April 2008

Europe have launched their second satellite named Giove-B which will demonstrate Europe’s Galileo sat nav system. The satellite was launched from Kazakhstan on a Soyuz rocket. The satellite was launched to allow for tests to be done on the key technology that will power the Galileo sat nav system which will eventually consists of 30 satellites in 2013. Equipment to be tested will be the atomic clocks which provide timing to with in 1 billionth of a second per 24 hours as well as other equipment.

The new Galileo system will allow for more a accurate fix on position (with in 1 meter anywhere around the globe) and also should achieve quicker first fix times.

Via: Pocket-Lint

According to a few sources, the iPhone’s second gen model is currently being tested. Out of all the new features which are to be expected we are of course, happy to see that full (proper) GPS will be available as well as 3G for faster network access when you are not in a wi-fi zone. Hopefully this new GPS device built in will allow for some nice navigation features which will adopt the multi touch screen interface all being well.

The image above is rumoured to be a regular iPhone with a case although there is a slim possibility that it could be the final product. The iPhone will probably be a little thicker, but not too much.

Via: Engadget

The GPS logger looks like an amazing device when you first see the image and title. However, it’s not all too good to be honest. The GPS logger fits inside an envelope which can then be posted through regular mail. The logger is a tracker which records details of exactly where your posted letter went. That’s all well and good, but the problem is that there is no transmitter built in… so if you want to track where the data went you need to wait till the letter is received, take out the SD card and import the data in to Google earth. That leaves a few questions like “what happens if my letter doesn’t get delivered and is lost?”… well, if there is no transmitter then it’s tough. You will never know where your letter got to.

The logger costs $700 which seems an awful lot to look at a history of a letter that arrived the next day. It would be great news and totally amazing if it could tell you where it was remotely, but unfortunately not.

Maybe I sound harsh… but I guess it could have a good side in that you could test various delivery companies to find which one is most effective at getting mail to you the quickest.

The GPS Logger is available from Brickhouse Security.

Via: Wired

Sat Navs have, for a long time, shown either 2D or 3D animations to show you where you are going. These are all good and do help you find where you are going. However, this latest Sat Nav device named the NDrive uses satellite imagery to show a plan of where you are going. As far as I know, this is the first that uses satellite images to do this (other then the obvious Google maps which can be used on a mobile phone). Two models will be made available which are the G280 and the G800.

Although I think I would prefer the actual rendering of TomTom and other regular SatNavs, I can actually see that using images would provide a good experience for the user in certain situations such as where roads are quite close together and a 3D image just doesn’t clear things up enough for you.

The differences between the G280 and G800 are a larger screen (4″ as opposed to 3.5″) and bluetooth with FM transmitter.

The NDrive’s 3D photo mapping system will feature 5 different perspectives - 4 diagonal perspectives plus a bird’s eye view. The intuitive system will automatically choose the best perspective for you whilst navigating.

As well as regular guidance, the G280 and G800 feature visual and audible speed camera alerts as well as the usual POI type stuff. Pricing is fairly good too with the cheaper model selling for £199 while the G800 will set you back £315 over at SmartDevicesDirect.

Via: GadgetLite

AT&T announced today the launch of the BlackBerry Pearl 8110. This smartphone features GPS which is built in to provide navigation using either AT&T’s own nav software named AT&T navigator, or various other options are available. The BlackBerry Pearl 8110 measures 4.2 x 2.4 x 0.5 inches and weighs just 3.2 ounces. It comes available in two colours which are glossy titanium or with a rich red finish. The other standard “BlackBerry” type features are also included which means a SureType(R) QWERTY keyboard, email and calendar app to name a few. On the back it sports a 2 megapixel camera and a nice 3.5mm headphone jack which is a good standard for RIM to include here. Memory can be expanded on the 8110 via a MicroSD or SDHC memory card which can be accessed on the exterior of the device. Connectivity included high speed USB, Bluetooth 2.0 (including the headset profile for in car communication). The phone will work on AT&T’s EDGE network.

BlackBerry Pearl 8110 Pricing

The BlackBerry is now available at AT&T and costs as low as $149.99 with a two year contract costing $39.99 which includes the unlimited data plan.

Via: PRNewsWire

Two new indash satnav systems are being launched by Pioneer. Named the AVIC-F700BT and the AVIC=F900BT, these two sat nav devices have a whole array of nifty features. The two models just have one difference with that being the 900 series having a built in DVD player while the 700 is a CD player. Apart from that, you get all the rest of the goodies included.

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We mentioned TomTom’s latest GO Satnav system a few days ago. TomTom have now announced that this is available. If you haven’t read of the latest and greatest features then I recommend you do so as it packs in a ton of cool and helpful features. The big feature is the IQ Routes Technology which uses up to date information from the roads which includes speeds at which the traffic is travelling now. By gathering this data it allows more accurate route planning past roads where traffic is slower or at a standstill. In the past, there was TomTom traffic which only gave an overview of “slower” roads and road works. The newer version should make a great way to plan a route and get to your destination a lot quicker.

TomTom GO 930 Traffic Features

* IQ Routes™ technology
* Advanced lane guidance
* Easy access to traffic information
* TomTom Map Share™ technology
* Maps of Europe, US and Canada
* Enhanced Positioning Technology
* Voice address input
* Hands-free calling
* Built-in FM transmitter

Product Page

Buy.com currently have a deal on Sat Navs from TomTom. The latest and amazing deal is that you can pick up a refurbed TomTom One for $99.98 excluding taxes. Although the unit is refurbished, you still qualify for a full warranty which also can be extended if needed through Buy’s service.

To me, that is an excellent deal considering it’s a TomTom device. If you are out looking for decent priced sat navs then check the deal out.

TomTom One Features

The TomTom One features a 3.5 inch touch screen. This particular version of the One comes with street maps of the US and Canada and the device can provide voice directions turn-by-turn. POI (Point of Interest) is also included which provides millions of POI’s across the maps so that petrol station or ATM machine are right with in your reach.

Product Page Via: CrunchGear

According to a new study, 34% of all personal navigation devices will connect with each other by 2013. This “on-board connectivity” will allow enhanced navigation services to end users (you and I) such as dynamic POI’s giving the latest fuel prices, real time traffic which will let users know you are stuck and that they should take another route, satellite imagery and parking space availability to name a few.

I am excited for these services as I have often wondered how a network of sat nav devices collecting information on “current” road conditions could benefit all others. The system is likely to work with a number of technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-fi and mobile phone data networks although in 5 years time there will be other newer technologies available that the system could utilise.

Not only will this help with traffic flow and help speed up life for people, the whole system has benefits in the social networking arena too which will allow friends to know where each other is, although this has it’s downsides also.

Of course, services will begin ramping up soon. We already have map share, HD traffic and other features which are only going to improve over the next few years.

Source

Garmin have launched the Edge 605 which is aimed at bike users. The 605 is a slightly cut down version of the Edge 705. The differences are that the 705 has a heart rate monitor, barometric altimeter and wireless data capabilities which allow you to share data with other Edge 705 users.

Garmin Edge 605 Features

A cool feature of the Garmin Edge 605 is the ability to record courses. What this feature allows you to do is record a ride and then compete against the same ride and compare times. If you do not want to pre record a course then you have the option of downloading pre determined courses from the Garmin website. While racing, you will see a virtual partner on screen travelling at the previous course time speeds. I can see this feature alone being something that will get many bike riders attention.

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