Recently in GPS Category

We were a tad disappointed by the 3G iPhone announcement, because we were expecting a whole lot more of features and upgrades and all we got was 3G and A-GPS. And we got lots and lots of applications. I do admit that most of those applications do come in handy but we were not expecting Steve Jobs' keynote to be that boring.

A day after we heard that TomTom had in the works a navigation software for the new 3G/GPS iPhone. That sounded almost too good to be true and by the following day gadget blogs were filled with news that a TomTom app won't come to the iPhone soon, due to Apple's strict SDK agreement points.

Apparently TomTom representative Yann Lafargue cleared the air. He admitted there is a working software for the iPhone but he added he isn't sure of what the future of a TomTom - Apple relationship will be. Since when did Apple start to go all Microsoft-monopoly-like on their goods? Are they cooking their personal navigation software?

via Engadget

With summer approaching and people getting their bikes out more often, TomTom unveiled the new RIDER 2nd Edition navigation device for motorcycles. The RIDER 2nd Edition is an enhanced version of the original Rider and features TomTom Map Share, Help Me!, Fuel Prices Service and even TomTom Traffic with a 30-day free trial. The device features a 3.5 inch 320x240 full TFT color LCD, and comes with 2GB external SD card with maps of USA and Canada preloaded.

Bikers also get access to trip stats for such info as maximum speeds per journey, total miles traveled and distance from home. New maps are available via TomTom HOME or online from their website. Add-on services such as the Fuel Prices service, help riders in finding the nearest and lowest gas prices. The Help Me safety feature gives direct access to emergency service and roadside assistance.

The RIDER 2nd Ed features a rugged ram mount that fits conveniently on all motorcycles and TomTom claims that it will withstand rigorous vigration conditions. The device is IPX-7 compliant, making it waterproof from rain and fuel splashes.

Measuring 4.46" x 3.79" x 2.08", the TomTom RIDER 2nd Edition weighs 11 oz, and is now available for US $649.95.

via press

TomTom, announced the availability of its GO X30 series in North America. The two models of this Series TomTom GO 930 and TomTom GO 730 feature exclusive IQ Routes™ technology.

The new flagship models appear in fresh looks and high quality finish. Incorporating TomTom's award-winning software, TomTom Map Share, and Advanced Lane Guidance they make navigation easy.

The RDS-TMC Traffic Receiver lets the users get detailed information on traffic. The new devices are pre loaded with latest maps the United States, Canada and Europe. The TomTom GO 930 has can be bought at retail price of $499 while the GO 930 T is priced at $549. TomTom GO 730 is available at $449 while the GO 730T version retails at $499.

Quick Specs:

• 4.3" widescreen 16:9 format LCD (WQVGA: 480*272 pixels)
• Bluetooth™
• CPU 400 MHz
• Dimensions: 118 mm x 83 mm x 24 mm- convert to inches 4.6 x 3.2 x 1
• High sensitivity GPS receiver
• Lithium-polymer battery (up to 5 hours operation)
• SD card slot
• TomTom GO 930: 4 GB internal flash memory, TomTom GO 730: 2 GB
• Weight: 7.7 ounces

TomTom has rolled out two new TomTom ONE and XL Ranges for people who frequently require navigation devices while driving their cars. These devices have an ultra compact design. Both the devices belong to the award-winning car navigation product portfolio of TomTom.

"The distinctive design of the new TomTom ONE and TomTom XL, with the convenience of the EasyPort(TM) mounting solution, will set them apart from other devices on the market, and will appeal to customers looking for a compact, smart, ultra-portable navigation solution without compromising quality or features."

The revised audio system makes the TomTom’s latest devices more audible and clear even at high traffic points. The models are equipped with the latest maps at the time of production. However, if during the 30 days of purchase, the new map is put live, users can get it free from TomTom HOME.

Jocelyn Vigreux, president of TomTom Inc., said, "The updated TomTom ONE and TomTom XL are now even more desirable, offering unrivalled ease of use, extreme portability, the most comprehensive and up-to-date maps, and personalization options to suit the individual user -- all at an affordable price.

TomTom XL 330S GPS bears a 4.3 inch widescreen LCD. This high-end model of the TomTom XL Series is priced at $299.95 and it includes text-to-speech function. The EasyPort(TM) mount makes it easier to carry.

