TomTom has upgraded its navigation app for iOS. The range of updates has drafted in FaceBook integration and destination sharing among other updates. The updated features include the TomTom Map, IQ Routes, Map Share, Eco Routes and TomTom HD Traffic.

The new update also includes TomTom Places, which comes with a local search powered by Google, while the app's search and navigation features have been integrated with the popular social networking platform FaceBook. Users seeking to locate particular shops and businesses will make the most of millions of pre-installed POIs and the local search facility that is leveraged on the cyber search engine giant Google and the places and events exploration facilities integrated with FaceBook.

TomTom services facelift comes with various novel features and functionalities that users may find laudable. For more safety and security, the TomTom app upgrade has drafted in advanced lane guidance, the street name announcement feature as well as clear voice instructions. The update also includes a "Help me," emergency menu, a multi stop route and the automatic set of music fading effects.

The TomTom Map update could be one of the highest selling points of the enhanced version as it comes with an updated map to cater to the fact that 15 percent of roads change every year. The TomTom Map comes with the updated map. On a deeper level the FaceBook integration enables users to search and navigate the web via FaceBook. This means that users can locate an event and automatically map a route to it thanks to the capabilities of the integration. The integration also makes it possible to navigate thousands of FaceBook places and explore them in a simple tap.

In the new version, users can also share their destinations and arrival time via email, SMS, and on Twitter or FaceBook. By extension the service goes as far as enabling the users to share their arrival times across the leading social networking platforms, sms and email. The significant move could be welcome by many TomTom users as the ideal way of keeping family, colleagues and followers in the loop of what one may be up to.

iPod and iPhone users will also be delighted to know that TomTom Places now includes nine more countries, including Ireland. TomTom Places is based on the company's huge database of over 10 million POIs for many countries, including Germany, Norway, Ireland, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Sweden, Netherlands and Portugal.

"For example, if you searched for 'bread' via a normal search engine, you'd be given recipes. However, search with TomTom Places, and you'll find a variety of places in the local area where you can actually buy bread," outlined Gerard Hinds, who is the director of mobile at TomTom.

This upgrade is freely available for existing TomTom app users. New customers can purchase the app for $49.99 onwards.

(reported by Gugulethu Nyoni, edited by Dave Clark)