Did it happen to you to have some of your precious packages lost by DHL, or any other transporter? Well then there’s no need to worry anymore! DHL, possibly the number 1 in shipping around the US (and going global), has implemented GPS trackable cargo containers, which basically means, you can check the global positioning of your goods. The GPS will give you the latitude and longitude of the container they are in so at least you will know they are moving.

These goodies in the picture, are the sensor packages that also verify shocks or vibrations and check for humidity, light exposure and temperature. Your packages can’t be more looked after than this. Unfortunately if the DHL guy gets your address wrong, this sensor won’t guarantee you’ll get your wrapped box after all. I guess we have to wait until the robots take over and human failure will be minimized. In the mean time I wonder how much the new GPS DHL service will cost.

via Boing Boing

Tags: DHL, GPS, GPS, navigation, tracking

The spy in you will be able to track people in buildings with the help of this new 3D software. BEAM 3D is a mapping software developed by two students from the Engineering College of Aarhus. If it works as we imagine it does, it can be both really helpful and harmful. How does this work? Well the software needs to be paired with a 3D sensor that’s brought in the building by a person. That sensor will send information back to a handheld device which will tell the location of the people inside. That sounds a little Batman-esque, don’t you think? And there’s a trick too. You need to have the plans of the building preloaded on the handheld in order to make everything work.

via Prosa

Tags: 3D, Beam 3D, Mobile News, Mobile Software, tracking

Worried about sending off tape backups to secure locations with third party shipping companies? Fujifilm may have an answer. The Fujifilm Tape Tracker is a data management solution designed to improve security and shipping of data tape media. The tracker, designed to fit neatly inside a standard tape media case, combines GPS tracking technology and a corresponding web application that lets you track the shipment in real-time. The technology is patent pending, and will be on show at the International Conference for High Performance Computing, Networking, Storage and Analysis (SC07) in Reno, Nevada from November 10-16.

The GPS system easily fits in 1/2-inch data tape cartridge, and resembles a standard tape. You can then include it in a tape media case and monitor misplaced or stolen tapes using the web app. Called FujiFind, the app can track one or more data tape shipments simultaneously.

Currently in beta tests, the GPS tape drive will be available sometime in Q1 2008.

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Tags: data tape, fujifilm, GPS, GPS, security, shipping, tracking, web application

Garmin announced the Forerunner 50 aimed at helping runners and walkers track their workouts. The Forerunner system comprises of a fitness watch that talks to other devices wirelessly, including a heart rate monitor and a foot pod that monitors speed and distance. Data recorded by different elements of the system are stored on a USB ANT Stick, which can be plugged into your laptop or PC for easy tracking.

The heart rate monitor and footpod start working upon detecting movement, so you won’t have to remember to turn them on before starting your workout. The Forerunner 50 system can track and record up to 7 hours and 100 laps of detailed exercise data.

By pairing the Forerunner 50 with Garmin Connect, an online training site, you can log workouts, track your totals and even share the details with friends or coaches. The online community lets you meet people with similar interests as well.

The Forerunner 50 and USB ANT Stick will be available starting October for US $99. If you include the footpod with them, the total price comes to US $149. Throw in the heart rate monitor and the price becomes $199.

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Tags: coaches, community, footpod, Garmin, heart monitor, memory, online, Portable Devices, record, tracking, usb, watch, workout