An electronics consumer show would not ordinarily be the place to pick up automotive news but in between the introduction of Sony's new 84-inch 4k television and a stream of tablet devices made at the IFA in Berlin was an announcement that BMW and TomTom are to partner on GO LIVE navigation systems.
The partnership will see the technology installed in selected BMW 1 Series, 3 Series, X1 and X3 cars. The devices will be auxiliary units like those seen in the Volkswagen up! and Fiat Panda that are mounted to the dashboard of the car and integrated via an 'active dock'.
Once connected the TomTom GO Live system can be controlled through the existing in-car entertainment controls with navigation direction and hand-free phone calls coming via the car's speakers. Buyers will also benefit from a range of GO LIVE services such as HD traffic that gives real time traffic information, advanced lane guidance, Search & Go services and TomTom Places.
Owners of existing 1 Series, 3 Series X1 and X3 models can visit their local dealers to have the TomTom system fitted.