Owner: World of GPS URL:http://gps--world.blogspot.com/ Join Date: Sat, 11 Aug 2007 17:21:55 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: News, Releases, and Reviews of GPS. Site statistics:Click here
Fujitsu Siemens Computers bails out of PDA / PNA market 2007-08-11 16:49:00 Leaving so soon, are we? Turns out FujitsuSiemens
Computers is ditching the PDA / PNA market after 2007, which means that those bulky, albeit fashionable Loox handhelds will soon be available only in closeout bins and on your favorite auction site -- and just think, things were lookin' so bright just last year. According to a statement by FSC spokesperson Amy Flécher, the decision to cut the proverbial cord was simply 'due to the usual examination of the portfolios,' and the firm apparently noticed that 'the traditional handheld segment (PDA) [had been shrinking] for years.' Essentially, the company felt that smartphones would eventually swallow the 'traditional handhelds' of the world, and considering that cranking out smartphones 'is not its business at all,' the choice seems logical.(Via Engadget.) Read more:bails
i-gotU GPS Tracker 2007-08-10 20:07:00 i-gotU GPS
USB tracker is manufactured by a company in Taiwan called Mobile Action. Their latest is this GPS enabled device that lets you geotag your photos with location information, organize and present your journey in 3D on Google Earth. Apparently it is compatible with all digital cameras and camera phones and is the ‘coolest GPS tracking gadget for your journey’ as they describe it.i-gotU GPS tracker is also works with third party GPS navigation software, and can be used as GPS Bluetooth receiver for your PDA or mobile phone.Here are some specs:Built-in SiRF StarIII low power chipsetBuilt in GPS patch antennaBuilt-in 230mAh Lithium-ion batteryTwo LEDs for tracking and battery/charger status indicationUSB 1.1 interface for PC connectionDimensions: 47 x 29 x 12mmWeight: 21gWe have no info on pricing or availability but we already know it won’t work with your iPhone.(Via NaviGadget.) Read more:Tracker
Mio DigiWalker C520 and C720t GPS Devices 2007-08-10 20:05:00 Mio has a couple of new GPS
devices out in the markets. The first is the Mio DigiWalker C520 GPS that was introduced at the CES 2007. This widescreen navigation device boasts a 4.3' display in a slim form factor. Bluetooth is available as well, making it easier to make/receive calls while driving. Running the show is a 20-channel SiRFstarIII GPS receiver chip. It offers SD and MMC (whoa!) memory card slots too.The display on the Mio C520 is a 480x272 pixels QVGA touchscreen. The device is compatible with USB 2.0. Measuring 0.8' x 3.2' x 5quot;, it weighs in at 6.7 oz (190 grams), and can be conveniently carried in your pocket. It runs on Win CE .Net 5.0 and comes bundled with MioMap navigation software. The second device to hit the market is another widescreen device, the Mio DigiWalker C720t GPS (in pic). On top of what the C520 offers, this one comes with a 2MPx camera, business card scanner and the ability to import contact info and photo geotagging. This also sports an SD/MMC me Read more:Devices
Leica GMX902 GG dual-frequency GPS + GLONASS receiver 2007-08-10 20:04:00 Leica Geosystems just introduced Leica GMX902 GG, a dedicated, dual-frequency GPS
+ GLONASS Receiver for monitoring applications, mostly for sensitive structures such as bridges, mines or high rise buildings and crucial topographies such as land slides or volcanoes. As you know GLONASS is Russian’s equivalent of GPS which currently has 16+ satellites in orbit. The dual frequency code of Leica GMX902 enables it provide precise data capture which is required for highly accurate position calculation and motion analysis.As with the other receiver
s in the GMX900 family, the GMX902 GG has been designed and built purely for monitoring applications. The key characteristics of the GMX900 family are low power consumption, high quality measurement, simplicity, and durability. The Leica GMX902 GG is an ideal receiver for deformation monitoring with superior tracking of satellites from the both GPS and GLONASS constellations. The GMX902 GG is also a perfect receiver for atmospheric studies and io Read more:Leica
