Yes, good business practice when done right, as done in tech capital of world (Silicon Valley).
I am a very big fan of Silicon Valley developments. I work in IT, and keen on ensuring my personal work is up to scratch. I don't suffer poor development nor crappy software. Most of the stuff coming out of the Valley is top notch.
That said, American GPS units might be great in the US.... but there isn't a single US unit that works well in Australia.
It's the reason we have to turn to European units like TomTom.
As far as TomTom units go though, the Mazda incarnation is among their very worst and does not show off the brilliance of their other products.
It is light years ahead of the previous GPS units Mazda included.
But in my opinion I'll take it for four reasons:
1. I don't like portable units, because in Sydney... one is likely to smash a windscreen to remove the unit.
2. A GPS unit is essential in Sydney (particularly for my wife, who is from Japan and still can't figure Sydney out)
3. Input is easy, routing is excellent (agreed: voice control is bloody hopeless)
And lastly...
4. Because its standard equipment in Australia and I have no choice
TomTom support is very sub-standard (slow). But one thing they do very often is update software.
Expect that within the year, several of the issues Stromdriver is experiencing will be resolved.