TomTom blames 'leap year bug' for sat nav issues

TomTom has suggested a 'leap year bug' is to blame for on-going sat nav issues that have seen users presented with a blank grey screen

Update: Check out our best UK sat navs to buy in 2012 roundup

Satellite navigation specialist TomTom has responded to a number of reports around malfunctioning products stating a “leap year bug” is to blame for the issues suffered by users.

Affecting a number of as yet unspecified models, the infamous Sat Nav maker has suggested that a series of code which features in the GPS utilising products was continuing to cause “a limited number of models” to be unable to acquire a location.

With the issues first brought to light on March 31st, Netherlands based TomTomas blamed a “leap year bug” for the problems that sees users presented with nothing more than a grey screen a message stating that the device is lacking a GPS connection.

Revealing that it is working on a long-term fix to amend the on-going issues, the Garmin rival has informed users that resetting their devices by holding down the on/off switch for 20 second will, in rudimentary fashion, provide a temporary solution.

Speaking with the BBC, TomTom has announced that it will "update customers on which models are affected as soon as we know more".

Are you a TomTom branded Sat Nav owner? Have you been affected by the apparent 'leap year bug' causing havoc on the company's devices? Let us know via the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds.

Via: BBC