While the routing algorithm and traffic accuracy are significant reasons to still use TomTom nav products, the lack of a voice interface on mobile apps and an extremely limited voice interface on the dedicated sat-nav products really hinders the overall user experience. While I acknowledge that it is unrealistic to expect a company with limited resources like TomTom to develop a voice technology that is as capable of that from the likes of major players like Google, Apple and Amazon, does the consumer ultimately care? I think not.
Today, it seems that Garmin has shown TomTom the way forward. Garmin just released the Garmin Speak which uses the Amazon Alexa voice assistant to operate Garmin's new product. Hundreds of products are doing the same thing - integrating into Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Samsung Bixby and using those robust voice assistants to power their products.
For example, neither my iRobot Roomba or my ecobee thermostat have you even tried to develop their own voice engines. Yet, I can control both of them and receive data and status from both of them by talking to either Alexa or Google Assistant. Hyundai isn't using their own in-car voice recognition technology outside the car. Instead, they've simply integrated into Google Assistant so that I can say "OK Google, ask BlueLink to start my car" or "OK Google, ask BlueLink if my car is locked." It's done.
Today's announcement from Garmin allows the driver to simply speak "Alexa, tell Garmin to navigate to the nearest gas station."
TomTom has all the pieces in place to be able to accomplish this. Use the current MyDrive Android app as the bridge between the voice assistant and either the smartphone nav app or the dedicated sat-nav device. MyDrive is already cloud or Bluetooth connected to those products. Use Alexa, Bixby and Google Assistant to send commands through MyDrive to the user's chosen nav solution.
TomTom should stop putting resources into a voice recognition technology that can't keep up with the leaders in that industry. Integrate into those company's engines and give us a remarkable navigational experience instead.