Free Update Available to AVIC-S1 2007-08-10 19:40:00 Pioneer Electronics (USA)'announced a free firmware update for the Mobile Entertainment Division’s AVIC-S1 portable' navigation product. This update is in response to customer reports by AVIC-S1 owners of recurring pop-up messages advising them their map data is older than one year and recommending they upgrade to'more current map data.''' The 2007 Map Data Upgrade will be available for purchase in September 2007. In the short-term, Pioneer is issuing the free firmware update, which will eliminate the pop-up messaging, with which some AVIC-S1 users have expressed confusion or annoyance. However, the performance of the AVIC-S1 is not otherwise affected by these pop-ups and the 2006 Map Data that came with the AVIC-S1 will continue to operate normally, even if the 2007 Map Data Upgrade is not purchased. Customers have three options for securing the free firmware update: Downloading the free update to a computer from'http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/AVIC-S1update/'Or Read more:Update
waterproof casing from Clarion for GPS 2007-08-08 20:28:00 Clarion just announced a new waterproof casing for its DrivTrax line of GPS
navigation systems. The new protection includes a speaker that works with AA batteries as well as stylus to operate the touch screen interface. However it will cost you 125€ to get this luxury on your motorcycle… "(Via NaviGadget.) Read more:Clarion
Sports Watch: Garmin Forerunner 50 Slim Sports Watch Records Mileage and Speed 2007-08-08 20:21:00 Garmin just announced its Forerunner
50, slimming down its form factor to more like a watch, but losing GPS in the process. All is not lost, though, because there's a motion-activated foot pod sensor that records your mileage and speed. Let's hope it's more accurate than Apple's badly flawed Nike+ iPod system, which can't tell the difference between two miles and four.There's also a heart rate monitor that looks exactly the same as the one included with Garmin's superb Forerunner 305 GPS-based sports watch. The Forerunner 50's heart rate, mileage and speed data can be uploaded to your PC via the Garmin USB ANT Stick, using a low-power wireless protocol called ANT+Sport, the same used in the Nike+ iPod. The coolness continues when that data is sent up to Garmin's online training site, letting you keep track of each workout and share with your friends and competitors. Sounds a whole lot like Nike's idea, but let's just hope it works a little better. The entire package with the Read more:Sports
, Garmin
, Records
, Speed
, Garmin Forerunner
Mambo II mini quadband phone and GPS for athletes 2007-08-08 10:38:00 If you're an athletic sort and like to take a phone
with you for safety when training but also wish you had a GPS
, this may be just what you're looking for. The Mambo II is a tiny, waterproof phone which will let you track and keep a history of data so you can really serious about your training plan. It enables...(Via Shiny Shiny.)
Nextar HGPS35 2007-08-07 20:37:00 Nextar HGPS35 is a basic navigation system that has 1.6 million points of interest for the U.S. stored in its internal memory. It can do voice guidance and display information on its 3.5″ touch screen which can render maps in 2D or 3D. There is also an MP3 player if you have no other option left for entertainment. More specs:3.5 inch screenMP3 PlayerBuilt In SpeakerSIRF III GPS ReceiverSD Card Slot for MP3 PlayAutomatically Recalculates the Route when Missing a Turn1.6 Million Points of Interest /POI2.24 Lbs; 1.2″ x 5.11″ x 2.99″(Via NaviGadget.)
Viliv intros the X7 2007-08-07 20:36:00 Well we have one X7 being announced this Summer, but it's not the one we're all waiting for. This X7 model comes from Viliv, and it's one of those GPS Navigation thingamajigs that most DAP companies in Korea seem to be making. The X7 has a 7' display (800 x 480) and comes loaded with either 4 or 8GB's of memory. On top of that, there's an SDHC slot to add another 8GB's. Along with its GPS functions, there's also a built in DMB tuner. It'll play all your favorite media formats including MP3, WMA, Ogg, Xvid, Divx, and WMV. The all-in-one device is a little pricey. The 4GB model will sell for 549,000 Won, or around $595US, and the 8GB for 629,000 Won, or around $682US.(Via dapreview.net : News.)
