Haicom HI-602DT real time GPS tracking

Haicom HI-602DT real time GPS tracking

If you’re planning to keep an eye on whereabouts of someone or something that moves you’re going to need a real time GPS tracking system. Today we’re talking about Haicom HI-602DT It contains the usual GPS module, but also the GSM module ( a SIM card slot) to transmit its location back to the base. HI-602DT is slightly different from the others in this respect. When it comes to transmitting its position back to the tracker it does not use text messages - it uses the GSM dial tone transmission solution.

Therefore - they claim - you can use any SIM card you want without any monthly fees, or extra messaging costs; other than the actual calls made by the tracking system. The downside however is that you’re going to have to attach this decoder to your phone; just like seen in this picture to the right.

HI-602DT uses the most unique DTMF technology via GSM voice channel to send back the real time GPS location data directly to another phone. The user can track any moving object live on the map without Internet access and a call center in between (Tracking is free of charge with no need to pay any monthly subscription to a service)…. HI-602 continuously sends back real time location data. This facilitates route tracking on local GPS or Google maps. You can actually watch the vehicle movements live on a map similar to a car navigation system….

…User can insert any local GSM SIM card (or pre-paid SIM card, etc.) making it only necessary to pay a phone call charge when tracking is in use. Also, by setting up three priority call back telephone numbers inside HI-602DT, user can press the SOS button and the tracker will immediately send a SMS with GPS location to the preset numbers.

It is different, but it is a solution for live GPS tracking. It gives you the freedom to use any SIM card you want and leave out the middleman (other than your own cell phone network provider). It can last up to 5 days without a recharge and comes with all sort of accessories to assemble in a vehicle.

Other features that you can enable with a few optional accessories include:

• two way voice communications


• ability to use a panic button to make a call from the tracker side


• ability to disconnect fuel and battery of a vehicle from any phone when installed in a car


• vibration sensor to automatically dial back when the movement occurs

(Via NaviGadget.)

unlock GPS on Verizon HTC Touch Pro

unlock GPS on Verizon HTC Touch Pro

If you’re a Verizon customer and own a HTC Touch Pro you’re going to enjoy this one. We’ve got some information on how to unlock the GPS capabilities of this device. We already talked about Verizon unlocking the GPS themselves but there’s no reason to wait for them now, is there?

You can find all the detailed instructions here at ppcgeeks which goes something like this:

1. download lllboredlll_VZW_GPS_Fix_v2.cab AND PPST1.46.cab and put on your storage card or any folder on your device

2. install PPST1.46.cab

3. use gsfinder,total commander or File Explorer to navigate to \windows\ppst.exe

4. click on ppst.exe and go thru the prompts

5. reset your device as needed

6. NOW install lllboredlll_VZW_GPS_Fix_v2.cab

7. use gsfinder,total commander or File Explorer to navigate to \windows\ppst.exe

8. reset your device as needed

9. Dial *228 option 1

(the above step is the steps I did, option 2 also works but I needed to prove it takes a full update without rewriting data)

10. reset your device

11. Install HTC GPS Tool if needed

12. I would suggest a soft reset… do what you want on this one

13. Open up HTC GPS Tool. Set Chip to Q 7500 and mode to Cold Start (left soft key for those who dont know) then set baud to 4800 and open port.

(Via NaviGadget.)

telenav on Blackberry Storm

telenav on Blackberry Storm

You know Blackberry Storm right? And you know about Telenav. Now you can merge those two awesome products and turn your Blackberry Storm into a GPS navigation system. Currently they’re running a free 30 day trial which is a good way to see if you like their application.

It costs $10 per month but it may be worth it since you’ll end up with a product that has more features than the higher end standalone GPS navigation systems which cost more than $500.

With Telenav Navigator on your Storm you’ll have traffic updates, ability to enter destination address online, or with a voice call to a toll free number (probably TellMe which talked about here.), and even a Wi-Fi hotspot finder.

(Via NaviGadget.)

Dashboard Devices to Debut "Carputer" at CES

Dashboard Devices to Debut "Carputer" at CES

Dashboard Devices says it will formally launch its 'carputer' at the Consumer Electronics Show in January.

