By Stevie Smith Apr 12, 2007, 14:32 GMT
TomTom, renowned as the world’s biggest supplier of navigation solutions, has this week whipped the launch covers off European versions of its award-winning RIDER navigation system, an onboard GPS unit built specifically for motorcycles that has been designed for bikers by bikers.
When it arrives at the end of May 2007, TomTom RIDER will be available in two different models: TomTome RIDER Europe comes featuring “door-to-door navigation anywhere in Western Europe” while Tom Tom RIDER Regional will provide navigational maps dedicated solely to the United Kingdom and Ireland.
TomTom claims its new bike-specific RIDER navigational solution combines “ease of use, portability, a touchscreen that is specially designed for use with gloves and TomTom’s award-winning software” to bring bikers the perfectly designed directional tool to ensure safe and reliable two-wheeled travel.
As it’s designed exclusively for cycles and bike lovers, TomTom RIDER is, of course, fully waterproofed and will also arrive complete with a Cardo scala-rider Bluetooth headset for the delivery of in-helmet spoken instructions to the RIDER software. Moreover, the bundled headset is compatible with either open or closed crash helmets and provides enhanced noise cancellation to the user so that directions and/or phone calls can be enjoyed “with unparalleled clarity.” In terms of application, TomTom’s RIDER includes the rugged and respected RAM mount, which “fits on virtually all motorbikes” and is easy to apply while providing security against “the toughest conditions bikers may encounter.”
“TomTom RIDER is the first ever navigation solution specifically designed for motorbikers,” enthused Harold Goddijn, CEO of TomTom. “This new TomTom RIDER gives bike riders more of what they love when navigating on their bikes – high quality, easy to use and safe navigation, in addition to impeccable vocal instruction, smart services and extras to ensure they have a great bike experience,”
And in a canny move to widen RIDER’s applicable demographic appeal TomTom also has an in-car accessory kit available for those who want to take TomTom RIDER with them on four wheels.
The car-kit accessory pack can be purchased for a mere €79,95 (approx. £55.00), while the two TomTom RIDER editions are expected to hit retail between €400-600 (£300-400). The TomTom RIDER is already available in the U.S. for $599.95 USD.
And, finally, TomTom HOME, the free user software application for downloading, storing, transferring, and managing content from PCs onto the RIDER.
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