Pioneer AVIC-X3 entertainment and navigation system 2007-08-07 20:35:00 Global Positioning Systems (GPS) have become such a popular tool for drivers. They have also come a long way from a simple GPS system to a complex, multi-feature GPS system. However, this new device combines both navigation as well as entertainment for those long road trips/vacations.The AVIC-X3 comes with a wide array of useful tools. For navigation, it uses a 3D gyroscope, GPS receiver, and your car’s speed sensor for extra precision. As for entertainment, it includes a DVD player and it can play a wide variety of formats including MP3, AAC, DivX, and WMA. It also comes with inputs for your iPod, camcorder, and video games. With all these features, it ensures for a peaceful and relaxing ride. As for now, it will be released in September in Europe.(Via Gadgetell.) Read more:Pioneer
X2 multimedia DMB navigator 2007-08-07 20:31:00 Looks like this is the complete portable entertainment package - after all, the X2 multimedia DMB navigator does come with an integrated SiRFStar III GPS chipset, SDHC memory card support (up to a whopping 16GB), up to 8GB of NAND flash memory, a 4.3' touchscreen LCD display, DMB TV capability, support for a wide range of audio and video formats (MP3, WMA, OGG, and WAV, and DivX, XviD, MPGE1/2/4, WMV 7 or 8, and WMV 9), a built-in image viewer, a karaoke function, a car diary, and support for Flash, HTML, and Microsoft Office documents. All it needs is the ability to store a SIM card and make phone calls, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as a 5 megapixel camera and you don't need any other gadget...in the meantime, at least. The X2 will come in 4GB and 8GB flavors, retailing for $497 and $572 respectively.(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)
GPS 3505 2007-08-07 20:31:00 GPS 3505 is manufactured by HiFiMax, a Chinese company which also focuses on other in-dash entertainment systems. The device is made up of standard components such as the Samsung 2440 processor, SiRF Star III GPS receiver chip, 64MB of RAM and ROM, and the Windows CE NET 4.2 operating system. It looks like a slim device but it does have a fold-out GPS antenna, so it will need some space away from the windshield.GPS 3505 also has support for many multimedia file formats including WMA, WAV, WMV, ASF, MP4, JPG, and BMP. You can bring these files to your device using the convenient SD card reader slot which supports up to 2GB. The screen has 320x240 resolution and built-in speaker makes this navigation system for voice guidance. We’ll see if any Western distributors will pick this up.(Via NaviGadget.) Read more:GPS
Fusionsoft to launch PMP navigation 'odd-i P480' adopting DaVinci chip 2007-08-07 20:31:00 SEOUL, Korea (AVING) -- Fusionsoft(www.fusionsoft.co.kr) launched its PMP navigation device ‘odd-i P480’ in Korea market, which is equipped with DaVinci chip enabling users to enjoy a variety of video files without encoding.Adopting Samsung’s 4.8-inch WQVGA LCD, SiRF Star III GPS chipset and Mando's Mappy United 5.0, the odd-I P480 supports S-DMB, up to 60GB hard disk and TV input/output port with which users can record and watch TV program via the navigation. It also offers interactive education content ‘Ten English Club', electronic dictionary function and scheduler software ‘uPIM’.(Via AVING WORLD | English.)
Mio getting ready to release C230 2007-08-07 20:30:00 Mio is getting ready
to introduce a new personal navigation device called the C230 at the consumer electronics show IFA in Berlin. The new Mio C230 will supplement the C220 that we’ve reviewed here on Navigadget. C230 will feature a 3.5″ touch screen, a new exterior design, however it will keep using the same navigation software. The maps, provided by TeleAtlas, will include 22 Western Europe countries.Mio C230 will use the highly popular SiRF Star III GPS chipset, and a 400Mhz Samsung processor. (Via NaviGadget.)
