Of Navcores and Maps

I regularly update the maps on my TomTom PND, but I can't remember the last time I've upgraded the navcore. I went back to the forums, and seems like not much new is happening on the navcore scene. The newest is series 9 back in 2011.

Apparently, TomTom got wise to all these hacks and tightened up security. While the internal flash memory of older TomToms are accessible via Windows Explorer and/or TTHome, the newer TomToms (which are rocking v10, v11, or v12 navcores) used a web-based mechanism called MyTomTom. All updates are done via HTTP over USB. So far, there is no way to access these navcores. Hence, no new patched or cracked navcores.

Below is the list of TomTom PNDs using this security feature:

• GO 400/500/600/800/1000/2000/5000/6000 Series
• Via Series
• PRO 7100/7100 TRUCK
• PRO 7150/7150 TRUCK
• PRO 9100
• PRO 9150/9150 TRUCK
• Start 20/25/40/50/60 Series
• Blue&Me TomTom 2 Live
• Sony XNV Series
• TomTom Connect

In addition, Wikipedia has a list of TomTom devices with a breakdown of CPU speed, RAM, screen size, GPS chipset, etc. Very handy for deciding which PND you want to buy.