Magellan, a leading global innovator of outdoor and vehicle navigation solutions, debuts its Magellan TrafficKit to provide optional real-time traffic services for the Magellan RoadMate 2200T at the CES 2007 show in Las Vegas. The Magellan TrafficKit is the first completely integrated real-time traffic solution for portable GPS devices. It attaches easily as a cradle with just one simple click.

The Magellan TrafficKit integrates a real-time traffic receiver and FM antenna, and includes additional ports for connectivity. The Magellan TrafficKit wirelessy transmits comprehensive NAVTEQ traffic data on a continuous basis. NAVTEQ gathers data from commercial traffic sources, police and emergency services, road sensors, cameras, government departments of transportation, and airborne reports. The receiver processes the real-time traffic information and displays icons on the Magellan 2200T RoadMate GPS map screen to show traffic jams and other conditions that impede normal flow of traffic.

The Magellan TrafficKit comes with three months of traffic service for free, after that the renewal fee for a yearly subscription is US $59.99. The Magellan RoadMate 2200T (US $499) is the first rugged, expandable, advanced IPX-4 waterproof vehicle nav system that is upgradeable to provide outdoor navigation capabilities for hiking, off-road excursions and more.

Pioneer Electronics sets a new standard in in-car navigation systems with the introduction of the new AVIC-Z2 next generation in-car navigation system, which utilizes new point addressing technology and a newly released map database from Tele Atlas. The AVIC-Z2 also features a host of entertainment options, including audio and video, easy to use graphic interface, and connectivity to other devices including iPod music players and Bluetooth enabled cell phones.

The AVIC-Z2 is the first system to utilize the Tele Atlas MultiNeta database, which delivers comprehensive digital maps of the U.S., and includes over 45 million addresses for improved addressing and directions.

A unique feature of the AVIC-Z2 is its ability to "learn". It learns frequently traveled roads, and incorporates them into the preferences of suggested routes when applicable. It also has a Smart Routing System, Lane Information, Traffic Information, 3D Landmarks, Detailed city maps for 60 U.S. cities, advanced voice recognition, enhanced voice guidance, Bluetooth capability, and a touchscreen.

Entertainment features of the Pioneer AVIC-Z2 is the 10GB harddrive that allows you to store a library of your favorite music, and can simultaneously allow you to listen to music and rip and store it at the same time. The system also plays DVD video and DVD-R/-RW discs for rear seat passengers, while allowing the driver to listen to AM/FM/XM/Sirius satellite radio or other external sources. It can play back CDs with mp3 files, and has enhanced iPod capabilities.

The Pioneer AVIC-Z2 has a suggested price of $2200 and will arrive at retailers in April 2007.

LG has finally made their way into the U.S. GPS market with the introduction of the LG LN790, LN740, LN735, and LN730 navigators.
These devices will be officially introduced to the world at the CES 2007 show that begins on Monday.

Features of the LG GPS systems include a 450cd/m2 bright touch screen display, turn-by-turn voice guidance, pre-loaded maps of the United States and Canada, millions of points of interest pre-loaded, and the SiFR Star III chipset.

The LN790 model is Bluetooth enabled, and features a 4.3 inch LCD, and a RDS-TMC antenna to provide you with updated traffic information along your route. The LN740 features a 4-inch LCD display, and the LN735 and LN730 have 3.5-inch LCD displays.

LG also integrates a variety of entertainment options in with their new GPS systems, with options for media playback and support for music, photos, and videos. Images of the new devices have not yet been released, although you can get a good idea of what it might look like by looking at one of LG's Korean models in the photo above.

The devices are expected to ship in Q2 2007, and will range in price from $350 to $800.

Via Engadget

Cobra Electronics has just announced the next generation of portable, plug-and-play navigation with the launching of Cobra Electronics’ NAV ONE 2100 with the perfect integration of effortless technology. You can get the product at a highly competitive price. Cobra has established a tradition of award-winning products. NAV ONE 2100 is among the products that offer user-friendly interfaces.