daviscomms introduces new GPS GSM tracking device 2007-08-07 20:30:00 If you’ve been waiting for a real time GPS
tracking device -unlike the ones where it just records your location for later retrieval- you’ll sure be interested in MTD1000 from DavisComms of Singapore. Their product just went through FCC regulations meaning it’ll be available in the States very soon. Briefly MTD1000 is a small multi-purpose GPS/GSM tracking solution for personal and vehicle tracking. It can also be used as 2-way telemetry to control relays and transmit short messages. With its embedded battery, it can remain on standby for at least 24 hours and transmit GPS data by using GPRS or SMS.MTD1000 has enough memory capacity for 6,000 full detail reports that include position, date, time, system and input/output ports status enabling continuous recording of position and time. The data can be downloaded either over-the-air or stored for downloading at a later time. The MTD1000 is capable of producing it own unique device ID so you can have multiple units reporting to the sa
Mio C620 and C620t coming soon 2007-08-07 20:29:00 In addition to C230 which we just talked about Mio will also introduce C620 and C620t which are GPS navigation systems that utilize MioMap 2008, the new version of the navigation software including the latest digital maps of TeleAtlas, with 3D models of certain buildings, landmarks, and more.C620 and C620t will come equipped with a 4.3″ touch screen and MioMap 2008 software which is equipped with a new user interface and a completely renewed main menu. The new software will also be able to split the screen in two to provide more information on the route, and will also let you control other functions of the device such as the MP3 player, and the contact book to let you scroll through your contacts. C620 and C620t will also let users plan their trip before departure but the details of this feature are unclear.Different from C620, C620t will provide live traffic information. We have no info on availability or pricing just yet. Details should be more clear after IFA 2008 electronics show
Garmin nuvi 260 Entry-level GPS Navigator 2007-08-07 20:26:00 Garmin announced the new nuvi 260, a entry-levelGPS
navigator. Garmin nuvi 260 features a QVGA LCD touchscreen, internal speaker for voice-prompted directions, preloaded maps, integrated solid state memory and a SD card slot.The nuvi 260 supports 3D map view and it can also be used as picture viewer.[Garmin](Via iTech News Net.) Read more:Garmin
, Entry
, Navigator
SPOT personal GPS tracker: the argonaut's lifeline 2007-08-07 20:23:00 We've all heard horror stories about being stranded sans a cellphone (or a signal), and while we doubt the majority of you break out into the wilderness on a regular basis, a little peace of mind for when you do won't hurt. SPOT Inc. has introduced the simply-titled SPOT, which operates as a personal GPS
-enabled tracking device to inform relatives, friends, and emergency personnel of your status. Among the features are a 911 button that automatically calls in help and gives them your exact location, an Ask for Help button that beams up friends / family, a Check In selection that informs contacts that you're a-okay, and a Track Progress option that sends your location to a Google Map that relatives can monitor. The unit itself is powered by a pair of AA cells, weighs just seven-ounces, floats on water, and is rugged enough to handle most any encounter. Price wise, the SPOT will run you $149.99 along with a $99 'service fee,' but monthly and multi-year options will purportedly be av
Magellan is back with Triton 2007-08-07 20:18:00 It is good to have Magellan
back in the handheld GPS receiver business - with the completely redesigned Triton series. At the top of the series you’ll find Triton 2000 (pictured) which features a 2.7-inch QVGA touch screen, SD card slot, 2MP camera, a voice recorder, speaker, LED flashlight, electronic compass and barometer, and the ability to upload National Geographic maps. Triton 2000, which complies with IPX7 standards, will be available in North America in September and in Europe in October for about $500.Other models in the new series will be Triton 1500, Triton 500, Triton 400, Triton 300, and the most basic Triton 200.(Via NaviGadget.)
Evesham NAV-CAM 7000 for $181 2007-08-14 13:58:00 Evesham’s inexpensive NAV-CAM GPS navigation system series continue with NAV-CAM 7000 which is currently on sale at buy.com for only $181. The same NAV-CAM 7000 sells for $300 on Amazon.NAV-CAM 7000 sounds like a good starter navigation system that features a 3.5″ touch screen, 3D maps, a 1GB SD card that contains 1.5 millions POI and maps of USA and Canada, and a simple multimedia player… just what you’d expect from an entry level system; nothing more, nothing less.(Via NaviGadget.)
