TomTom Map 2019 Update

Been a few years since I last updated the maps on my TomTom PNDs. Not that I use them much these days (or at all), since it's more convenient to use Google Maps on my smartphone. I figure it's probably better to use a dedicated GPS unit when going on long drives, so might as well do a refresh.

Normally, I would update the NavCore on the unit, then install the latest map. Then I realized/remembered that since 2010, TomTom has switched the internal filesystem from FAT/FAT32 to Linux, thereby restricting external access to the device. As such, my XL330s and XXL TomToms are stuck with v9.530 with no hope of further upgrades. For the maps, I usually go to GPS Underground and NaviTotal to check out the latest maps available. On an aside, turns out the owner of GPS Underground is retiring, and is looking to sell the forum (vBulletin license and the domain name). Hopefully it stays around for a while longer. Would be sad to see it go, along with the collective knowledge accumulated over the years.

Before downloading any map, make sure that:

• it's compatible with your device and/or NavCore version (check the compatibility matrix)
• has the features that you want (TTS, ALG, and IQ Routes being the most important ones.)
• the meta code is already available (or else the map won't work)

Simplest way to update the map:

1. Connect the PND to a PC.
2. Make a backup of the device.
3. Delete the current map folder.
4. Copy over the updated map folder.
5. Update meta.txt with the associated meta code for the new map.
6. Copy over the safety cam files from the backup if you have them.
7. Run FastActivate.
8. Profit.

I can't stress this enough. Always make a backup of the unit before performing any work on it. In my case, the folder structure got borked while transferring the new map and I ended up with garbage files and folders, which Windows can't even remove/delete. Solution? I had to format the whole drive and restore from backup.

In case FastActivate is not able to update your maps, make sure you're using the latest version of FastActivate. Another common issue for incomplete map errors (dct errors) is due to missing and/or wrong meta codes. If the integrated meta.txt file does not come with the meta code you need, insert the new ones into meta.txt. DO NOT manually add meta codes to integrated_meta.txt because in my experience, FastActivate won't read it.

Movie 2019.06.25 - Men in Black: International

Wasn't really expecting a new MIB installment. I mean, aside from men in black fighting aliens, are we expecting anything new here?

Well, they added some female actors for a start. Moving along with the times and all that. The movie also focuses on the London branch of MIB. So don't understand why it's called MIB: International instead of MIB: London. That way, they can do a different city every year. In any case, Chris Hemsworth is Aussie and Liam Neeson is Irish. International enough?

Now, let's talk about the movie itself. I've got one word for you: sloppy. Chris and Tessa waltz in, fresh from their Thor: Ragnarok high, and take a walk in the MIB park. I know it's hard to act when it's all green screen, and you're interacting with things that may or may not be there. But c'mon, put in some extra effort. I'm looking at you, Chris. Maybe he feels that after that stint with the Avengers, he deserved a break.

And a lot of the scenes in the movie are not really relevant to the plot - M's first visit to the London HQ and seeing all those aliens for the first time, the normal subway car transforming into a futuristic rail carriage, H's intro scene at the gambling den, etc. The CGI is pretty good, but in this day and age? Not enough. Could've worked 10 years ago, but aliens have lost their wow factor. There were some attempts at humour - H throwing the mini-hammer at the Tarantian goon a la Thor, references to the political incorrectness of the name Men in Black, etc. These are merely distractions and don't bring anything solid to the table. Pawny? A sidekick here and there would be helpful, but could've been done much better.

Yeah, things definitely went downhill for the franchise with the absence of Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones. I guess Liam Neeson can see that, too, which might explain his unceremonious exit. Now that Aladdin is out, I say bring Will Smith back for the next installment, if there will be one.