Another new personal navigation device to emerge from the stables of Garmin is the Garmin StreetPilot c580 which is equipped with a super-bright 3.5-inch touchscreen. The Garmin c580 integrates real-time traffic reports, gas prices, weather conditions, and movie times from Microsoft’s MSN Direct network and will be displayed at the CES 2007.

The Garmin StreetPilot c580 measures 11.3 x 8.2 x 5.6 cm and has a battery life of up to 8 hours. It has a highly sensitive WAAS-enabled GPS receiver under its hood and also integrates Bluetooth wireless technology with a built-in microphone and speaker, so you can pair it with your compatible Bluetooth phone.

One also comes across a comprehensive set of maps and POIs including,hotels, restaurants, fuel, ATMs and more. The adjustable mount makes it easier to use the device with variety of vehicles and the Garmin StreetPilot c580 also comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery for out-of-car route planning.

Thanks to Garmin's link up with MSN, one can access real traffic updates for major cities across the United States and the MSN Direct traffic data helps in selecting alternative routes for avoiding traffic accidents, road closures, and construction. One can also make those long road trips fun thanks to multimedia features like; MP3 Player and a FM Transmitter. The StreetPilot c580 is expected to be available in February 2007 for $799.99 (MSRP).

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Garmin International Inc today unveiled its new personal navigation device, the Garmin 680 which incorporates real-time traffic reports, gas prices, weather conditions, and movie times from Microsoft’s MSN Direct network. The Garmin nuvi 680 will be exhibited at the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

The Garmin nuvi 680 is equipped with a 4.3-inch touch-screen and includes',an intuitive interface, travel and entertainment capabilities, spoken street names, pre-loaded maps of North America, a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, Bluetooth hands-free calling capability, an FM transmitter etc.

The unit measures 12.4 x 7.4 x 2.3 cm and has a battery life of 3 to 7 hours. It entertainment feature set reads like this;MP3 player, audio book player (subscription to Audible.com required), JPEG picture viewer, currency converters and more.

One will also be able to receive traffic updates for major cities across the United States and the MSN Direct traffic data helps in selecting alternative routes for avoiding traffic accidents, road closures, and construction. The nüvi 680 with MSN Direct is expected to be available in early 2007 for $999.99.

Remember the Garmin nuvi 670 we had introduced a few weeks ago? Well, Garmin finally took time off from their busy schedule and unveiled this pocket-sized GPS device. Boasting a wide screen and FM transmitter, it comes with cool featuers such as traffic alerts and hands-free calling.

The Garmin 670 comes pre-loaded with street-level maps of North America and Europe. Get a view in 2D or 3D along with voice directions for every nook and corner on the way. It comes with a huge database of POIs for hotels, restaurants, fuel stops and ATMs among others.

The 4.3" color touch screen provides easy viewing (well, you better concentrate on the road and not the device!). Thanks to the integrated MP3 player, your journey just got a bit more interesting. You can even pair the nuvi 670 with your Bluetooth-enabled cell phone for hands-free calling.

With an FM TMC traffic receiver, stay up-to-date on the road ahead, with options to detour in case of traffic pile-up or road construction. There's also an audio book player and JPEG image viewer. The device can take in SD cards for switching between languages or taking on travel guides on your next road trip.

The Garmin 670 features a USB interface. Priced at US $1,178.56, this cool device is available in Q1 2007. Check out the feature set in the extended entry.

From North America to Europe...

You're covered with Garmin's new transtlantic Personal Travel Assistant - the nüvi 370.

A Personal Travel Assistant is basically a pcoket-sized device that contains mapping software that allows users to navigate through unfamiliar streets. The nüvi 370 comes built-in with street mapps for both North American and Europe and includes a database of useful services such as hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and ATM machines.

An integrated FM TMC traffic receiver allows users to stay clear of clogged road ways or and locate alternate routes. But the device isn't just for navigation.

In fact Garmin has packed in a host of entertainment features into the device sch as an MP3 and audiobook player, JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock, currency converter and calculator. It also works as a USB flash drive. We're not sure though if users will want or need this on this kind of device but it is a welcome addition nonetheless .

