top of page
Search

TomTom VIO

  • Writer: Nick Schogger
    Nick Schogger
  • Sep 13, 2016
  • 3 min read

TomTom Vio Review


I have received this product from TomTom to review and I cannot tell you how excited it am for it.


I love all things gadget, but when TomTom offered this Vio to review I simply could not say no.


I have used TomTom for so many years, from the first TomTom that looked like a big fat TV screen to the latest thin XL models.


This however is something different entirely. It is round and not rectangular in shape, it is lightweight yet sturdy and it looks great.




If you are interested in buying one of these, firstly you must have a smart phone and secondly you must have the space to download the TomTom Vio app which is currently 167MB version 1.0.1



I never read the instructions and I normally dive straight in, but for some reason I was compelled to look at the instruction booklet that has over 140 pages in. Thankfully, only the first 1-20 are in English.


Quoting the book:


Getting Started


1. Download the app - Done

2. On your phone switch on Bluetooth - Done

3. Wrap the silicone cover around the back - Done

4. Press the power - Done


The next 6 pages detail how to mount the Vio to the scooter. It all looks relatively straight forward so I can skip this for now.


The TomTom now switched on is looking for the app. And when you look at the app, it is asking to connect to a Vio. Simply press the connect button and let the phone search. After about 15 seconds it located the TomTom Vio. Click the found accessory and wait for the spiny wheel to finish. You will notice that the Vio has come up with a number and a tick and cross box. Your phone will also come up with the same. If they match, click pair on the phone. I pressed the tick on the Vio and the pair on the phone however you may only need to press one or the other???




We are now connected.


The phone cycles through the Terms and Conditions and you must click Agree to proceed. You are then left configuring the app. Simply choose what best suits you. There is a big download of a map involved so make sure you are on Wi-Fi unless you have a large data plan.




Remember the VIO is controlled by your smartphone so make sure you have lots of room available to use on the phone.


Once we are ready to go and the maps have downloaded you will see the VIO screen, I will upload a picture of the guides from the book to explain what they are.




Lastly and probably the most important part:


How to plan route. I will put these into concise points:


1. Tap Search on the VIO app on your phone. Enter an address, name of a place of a POI (point of interest) category. Your phone will then use the internet and the downloaded map to search for the result.

2. Once found and it is the correct location, tap the Ride button to plan that route. The route will the show on the VIO.


DONE! Simples! Easy!


There are other points to raise. You can for example, see who’s calling on the VIP when you are on the scooter and the phone is in your bag.


You can personalise the colours of the layout and the arrows on the maps.


The units can be changed along with the voices and sounds / warnings.


The unit itself does not however play the funky TomTom drums when it boots up. That is the only real negative for me, and as things go, considering the unit is for navigation and not for my theme music cravings, then it's no big deal.


I must point out that the charging point is at the back, near the bottom of the unit, underneath a concealed flap.


In summary, for those who have a scooter and want the latest satellite navigation that not on use the TomTom network for traffic, but looks good and stylish, then I thoroughly recommend getting this unit.


It got me from A to B effortlessly, avoiding traffic jams through London on my ride from after a day at the office.


If I could give it 6 stars I would, but my scale on reaches 5. Therefore 5*

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page