However, if you are interested in less rage devices, you can also look at TomTom ONE 130 priced at $199.95, TomTom ONE 130S priced at $249.95 (includes text-to-speech) or pick on TomTom XL 330 $249.95. All these latest models will reach the markets in May 2008.

Garmin announced today that the new Suzuki SX4 will be equipped with Garmin's navigation system. This will be the first time a navigation system will be a part of standard fitmet on a vehicle under US $16,000. The system not only comes with an integrated mount but is also easy to remove and carry around for adventures on foot.

The system will be based on Garmin's nuvi 700 series and will be christened Suzuki T.R.I.P. (Travel, Real-time traffic, Information and Play) and will feature maps of North America. The device will feature a largish 4.3-inch touchscreen display and millions of POIs. The base version of this navigation system will be included as part of standard equipment but customers are free to choose an upgrade package to the premium version, which includes dynamic content from MSN Direct including real time fule prices, traffic and weather reports.

The POI database will be enhanced by Suzuki to add lifestyle-oriented, Suzuki-recommended destinations and landmarks. The 2009 Suzuki SX4 will hit dealer showrooms this summer.

Pioneer has just released a new series of advanced navigation systems. The AVIC-F Series includes the Pioneer AVIC-F700BT, AVIC-F900BT and Premier branded AVIC-F90BT. The following models combine a multitude of functional entertainment capabilities with advanced navigation features that fit the lifestyle of today's on-the-go consumers.

Each model allows users to link and control their personal devices with connectivity options to Apple's iPod, Bluetooth, MSN Direct, HD radio, XM and SIRIUS Satellite Radio, single CD, DVD video playback and compressed audio and video playback through USB and SD memory devices. Additionally, each unit offers an advanced conversational voice recognition system for hands-free dialing of compatible Bluetooth enabled cell phones and control of an entire music collection on iPod players.

In short, the Pioneer AVIC-F Series not just provides users with a cool navigational device, it also gives you a high-end audio and video entertainment service. The Pioneer AVIC-F navigation systems can be fully integrated into nearly any car with a double DIN dash opening.

The Pioneer AVIC-F700BT, AVIC-F900BT and Premier AVIC-F90BT will be available in June 2008 for a suggested price of $850, $1,100 and $1,200 respectively.

Related topics:
Pioneer AVICS2 GPS Navigation System Steers Consumers in the Right
Pioneer AVIC N4 GPS System
Pioneer AVIC-HD3 HDD Car GPS Navigation

via: virtualpressoffice

Airis has released the T482, a PDA GPS phone that is advertised as a phone with CoPilot Live, developed by ALK Technologies. The T482, as mentioned, is a PDA with quadband GSM (850/900/1800/1900 MHz), GPRS and EDGE, and runs on a Marvell PXA270 processor at 416MHz.

In addition, the T482, has a second processor, a Philips Grangonfly SS6120. I really don't know what this second processor is for but it would have to be doing some strenous calculations if it needs a second one. The T482, will come in with 128MB of ROM and 64MB of RAM. It is very light weighing only 165 grams and measuring 125×62x14 mm.

Other features include a 3.2″ QVGA screen, 2MP digital camera, FM Tuner, and microSD card extension slot. The integrated GPS receiver chip is SiRFStar III, the other two antennas are for bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Related topics:
ASUS P750-es GPS Phone
ASUS R700t TMC GPS Device
Magellan RoadMate 2200 GPS Device

via: navigadget

Hot off the presses! HP's new iPAQ, the HP iPAQ 900 Series, just got approved by the FCC. Featuring a ton of goodies including GPS, HSDPA support, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and more, this is one venerable all-in-one. Called a Business Messenger, the HP iPAQ 900 series is bundled with a Stylus and comes with a 1940 mAh Li-polymer rechargeable battery. For some reason, it is shipped with a wired stereo handset, but hey, it's got Bluetooth, so I'm sure you'll end up buying spankin' wireless ones.

The device features a mini USB interface. One of the nice things about the iPAQ is its QWERTY keyboard. It also features the familiar 5-way navigation key. Running on Windows Mobile 6, the device takes in microSD memory cards for added memory. There's also an on-board 3-megapixel camera with flash.