The device will be available in US markets sometime in the first Quarter of 2007 and will go for about $964.27 (you pay for all the extra features).

Via Garmin.

In conjunction with the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Garmin International Inc. announced the release of a new version of the zūmo motorcycle GPS system. The zūmo™ 450 was designed specifically for motorcycles, and has many unique features that riders will find adaptable for both cruisers and sport bikes.

The zūmo™ 450 was built with safety and convenience in mind, featuring left-handed controls and oversized touchscreen buttons that are also glove-friendly. The device, powercord, and data connections are waterproof and can withstand the worst of elements. It comes pre-loaded with a full North American map provided by NAVTEQ™, which integrates over 6 million points of interest within the continent, including such destinations as restaurants, hotels, gas stations, and more. Users may also specify customized points of interest.

The display shows riders their current speed, heading, and a customizable fuel gauge that allows them to define the bike's maximum fuel range. Owners can access trip information via the devices trip information page, and can download favorite trips using the accompanying MapSource Software. Riders can plan their routes on a computer, and then download it to the zūmo™ before hitting the roads. Zūmo™ owners can also share their favorite routes and waypoints with other zūmo™ owners by utilizing and swapping the device's SD card.

Those who purchase the zūmo™ will appreciate the device's advanced security features, including a locking motorcycle mount and GarminLock, a specialized theft prevention system that disables the zūmo™ until a 4 digit PIN is entered correctly. Without the correct PIN, the device will not work, rendering it useless.

The zūmo™ 405 by Garmin is expected to be available for purchase in March 2007 at the retail price of $799.

Looks like no gadget is complete in Korea without some DMB love! Case in point, the Samsung STT-D370 which is a fully functional GPS Device with DMB capabilities. The GPS Device also features Bluetooth for handsfree communication and is equipped with a bright 3.7 inch screen. Other features include; full multimedia-support, memory card slot ,comprehensive database of maps and POI's and regular traffic updates. No word on availability but expect the Samsung STTD370 to retail for around €495/$600.

If you can't afford to splurge on a bonafied GPS Device, then do check out the Spectec SDG-810, a SD card with GPS receiver and memory card slot in micro-SD format. While its actual performance is anyone's guess, the concept is pretty cool. The SDG-810 is capable of real time navigation and is equipped with a SiRF Star III with low signal levels and high sensitivity acquisition. It measures just around 62 x24 x2.1mm and is available in capacities ranging from 512MB to 2GB. No word on pricing or availability.

Taiwan-based Fortuna Electronic Corp's NaView GPS-610B just got the FCC's blessings, paving its entry into the USA. The GPS-610B comes with an SD/MMC card slot, and is equipped with a loudspeaker for use when playing audio.

The NaView GPS-610B has a touch screen, so you can use your fingertip or stylus to access the menus or enter data. The SD/MMC memory card holds map data and/or music for listening on the go. The GPS device comes with a car holder as well as car battery adapter.

No word on the pricing yet, but the NaView GPS-610B should hit the streets soon.

Check out the latest GPS Receiver on the block, the solar powered Transystem i-Blue 757 Bluetooth GPS Receiver. One thing unique about the device is its innovative clamshell design which is "space saving" according to the company. The upper level consists of the GPS antenna and the lower level houses the solar cell, the battery, and the circuitry.

The Transystem i-Blue 757 contains the 16 channel Nemerix GPS receiver and also has a rechargeable 1000mAh Li-Ion battery. the receiver can run for around 30 hours without any daylight and up to 100 hours in the sun.

Size does matter in the tech world! The smaller, the better! Check out the Visiontac VGPS-700 which is one of the smallest GPS receivers out there! The Visiontac VGPS-700 measures 53mmx32mmx13.9mm and is just 23,574 cubic millimeters thick.

Compact and stylish (hey there words not mine), the receiver has a SiRF Star III chipset and 20 parallel satellite-tracking channels for "fast acquisition and reacquisition". The device also supports Bluetooth and the lithium polymer battery when teamed up with an external battery box gives a juice of about 20 hours! So if you fancy the VGPS-700, head over to the Product Page

NAVIGON has released a new navigational software, the MobileNavigator Premium which promises added functionality and has been exclusively created for high-end navigation products like the Pocket LOOX(TM) N100, co-developed by Fujitso Siemens and NAVIGON, and the P'9611(TM) by Porsche Design Group.