DD plans to market its ENV (Entertainment and Navigation for Vehicles) as a two-part system: the ENV-XC, which includes the CPU, graphics unit, and other basic computing functions, as well as a choice of head-ends, including the ENV-100 (a double-DIN system); the ENV-50 (a single-DIN system with motorized screen), or the ENV-50c (a single-DIN system with detached screen). The standard DIN measurements are two inches high by seven inches wide, with a double-DIN setup doubling the height to four inches.

Dashboard Devices hasn't published the units' prices, although TWICE claims that the double-DIN ENV-100 will cost $2,700. Representatives from Dashboard Devices weren't able to be immediately reached for comment, possibly because of the Christmas holiday.

'We are currently in the final testing and evaluation stage of the ENV-100 In-Dash Unit and are planning our market launch for this summer!' according to the undated FAQ. 'The ENV-50 and ENV-50c are awaiting final design approval and are expected to be launched shortly after the ENV-100 is marketed!'

The company touts the devices as essentially car-based computers, running the same sort of applications and games as a desktop PC. However, the response to the question, 'What operating system do the ENV systems run?' in the company's FAQ has been left blank. The company does warn that viruses may be transferred onto the system, which either indicates the company's lawyers are disclaiming liability, or the system runs some form of Windows. The extensive list of specifications for the ENV-XC would seem to confirm this, as a 'power properties shell extension for Windows XP' is included.

The ENV-100 will include a 7-inch transflective 800 x 480 touchscreen, with dual-zone capability, so that a second touchscreen mounted in the rear can access the system as well. Inside the ENV-XC unit is an Intel Core Duo processor, 1 Gbyte of RAM, a 160-Gbyte hard drive, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, dual FM radios, an optional satellite radio receiver, a DVD-RW burner, a GPS radio and associated software, and other features, including a rear-parking camera and cell-phone connectivity. One front-mounted USB port is included, along with two rear-mounted ports.

Dashboard Devices will offer each system with a the head-end plus the ENV-XC, wires, antennas, software, and a one-year limited warranty.

Note to Alaskan and Arizona customers: the operating temperature for the ENV-XC is between 32°F to 122°F, according to the company.

(Via Gearlog.)

GPS embedded HKC Pearl runs Android

GPS embedded HKC Pearl runs Android

We have another GPS powered device to add to our next generation Android phones list. This is from China and it is called HKC Pearl.

We don’t know if it would ever make it here to U.S., but we have some of the specs for you to drool over:

touch screen interface

• 2.8″ display


• 2MP camera


• integrated GPS


• microSD card slot


• Bluetooth


• 624MHz processor


• WiFi

It not only does Android but also WinMo 6.1…

(Via NaviGadget.)

XRoad G-Map app brings bona fide navigation to the iPhone

XRoad G-Map app brings bona fide navigation to the iPhone

At long last, iPhone users who have grown increasingly frustrated by using Google Maps as their primary navigational tool can find relief... sort of. Available right now in the App Store, XRoad's G-Map application requires no internet connection whatsoever in order to function; rather, it packs oodles of maps into a 932MB package that covers most of western America and a few sporadic locales on the east. We're a bit baffled (and angered) by the not-at-all-comprehensive coverage, but we suppose we can expect updates to patch the gaps in the near future. It provides most of the same amenities you're used to seeing on real-deal GPS units, including POI editing, memo capabilities, location searching, etc. A word of caution, though: early reviews don't seem too stoked about it, so you may want to gloss it over good before hitting your card for $19.99.

Gallery: XRoad G-Map app brings bona fide navigation to the iPhone

(Via Engadget CELLS.)

motionX GPS app for iPhone

motionX GPS app for iPhone

If you remember we mentioned motionX GPS Lite couple months ago. Today we have one promo code to giveaway for the full version. Before we tell you how to enter to participate (promise, super easy) let’s mention a couple of the features so you know what you’re getting.

MotionX-GPS pretty much gives you an interface to make use of that GPS receiver in your iPhone 3G. If you’re an outdoorsy type this might be the software you need to leave one more gadget at home.