There are tons of other details available on the FCC site, go check it out in your free time (which is RIGHT NOW, people!). No word on the pricing or availability yet.

Source: FCC

Pioneer's new AVIC-F500BT Advanced Multimedia Navigation System got the FCC's seal of approval recently. The navigation device features a map button and scroll wheel on the front, as well as a microphone that lets you use the built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling. A special control button lets you zoom in/out of the map by pressing up and down, while pressing left and right controls the audio track being played.

On the back is the speaker, as well as an external GPS antenna connector. On the side, you find an SD slot for added memory, headphone connector, and of course, the all-important power connector.

No word on the pricing or availability yet, but check back with us when the Pioneer AVIC-F500BT device hits the market.

Source: FCC

Navigon unveiled two new models in their GPS line-up. The Navigon 2100 max and 2120 max PNDs are up for grabs in the USA and Canada and come at an affordable price, with features available in most high-end GPS devices. Navigon's new DirectHelp feature pinpoints a user's location and provides instant links to nearby services including hospitals, pharmacies and roadside assistance.

The Navigon 2100 max and 2120 max also feature a large 4.3 inch widescreen, and offer text-to-speech so you can concentrate on the road and not on the device. They also feature Reality View, which offers you photo-realistic, 3D images of especially confusing highway interchanges (they're a pain in the wrong places, if you ask me). Then there's also Lane Assistant letting you choose the correct lane for upcoming exits and entrance ramps.

With the FreshMaps service, you can get 12 field-verified, quality controlled map and POI updates over a 3-year period for accurate driving directions. The Navigon 2100 max with maps of continental US is priced at US $299, while the Navigon 2120 max with maps of continental US and Canada is available for purchase in Canada for C$329.

The Guys at GPSReview.net has just done a review of the TomTom 930 that will be 
hitting store shelves (in North America) in the next couple of weeks. 
There are two highlighted features. First, Active Lane Guidance that 
shows you not only what direction you need to turn, but also what 
lane you need to be in. Second, the device now uses data collected 
from other TomTom drivers to predict estimated travel times rather 
than simply road classifications, called IQ Routes. This makes the 
time estimates much more accurate than they were in the past.

http://www.gpsreview.net/tomtom-go-930/

 

Mercury has launched its high-end built-in car navigation system dubbed as the MD5000. The device adapts ‘Mappy United’ map software and supports POP(picture out picture), PIP(picture in picture) and NIP(navigation in picture) and drag & drop function.

Mercury is going for the gold as the MD5000 is designed to use a Monahan 624 Mhz processor, LG’s DMB chipset and PIP chipset independently. Furthermore, the black box function allows its camera to record video of accident for about 18 seconds - 12 seconds before an accident and 6 seconds after.

Wayfinder announced that its Wayfinder Active appliction is now available for free in the US and Canada. Wayfinder Active is a GPS application for mobile phones that combines maps, GPS recording and statistics and is targeted at folks with an active lifestyle (think hiking, skiing, running, or biking). The application is a simple, social way to stay connected with other people with similar interests. Once installed on a mobile phone, you can access a world-wide map and record/share routes with a keystroke. It lets you follow your friends on their activities and training routes by easily importing their tracks.

The complementary online community, ActiveOutdoor, lets you upload GPX records onto the Internet. Other statistical data include maximum, current and average speeds during each activity, calories burned and that sort.

A built-in Reverse Route feature lets you find a route to anywhere. The free application can be downloaded from ActiveOutdoor. Compatible with over 100 phone models, including popular ones from Nokia and Sony Ericsson.

Wayfinder is also exhibiting at CTIA Wireless 2008, so if you're in Las Vegas between April 1-3 2008, check them out.

deCarta, a player in the Location-Based Services (LBS) arena, announced its new, real-time, two-way (RTTW) connected navigation service aimed at next-gen personal navigation devices and smartphones. This service will be offered to carriers, handset manufacturers, consumer brands and even automative OEMs starting in Q3 2008. If you are at the CTIA Wireless 2008 (Las Vegas, between April 1-3, 2008), you can catch deCarta services in action, along with reference architecture and a few select applications.

