News: Homer Simpson a GPS navigator

Homer Simpson knows how to navigate to the Kwik-E Mart in Springfield, and now he can help you find your way to your favourite supermarket, doughnut store or burger bar in New Zealand.

TomTom has joined forces with Locutio Voice Technologies and Twentieth Century Fox Licensing & Merchandising (Fox L&M), to bring the voice of Homer Simpson to TomTom sat nav devices.

On the road, Homer’s humorous, encouraging and sometimes unusual advice will guarantee that drivers will not only reach their destination on time, but have a lot of fun along the way. With an insatiable appetite as his motivation, Homer adds his own special words of wisdom for TomTom users, such as, “Take the third right. We might find an ice cream truck! Mmm…ice cream.”  With Homer’s unpredictable and comical commands leading the way, drivers are guaranteed an unforgettable journey.

Homer Simpson is the latest character to join the growing line-up of voices available for use on devices made by TomTom, the world’s leading navigation solutions provider.

Chris Kearney, marketing manager, TomTom Australia and New Zealand, said, “Celebrity voices are the most popular downloads that we offer our customers to enable them to personalise their driving experience. With Homer Simpson’s voice helping them to navigate during their trip, TomTom users will not only travel safely and with less stress, but they will also be highly entertained along the way.”

“Homer Simpson has one of the most identifiable voices in entertainment history,” said Elie Dekel, Fox Executive Vice President Licensing and Merchandising. “We have joined forces with TomTom to help celebrate THE SIMPSONS historic 20th anniversary and will help provide a little levity for those long summer road trips ahead.”

TomTom portable navigation devices guide drivers with audible, turn-by-turn instructions and 3D maps which work straight out of the box, saving drivers both time and money through technical innovations such as TomTom IQ Routes.

Included on the devices are up to 70 preloaded voices in 36 different languages, and now drivers can have Homer Simpson navigate them to any location, including specific points of interest. Homer’s voice is available for download immediately for approximately $22.