to, BMW will loose interest.

I’ll be one of the last to be dragged away from my stick on GPS devices. On 2 wheels and 4.

I find the better (for me) functionality outweighs plugging my phone in.

As one who can beat Basecamp into line, I’m happy with my Garmins.

Has anyone installed/used the Carpuride phone/gps unit as yet? The one specifically designed for BMW interface? I'm interested as my Garmin unit failed many moons ago and these units are low cost.

Since 4 weeks I use the Chigee AIO 5 for BMW.
Fits in BMW navmount.
It mirrors the phone via carplay and works perfect with the multiwheel and indicatorswitch.
Connection helmet to phone and phone to Chigee.

I just purchased a TomTom 550, after selling the Beemer. Haven't used it much yet, but like the fact that it updates via WiFi rather than plugging into my antiquated pc..