It has a virtual compass for navigation and the stopwatch to record time, distance, speed and average pace. It lets you email your tracks and waypoints with your photos so they can be viewed on Google Earth and Google Maps.

You can save up to 303 (odd..) waypoints for your favorite locations and view their coordinates in different units such as UTM, DMS, DM or D format. You can also save tracks (101 of them) and then even follow one of them.

There’s no door-to-door navigation but a simple form of it which lets you use the virtual compass to show you your direction of travel in true or magnetic bearings and show you your progress including ETA to selected waypoint.

To participate you need to subscribe to our feed and leave a comment below with an email address we can reach you at.

Duplicate entries, emails, IP addresses will be disqualified.

We’ll close this article for comments this Monday and after that we’ll announce the winner.

(Via NaviGadget.)

GPS Homing Device: A simple GPS device that points the way back to a single spot

GPS Homing Device: A simple GPS device that points the way back to a single spot

Another piece of brilliance you never knew you needed from the venerable Hammacher Schlemmer: A simple GPS device that points the way back to a single spot. That's it, for $80.

(Via Gizmodo: GPS.)

Telstra T165i brings GPS to rural Australia

Telstra T165i brings GPS to rural Australia

Telstra T165i is the new ‘country phone’ from the company. There isn’t much going on for this handset as far as looks but it could be life saver since it promises to get a signal in remote areas of the outback.

One thing to note on the Telstra T165i is the antenna curves away from your head to get a better reception and even comes with quick mounts for your car - where you’d have a bigger and better antenna.

T165i supports HSDPA networks however we’re not how much of the country side in Australia is under 3G coverage. Assuming you have coverage Telstra says you can expect download speeds of up to 3Mbps.

As we already mentioned this device also has an A-GPS receiver but there are no pre-installed application to make use of the location data. You’re going to have to rely on third party programs for maps and directions.

Telstra T165i costs AU$529.

Check out the review on ZDNet.

(Via NaviGadget.)

alltell GPS application from Trimble

alltell GPS application from Trimble

Alltell just recently announced a new GPS application developed by Trimble. For $40 a year, $6 a month, or $2 a day Trimble Outdoors will work on Motorola V3A, V3C, V3M, V9M and K1M, the Samsung Muse, LG AX656 and AX8600, the BlackBerry Curve 8330 and the BlackBerry Pearl 8110.

As far as features Trimble Outdoors will let users plan trips online and send/receive trekking routes, maps and waypoints wirelessly to the phone for use as a guide. Users can also track their current and previous routes with a GPS ‘bread crumb trail,’ and even mark and edit waypoints during their journey.

It also has a built-in digital compass to display coordinates, speed and heading. Maps generated by Trimble Outdoors can be accessed in topographic, street and aerial views.

(Via NaviGadget.)

Samsung W690

Samsung W690

Samsung W690 is the new clam shell design phone to be offered by South Korea’s SK Telecom. It integrates a GPS receiver and considering networks speeds in that part of the world you probably would be able to updates Google Maps or anything similar as you travel - even on highways.

Samsung W690 will be offered in two colors. A black and a white one. It has both an internal and an external screen; internal one measuring 2.6″ and external one 1.5″. It only weighs 123 grams and measures 101x56x17 mm. It comes with a 800mAh battery, and has a 2MP digital camera.

Other features include MP3 player, bluetooth connectivity, and of course support for HSDPA networks…

(Via NaviGadget.)

tomtom DUB1

tomtom DUB1

TomTom is getting ready to introduce a new system here in the U.S. named DUB1. None of us were supposed to know about this but thanks to a flop at FCC we have access to a few pics of the in-dash/portable GPS navigation system.

We really love the concept of an after-market GPS navigation system integrating into your dash to get rid of the unsightly cables so we can’t wait for TomTom DUB1 to be available here.

Other highlights of DUB1 include getting traffic updates from a bluetooth enabled phone and the ability to control car stereo from the unit.

Here is a letter from TomTom asking for the pics to be removed:





We don’t have a copy of the user manual now that it’s removed but gpspassion did keep a copy of the pics:

(Via NaviGadget.)