The RTTW system delivers LBS over a network to devices. Location-aware content is sent on-demand, with the ability for local Internet search, traffic, weather, optimized driving directions (think traffic jams) and of course, points of interest. The connected navigation service will allow customers to bring branded offerings to the market. Thanks to its open API-basd architecture, the system can work with a range of content and services.

deCarta
via press release

Garmin seems to be on a roll this year what with its 2008 GPS lineup and the spanking new GPS phone. The latest news we get is on the automobile front, where Garmin has teamed up with Ford to provide navigation systems on their E and F-Series Super Duty pickups, the 2009 F-150 to be exact. While no specific Garmin model was revealed in the announcement at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, this collaboration as part of Ford Work Solutions promises to bring "connectivity, flexibility, and security" to business owners with increased productivity.

Apart from the usual navigational features of route planning and POIs, an integrated dashboard computer will provide high-speed internet access to Garmin's exhaustive online services, providing real-time data related to traffic conditions, weather, and fuel prices. The integrated PC will also print out invoices, perform inventory checks, and provide remote access to the owner's home/office networks, making jobsite operations much more easier.

The 2009 F-190 Super Duty truck will be available at an undisclosed price this fall.

AT&T and TeleNav, the first company to offer GPS service for mobile phones in the US, join hands to make New York City a cleaner place. With the help of the two companies, the government of the Big Apple has launched the Street Conditions Observation Unit or SCOUT program. Member of the SCOUT program ride through the streets once a month to observe the conditions. Members report the conditions using the TeleNav Track solution installed on their BlackBerry 8800 handsets with enabled GPS on AT&T network. Using TeleNav's Track technology, the SCOUT members can know where their field agent had been and can pinpoint where the exact location of the offense is. Hopefully, the same program would launch in various other places in the future.

Remember the Sony GPS-CS1KA GPS tracker? Yes, the same device that allowed you to keep track of your digital photos - when and where they were taken, to be precise. Well, Sony announced that this has been updated now, and the new model is called the Sony GPS-CS1KASP device. This lets users trace GPS co-ordinates of video footage on an online map, while retaining the ability to tag photos with location info.

With location recording taking place every 15 seconds, you can virtually trace your video and quickly locate where a photo was taken. Updated software then paris the GPS readings of your video/still photos onto an online map, using Google maps. Available in the same cylindrical form factor, the GPS-CS1KASP is a 12-channel receiver that's 3.5 inches long and weighs in at 2 oz.

Priced at US $150, the GPS-CS1KASP portable tracker will be available on Sony Style retail stores as well as online.

The Nokia 500 PND we have featured last year in Mobilewhack has recently been released. Nokia's second and newest PND is using Navteq's updated, high-quality pan-European maps. To refresh everyone's memories, the Nokia 500 features a 4.3" touch screen which maximizes the Navteq maps for your usage. There's even voice instruction capability and the functionality to view visual images of signposts and motorway exits. With the use of the recently update Navteq maps, you're getting up-to-date information on your personal navigation device.

Those lucky Koreans always get to taste new technology before anybody else and the CSN-7040 is no exception. Ready to be launched in Korea by a company called CTT-Net, the CSN-7040 is the first portable navigation device (PND) to incorporate Immersion's TouchSense system, which enables tactile feedback on touchscreens. The CIN-7000 is a built-in car navigation system and boasts of the same TouchSense technology. Among other features, both the navigation units sport a 7-inch touchscreen and a DMB receiver for satellite downloads. The TouchSense system provides a distinct tactile confirmation of any selection on the touchscreen, improving usability while also enhancing safety, in case of car navigation devices, by reducing glance-time while driving.

Get ready for more devices in a myriad of fields ranging from mobile phones to gaming systems with TouchSense as Immersion informs us that LG, Nokia, Samsung, 3M Touch Systems have all obtained licenses for TouchSense and VibeTonz, which is the same technology for mobile devices. Incidentally, Samsung has already used Immersion's VibeTonz system on its F700 cell phone.

ASUS has released R700t, a slim GPS portable navigation device, in Taiwan. The R700t PND is loaded with the usual array of GPS features and some more.

