PC World Business

TomTom has launched a free online route planner. Currently available in a closed beta testing program, the route planner lets users create a door-to-door route that uses 500 billion historic speed measurements taken from across the world, along with live traffic information to offer what TomTom describes as "precise travel time predictions".

TomTom said it will ensure maps are up to date by transfering map corrections reported by users of the Map Share system on TomTom satnavs to the online route planner.

"Users who do not have a navigation device can now also benefit from our high-quality routing before starting their journey, giving them a chance to plan their day more efficiently than ever before," says Harold Goddijn, TomTom's chief executive officer.

Users that want to take part in the beta testing can register now one TomTom's website. Alternatively, if the trial is successful the online route planner will be rolled out worldwide, although TomTom doesn't have an estimated date for this yet.