The MN Premium has a very intuitive interface and a comprehensive feature sets which would provide OEMs with high levels of customization. One will find that the Destination entry is simple and easy and the predictive spelling speeds address input. Then there is the "city street first" option where one can address info directly without impacting the final destination.

"MN Premium redefines the navigation experience providing customers the security, productivity and luxury features they expect from the leading navigation software provider," said Andreas Hecht, general manager of the
Americas for NAVIGON. "It offers a superb, very rich, and easy to use consumer experience for manufacturers who want to make a statement in the maturing portable navigation market, and help them differentiate and innovate in this category."

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SysOnChip recently unveiled two portable navigation devices, the Looket G7 and the Looket G9, which are ideal to take along on your road trips, your walking sojourns and those fun cycle rides!

The Looket G7 by SysOnChip uses Windows CE.NET 4.2 as its operating system and is outfitted with a 3.5” touch-screen LCD. It runs on the Samsung S3C2440A RISC 400 MHz processor ad is equipped with 64 MB RAM and 32 MB flash ROM. The G7 also has an option to play MP3 and WMV files and for added functionality there is a SD/MMC slot too. Measuring 15x73x20 mm, the G7 also includes; a miniUSB, a built-in speaker and 3.5-mm headphones jack.

The Looket G9 is an high end model and for accurate navigational reading has been equipped with the SiRF III GPS-receiver. This one sports a 4.3" wide- touch-screen LCD and measures 152x95.8x25 mm. It operates on the # Windows CE.NET 5.0 OS and includes a built-in speaker and 3.5-mm headphones jack.

SysOnChip Looket G7 and Looket G9 will be exhibited at CES show in January.

For those of you who are interested in purchasing GPS as Christmas gifts for yourself or someone else, you should know that TomTom has a program to help save you money. Right now, TomTom is sponsoring the GiveGive event, where they will cut $100 off the cost of any TomTom GPS device.

For those who are not familiar with TomTom line, you should definitely go to their site and examine the features of the TomTom GO series, the TomTom ONE, as well as the TomTom Navigator 6. In addition to the cost reduction, they also have a YouTube page that displays video footage of bloopers from their commercials.

This GiveGive event will last until January 6, 2007, so don’t wait too long if you want to buy a TomTom GPS product.

If you are in the market for a GPS Navigational Device, then do check out the Mobile Media NAV420 SIRIUS-Ready Portable Navigation System by Directed Electronics Inc. Currently exhibiting at CES, this one was also able to make it to CES Honorees List .

The Mobile Media NAV420 is a SIRIUS-Ready Portable Navigation System with all the latest database and technologies. However it is its 20GB hard drive which sets it apart and makes it a fully functional media player. One can also hook it up to an optional SIRIUS cradle for access to satellite radio programming.
No word on pricing or availability.

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If you are a sucker for everything related to GPS, then check out the Bushnell ONIX400CR, a handheld XM-Ready GPS/Weather tracker which was honored at the CES 2007 too! The device lets user access XM, XMWX Weather Data, and GPS with Satellite Imagery without burning a hole in the pocket and has some decent features under its hood!

Equipped with a 3 .5” full color screen (320 x 240), the Bushnell ONIX400CR also sports a robust and a waterproof form factor. One can access a plethora of services like; live XMWX weather feeds including animated Doppler radar, severe storm tracking & warnings, XM satellite entertainment packages and ariel & satellite photos which are downloaded via Bushnell web site for real world navigation.

The Bushnell ONIX400CR is imbedded with a 64MB Micro SD Card and includes detailed maps of the US and Canada. For unrivaled performance, the company has incorporated the device with a SiRF GPS Chip Set and a rechargeable Li-Ion battery. It will retail for $499 in February 2007.

