[OSM-dev] TomTom map format

[Florian Lohoff]

On Wed, Dec 31, 2008 at 11:43:48AM +0100, Stefan de Konink wrote:
> Florian Lohoff wrote:
> >>But what is your motivation about this? Just to enlarge userbase (OSM)?
> >
> >Dont we all wish OSM "run-everywhere" maps?
> 
> My main motivation is still not to increase hardware sales on heavily 
> drm'ed packages just because users think it is great hardware. In that 
> case lets design great hardware ourselves that is more cheap and give 
> OSM free with it.

How bad it goes when designing Hardware - Look at the OpenMoko project
and you want to run away ... Bugs like not beeing able to power on 
the device after the batterie runs empty are inexcusable.

Chossing a Display/FB Hardware where afterwards no specs are available 
for acceleration.

> >TomTom has done a great job in providing navigational software with 
> >an exceptionally good usability. The Hardware is robust and well thought
> >about. Its no wonder they are the most sold device in Germany.
> 
> ...and they want to keep their map format extremely closed. Even if they 
> are the number one player. Maybe Neelie Kroes can maken TomTom give 
> their specs too :)

Its a closed product and only designed for beeing used in a very strict
environment. These dicisions are natural imho.

Now we need to get over it ...

Flo
-- 
Florian Lohoff                  flo at rfc822.org             +49-171-2280134
	Those who would give up a little freedom to get a little 
          security shall soon have neither - Benjamin Franklin
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