TomTom has announced that it is previewing an Android version of its popular navigation software at IFA 2012 this week. The Android app, set to debut in October, will include lifetime map updates, IQ route planning, lane guidance, and spoken street names. TomTom will also offer its HD Traffic and Speed Cameras packages as in-app purchases within the Android application.

"We aim to make TomTom content and services available to as many devices and platforms as we can," says Corinne Vigreux, Managing Director at TomTom. "Bringing TomTom navigation to Android smartphones is, therefore, a significant milestone for us." TomTom has previously released a Places app for Googles's Android operating system, allowing users to search for restaurants, shops, hotels, and other areas of interest. TomTom's fully fledged Android app will go head-to-head with Google's own mapping service, which is available at no cost on Android devices. Pricing and exact availability dates will be "announced closer to the launch date," according to TomTom.