The device is just 1.3 cm thick and measures 128x80x13.2 mm, slim indeed. It weighs in at 200 grams and has a 4.3-inch 65k color TFT touchscreen boasting a resolution of 480x272 pixels. Other notable features included are 3D navigation routes, Bluetooth 2.0, USB 1.1, hands-free calling support, traffic message channel, MP3 and video playback, picture browsing, 64MB RAM and 1GB flash-ROM memory with MicroSD expansion up to 4GB. Location Alarm is another nifty feature that reminds you when you are in the vicinity of a particular task you have fed into the PND.

The R700t is available right now in Taiwan at $394.

If you're a hardcore golfer who's set your sights on the next PGA tour, this gadget would surely please you. uPlay has unveiled their new product, the uPro Golf GPS System. uPlay is priding uPro as the most advanced model in the market, even comparing it to the revolutionary Apple iPhone. uPro offers high resolution images, such that you've never seen on any other golf GPS system before. It features aerial captures and different views when you're deciding how to take the shot, it even measures the distance between your location and the hole. One noteworthy feature is the Pro Mode which allows you to get a proper view of the course the GPS as move around, using their trademark SmartView technology. The device will debut on the 2008 PGA Show in Orlando this January.

CES isn't just about everything shiny. Once in a while, a really useful technology would be showcased. Take for example, PocketFinder and PocketFinder Pets. The location device technology is designed to monitor the whereabouts of anyone you put the small cookie-sized device onto. This makes it ideal to be used on children and for those who don't have control of their own actions such as those afflicted with Alzheimer's and mental illnesses. You can set boundaries or limits wherein which, when crossed would trigger an alert. With the new added "High Impact Alert" technology, you would even be notified if the one you're monitoring experienced "force beyond a predetermined limit." PocketFinder costs USD$100 plus the monthly service costs.

Magellan is getting ready to present the Magellan Maestro Elite 5340+GPRS at the upcoming CES 2008. The Maestro is the first GPS with GPRS facilitating two-way connectivity, which means the users not only get accurate GPS readings but also enjoy up-to-date information about their current location, thanks to its Google Local Search feature. GPRS enables customers to send information directly from any web-connected device to the navigation unit.

The Maestro Elite will come with a hefty price tag of $1299 and will be available starting in March 2008. There will also be an extra charge for GPRS services, which is not yet disclosed.

Motorcycle enthusiasts might find themselves worrying a tad too much about their bikes being stolen. At the same time, friends and family might also be worried that accidents could happen while on the road. The new BikeGPSTracking GPS motorcycle tracking unit could assail both worries to rest. The model called MC242 Motorcycle Tracking Unit created specifically for bike and AT owners, offers the following features:

*Alerts when the ignition is turned on or off
*Tether switch if rider is thrown from motorcycle
*Vibration sensor if a motorcycle is moved
*Unlimited, continuous GPS tracking throughout the USA and Canada
*Ability to set Geofence and speed alerts

The GPS unit costs USD$349 as opposed to the USD$500 other brands cost and BikeGPSTracking offers GPS services for USD$5.95 per month with 20% discount available if you wish to pre-pay for the whole year.

Designed for outdoor, marine and fitness enthusiasts, the new Garmin Colorado is a rugged yet sleek GPS device to keep you on the right track no matter how harsh the environment is. Catch a glimpse of these new devices at Garmin booth in upcoming CES.

Since adventurers are always on the move, climbing mountains or paddling against wild rivers, it is equipped with a 3” high resolution screen and Rock ’n Roller wheel which allow users to operate this hardy GPS device with just one hand. Moreover, it has 5 different user profiles to fit the type of outdoor activity you’re into - automotive, marine, recreation, fitness or geocache.

Garmin Colorado comes in 4 variations. The Garmin Colorado 300 is equipped with a worldwide basemap with shaded relief and costs about $500. If you are looking for an all-purpose guide to outdoor adventure, the Colorado 400i fits your need for a price of $600.

If hiking is your thing, try Colorado 400t since it has a state-of-the-art 3D elevation perspective as well as topographic maps of the U.S. Price tag is also $600. The 600-dollar Colorado 400c, on the other hand, caters to marine enthusiasts for it provides a detailed BlueChart g2 coverage for the coastal U.S. and the Bahamas.