EASYCAR UT 700

EASYCAR UT 700

We thought you may have started to wonder what happened to all those 7″ GPS navigation systems with 3D buildings that we can never have in the U.S. Well here you go: Called EASYCAR UT700, this device is available for Koreans.

It comes in two different versions, either with 4GB of storage that costs about 400,000KRW ($295) or 8GB version that costs 450,000KRW ($332). Both models run the popular Q-Gini mapping software and run on a dual core 600Mhz processor.

Some other specs include:

• SiRFStarIII GPS chipset


• double SD cards that let you expand upto 160GB


• USB host


• rear camera support


• video and audio transmitter

See more on their website… via

(Via NaviGadget.)

Magellan consumer sold to MiTAC

Magellan consumer sold to MiTAC

Magellan Navigation, Inc. today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell the Magellan consumer products division to MiTAC International Corp. Closing of the transaction is anticipated in January of 2009. Magellan consumer products include RoadMate and Maestro series portable car navigation systems, and the Magellan Triton outdoor handheld GPS devices.





Financial terms have not been disclosed; however, we can be sure that it is far lower than the staggering $170 million paid by Shah Capital for the full entity in 2006. Indeed, Magellan was known for having financial difficulties since it fired a large part of its personnel as well as its CEO in the recent months (read our previous article here). Almost two years after buying Navman consumer business for $16 million, MiTAC is taking over Magellan.





Despite its difficulties, Magellan is still having a large retail presence in the United States making it the third brand for Personal Navigation Devices. This acquisition is likely to mean the end of Mio (another brand from MiTAC) as a brand in the United States where the company has been struggling to establish a strong presence, lacking the product differentiation and the marketing dollars of the leaders.





A challenge for MiTAC


However, this acquisition will be an important challenge for MiTAC. First, its past acquisition of Navman did not prove to be a real success, especially on markets where both Mio and Navman were present. Eighteen months after this acquisition the market share of Mio was far to amount to the addition of the two brands’ market shares at the time of the merger. Therefore MiTAC’s management will have to better handle the transition than what it did in the past.





Second, despite its maintained shelves space in the United States, Magellan brand has been strongly hurt due to a lack of customer support and the little innovation offered by the company in the PND space.





Will MiTAC do better than Shah Capital to straighten up Magellan? The future will tell…

(Via GPS BUSINESS NEWS.)

MiTAC PS535F

MiTAC PS535F

While we were at FCC we thought we’d also look around for other GPS embedded devices. And luckily we came across this MiTAC’s (aka Getac) new device called PS535F. Looking at some internal pics we quickly pickup that it will contain a GPS, WLAN, and a Bluetooth antenna.

It may look quite ugly but keep in mind this is a rugged Windows Mobile handset, possibly designed for technicians out in the field.

We also came across the user manual (pdf) which reveal that this handheld device will contain RF antenna, Wi-Fi, touch screen, a stylus, external speaker, SD/MMC slot, standard headphone jack, and a mini USB connector.

We’re not sure what kind of GPS software will be available for the device but we know at least it will come with TacLink which will provide a user interface while getting a position fix from satellites.

(Via NaviGadget.)

Alpine PND-K3 review

Alpine PND-K3 review

We were pleasantly surprised by the performance of the Alpine PND-K3! Everything just works. User interface is really intuitive, hardware is solid, and the software is smart and fast. On top of all that there are bunch of little things that makes life easier such as how it turns on and off as you start and stop your engine, or the easy to reach dedicated volume buttons on top of the device.





Let’s start with the hardware. You open the box and you see that even the windshield is mount was designed to make things easy. As you see from the pictures it is quite different from rest of the mounts. Once it is on your windshield it is really easy to turn to any direction you want without having to fiddle with any screws or levers. Also it charges through the mount - so no USB charging for this device in your car.



There’s a power button and the SD card slot on the left, and nothing on the right hand side. The body of is quite slim but do not expect it to fit in your pocket.

The screen measures 4.3″ and it is nice and bright; the volume is loud enough and I found it to be crisp and clear even at the highest setting.