Pharos GPS Phone 600 and 600e for T-Mobile Customers 2007-08-14 13:27:00 Pharos
announced an agreement with T-Mobile
USA allowing customers to enjoy up to $200 off on purchasing the Pharos GPS
Phone 600 and 600e. The catch, of course, is you have to enter into a new T-Mobile contract.Pharos GPS Phone 600Offering entertainment, mobile office and even navigation, the GPS Phone 600 is an unlocked, quad-band world phone. It comes bundled with pocket versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Thanks to integrated GPS, you get voice-prompted directions using the Ostia navigation software and pre-loaded maps of US and Canada. There's an FM radio on-board as well as Windows Media Player Mobile. A 2MPx camera is available as well. Originally priced at US $699.95, it is now available for US $499.95 with a new, 2-year voice and data plan with T-Mobile.Pharos GPS Phone 600eAn enterprise version of the GPS Phone 600, the 600e is similar to 600 in all respects, except that this does not include pre-loaded navigation software, maps or car kit. Priced at US $599.95, th
GPS4305 w/ 4.3″ screen and rear view camera support 2007-08-13 11:37:00 GPS4305 is manufactured by a Chinese company called Xiachao. The device has impressive features, that can easily compete with big Western brand names. Take for example the 4.3 inch TFT LCD touch screen
with support for rear view camera, and the SiRF Star III GPS receiver chipset.Other features include a Samsung 2440A CPU at 400MHz, SD/MMC slot which supports capacity up to 2GB and a replaceable and rechargeable lithium-ion polymer battery at 1600mAh.Hopefully some Western retailer will pick up the GPS4305 and bring some more competition to the US and EU GPS markets.(Via NaviGadget.) Read more:GPS
Sony NAV-U GPS review 2007-08-12 19:55:00 British site Computeractive now has a review
of Sony
’s NAV-U NV-U51G which is currently only available in Europe.It looks like the reviewers were not completely dissatisfied with U51G but there was nothing special about it either.That’s not to say it makes no improvements over previous versions. You can now, for instance, search by full post code, making it easier to pinpoint the exact location of a destination. But yet again, Sony has failed to provide a memory card slot, limiting the opportunity for expansion. It comes with maps for the UK and Ireland, and it is possible to buy additional maps, adding them to the unit using a PC.Probably something you want to buy if you see a really good deal on it. NV-U51 currently sells for £140 on Amazon - but keep in mind review talks about U51G, not U51.(Via NaviGadget.) Read more:GPS
FCC Nod for Harman/Becker BE 7928 GPS Navigation Device 2007-08-18 13:28:00 Harman
/Becker
's BE 7928 GPS
navigation device just got the green signal from the FCC. The BE 7928 features a touch screen interface, as well as a phone button to answer/reject incoming calls over Bluetooth. A nifty Day/Night button switches between Day view and Night view when using the navigation system. The system takes in SD/MMC memory cards allowing you to store maps, MP3 music and more. It also features a USB device for connecting to your PC.One of the neat features of the Harman/Becker BE 7928 GPS device is the included FM transmitter. This lets you transmit your MP3 songs onto your car radio. The Bluetooth transceiver on this device allows you to connect only one phone at a time. When a phone is connected, contacts from your SIM card are automatically downloaded onto the BE 7928 so you can dial them directly from it rather than having to fumble with the phone when driving (you don't do that now, do you?).No word on the pricing or availability yet, but check back with us Read more:Navigation
, Device
, GPS Navigation
Clarion MAP770 available in Europe 2007-08-17 14:30:00 We had talked about the Clarion
DrivTrax P5 a while ago. Now we just find out that its twin brother MAP770 will be available
in Europe
. The only difference is that the newer European version MAP770 will include bluetooth connectivity unlike DrivTrax P5.Powered by a 400 MHz Samsung processor and operated by Windows CE 5.0 Core, MAP770 can handle WMA/MP3 files and display JPEG/BMP images on its 4.3″ touch screen - of course this is in addition to door to door navigation which relies on a highly popular SiRF Star III GPS receiver which can track 20 satellites all at once.MAP770 comes pre-installed with maps 28 European countries, even including Andorra and Vatican and can provide voice guidance in 23 different languages. It comes 2GB of memory and a rechargeable Li-Ion battery which can last up to 4.5 hours.We have no info on Clarion’s new MAP770 GPS navigation system just yet… (Via NaviGadget.)