Pharos' iGPS-500 will be one of the honoraries at next year's CES. The iGPS-500 is a new GPS receiver designed to work with UMPCs, giving the busy mobile professional all the essential information to be on track.

The iGPS-500 GPS receiver features a modular design allowing users to add GPS capability via USB, CompactFlash, SDIO and even Bluetooth wireless connection.

Powered by a high-sensitivity SiRF starIII GPS architecture, it can work with Microsoft Streets & Trips, AutoRoute and MapPoint software. It is packaged in a form-factor that's smaller than its predecessor, the iGPS-360.

Another product to be honored at the CES was the pocket sized Transportable GPS Navigation System, the RoadMax VMax 361 GPS whose appeal lies in its affordability and simplicity! The navigational device is equipped with a 3.5-inch LCD Touch Screen and includes all the basic functions like; Voice Prompt option which lets you even adjust the volume, Address, Intersection or Points-of-Interest. The GPS unit comes preloaded with Secure Digital (SD) card and includes data for the US and Canada.

We are still in November, but that doesn't stop us from drooling over gadgets that will be showcased at next year's CES 2007 trade show. One of the honoraries that will be showcased in January is Garmin's yet-to-be-announced nuvi 670 GPS device.

The nuvi 670 is the world's first GPS device with MSN Direct to offer real-time geo-referenced information. Thanks to its link-up with the MSN Direct network, the nuvi 670 brings you traffic conditions, weather forecasts, fuel prices and even movie times right on your GPS screen.

Is that convenience or what? We recently saw the Garmin nuvi 660 GPS getting the FCC nod, but the 670 beats it at several levels.

Of course, at the moment there's no word on its pricing or availability. But we'll just have to wait and see.

The GPS Market has received another offering with the advent of the Axiom Geo 632. This navigational device can be used for driving, as well as a pedestrian mode for portable handheld use.

This Axion Geo 632 has a Centrality AT260B processor, with 32MB Internal Flash Memory and a 2GB SD MMC card. The battery is a 2700mAh Li-Ion which is capable of 8-10 hours of power.

It has a 3.5 touch panel TFT LCD screen. North American maps are available via the Micro SD card. Route travel can be planned by highways, major roads, or location, and points of interest (POI) are searchable by proximity. It will even plan to automatically re-route your trip if you encounter a detour or stop-over along the way. In addition to the map power, the device is also able to play MP3 and view JPEG files.

This device is available now on Amazon for only 260.00.

Bushnell is stepping into the GPS market with several new GPS devices. One of them is the ONIX 200, which has many terrific features.

The Bushnell ONIX 200 allows you to visit the Bushnell web site and download satellite imagery, aerial photography, or topographic maps into your GPS device. You can download four images, and subscription model options are available as well. The images are available in grayscale (black and white) format on a 160 x 240 screen, but you can also purchase the ONIX 200 CR with a color screen.

The ONIX 200 is powered by 2 AA batteries for about 26 hours of use. However, that life can be extended by the SafeTrack mode which continues to monitor your location while putting other device operations into a sleep mode. The device also has USB connectivity and 32 MB of internal storage memory.

The Bushnell ONIX 200 is powered by a SiRFstarII chipset, and is about $199.99 USD.

The latest addition to the Evesham line of GPS systems is the all new NAV-CAM 7700 GPS navigation. The 7700 is a pocket sized in car GPS Navigation device that not only offers precise door to door navigation but also features MP3 playback and digital photo viewer. Featuring AA Navigator 2007 now with ‘Easy Mode’ the latest Navteq maps are displayed in either 2D or 3D views and the device is currently retailing at £149.99.

The 7700 is more or less same as the AA Navigator Vive and there isn't much to separate the two apart from the logo and even makes use of the same navigation software. Featuring a 3.5-inch touch screen it comes pre-loaded with street level maps of UK & Ireland all stored in the built-in 256MB memory and if you feel there is a need to extend the memory, you can do so with the free SD slot to transfer media. The 7700 also features speed camera alerts covering all 6 types of UK speed camera and customers can register to receive free updates for 6 months followed by an annual subscription for another £30 extra.