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
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:Garmin
, Garmin Forerunner
, Records
, Speed
, Sports
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.)
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
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
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:Entry
, Garmin
, 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.)
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
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
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.)
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