GT-750F bluetooth GPS receiver 2007-08-16 21:25:00 Taiwanese Canmore is getting ready to export GT-750F bluetooth GPSreceiver
, now that they’ve made it through FCC. This receiver has a sleek design and a good look thanks to its small form factor and high quality materials used. GT-750F is bluetooth 2.0 compliant making sure it’ll pair up effortlessly with your PDA or smartphone. It can track 44 satellites in view and uses Venus520 GPS receiver which provide short start-up time and fast signal acquisition. Venus 5 series is quite sensitive; enabling to device get a fix at -155dBm and continue tracking at -158dBm.This small GPS receiver measures 73x44x21 mm in size but was still able to fit a Li-Ion battery which can provide more than 13 hours of operation.No info on pricing or availability for GT-750F just yet.(Via NaviGadget.)
Medion MDPPC 250 review 2007-08-15 19:01:00 Medion MDPPC 250 is a PDA that comes with a GPS receiver which is not integrated into the device. This maybe a slight disadvantage considering it will cause extra clutter in your vehicle and you won’t be able to use it on foot since it needs to be plugged into the car charger for power. There are advantages too though: You’ll probably be able to get a quicker satellite fix since you can place right in front of your windshield and also it won’t drain your handheld’s battery. A UK site just did a review
for Medion MDPPC 250 and found to be pleasing if you are on the market for a budget system:…there are some nice touches to this system, such as voice directions including road numbers. But overall it is let down by a lack of full postcode entry, low volume levels, and a basic POI system. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind the weaknesses mentioned above then it is worthy of consideration, especially if you’re only going to use the GPS on an occasional basis. When yo
ASUS R600 GPS 2007-08-15 19:01:00 Asus’ new R600 GPS
navigation device just recently made it through FCC, getting one step closer to being released in the U.S. Asus is aiming at the mid-high range GPS market with this device with features like a light sensor that will automatically adjust the LCD backlight to enhance viewing, bluetooth connectivity to make and receive hands free calls, and a large 4.3″ touch screen. Asus is also flexing their muscles with a 2200mAh Li-Ion battery and an SD slot that can support up to 4GB where as most other sat nav systems out there can only support 2GB for expansion.Here is the full set of specs:OS: MS Windows CE .Net 5.0CPU:Samsung 400MHzDisplay:4.3″ 65K TFT with Touchscreen 480 x 272 Pixels (WQVGA)Memory:128MB Flash ROM, 64 MB SDRAMGPS: Built-in SiRF starIII chipExpansion Slots: SD Slot, up to 4 GBConnectivity: Bluetooth 2.0 HandsfreeDimensions:142 x 83 x 18mm, 260gBattery/Working time: 2200 mAh, (6 hours working time)MP3 player, Video player, Photo ViewerSupports Light senso
I-Navi brings G1 to the fore 2007-08-15 18:51:00 The G1 personal navigation device from I-Navi comes with some interesting improvements such as a brighter display that has a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels. It is powered by an AU1200 chipset from RMI, and really differentiates itself from the rest with the inclusion of both geomagnetic and gravity sensors. The former detects the absolute direction of the North Pole as well as heading direction of the vehicle while the latter senses motion via vectors X, Y, and Z. This means you can drive through urban canyons without missing a beat, as both sensors will maintain a steady direction unlike other GPS navigation systems that rely purely on their antenna.(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)