Let’s move on to the user interface and the software. First off the screen is appropriately adjusted for touch - not too sensitive, not too rough. Every touch is accompanied with a sound so you know when you’ve clicked. The menus are animated - they slide up and down but it is still fast. Every feature is very easy access. I specially like the ‘map’ button on every single page.

Here are some nice software features:

• ability to add/delete multiple waypoints at any point


• easy access to next three turns


• ability to list what services are available at upcoming highway exits


• automatically connects to your bluetooth phone after initial setup


• ability to automatically answer calls when your phone connects

Some other features on the Alpine PND-K3 as well include 6 million POIs, Navteq maps that cover U.S. and Canada (including Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands), ability to customize the colors of maps and menus to match the interior of your car, and text to speech in English, Spanish and French.

We did a little video of the bluetooth feature on Alpine PND-K3 as far as the initial setup and making a few calls. You’ll also get a feel of the user interface:

Let us know if you have any specific questions about the Alpine PND-K3. Oh, and Alpine PND-K3 now sells for $350.

(Via NaviGadget.)

iRiver CaroNavi GPS navigation system

iRiver CaroNavi GPS navigation system

We’d never expect to see a 3.5″ GPS navigation system from far east again - but here you have it: iRiver CaroNavi GPS navigation system.

iRiver CaroNavi is expected to be available as soon as 19th of this month in Japan. It runs MAPLUS Software made by Edia and measures 101.6x18.2x86mm. The price surprised us a bit though: It is supposed to sell for about 30,000 Yens which equals about $323. Seems a lot for a basic 3.5″ GPS navigation system.

(Via NaviGadget.)

new holux GPS tracker 005

new holux GPS tracker 005

Holux has a new GPS tracking device device called GPS Tracker 005. It is designed to look like a wrist watch but we’re not sure if it actually shows the time at all. GPS Tracker 005 can provide real time tracking - meaning it is not only for logging where you’ve been. It actually has an integrated SIM card so it can transmit it is location via SMS or other channels.

To improve satellite fix times this GPS tracking device can download ephemeris data from server through internet. This is pretty much same as A-GPS but you’re going to have to download this data manually - about once a week. GPS Tracker 005 has a rechargeable Li-Ion battery which can provide max 60 hrs working time when set to send data every 15minutes.

GPS Tracker 005 is also water resistant (IPX6) so you can take it to a hike with you even on a rainy day. For more specs check out specs page.

(Via NaviGadget.)

DEAL - Mio DigiWalker C310x 3.5” Portable GPS - 59.99 US$ - One Day Only

YES! It's true! It's happening! Mio Digiwalker C310x, a 3.5" GPS for only 59.99 US$. Yes, I know it's refurbished, but it's okay. You buy it with warranty! And $5 bucks only for shipping! Today only! Only at SellOut Woot! 

Via Sellout.Woot

Nikon GP-1 SLR GPS Now Available for $240

Nikon GP-1 SLR GPS Now Available for $240

Quietly announced alongside the D90 back in August, Nikon is now selling their hot-shoe-mounted GP-1 geotagging device.

Compatible with the D200, D3, D700, D90, D300 and D3X, the GP-1 is an absolutely no-frills peripheral featuring a couple of LEDs to signal GPS connectivity and not much else. Location information is added as metadata to each saved photo, so at least the user experience is fairly seamless. The GP-1 is available at retailers now for $240.

(Via Gizmodo: GPS.)

flaik GPS tracking system for skiers

flaik GPS tracking system for skiers

Flaik’s GPS tracking system we mentioned a couple of months ago just showed up at FCC meaning it is ready to hit the slopes pretty soon. One thing to note is that the pictures we found are quite different than what we reported on back in June so maybe this is a different version with no LEDs, no buttons, no nothing.

Just to recap Flaik is designed for skiers who spend a lot of time on the slopes. Get the name, ‘flaik’, you know like a snow flake… anyhow. In case they’re lost the device would communicate their location to a base location so they can be rescued before they lose a few digits to frost bite fairies.

Internal pics reveal a SIM card, a huge battery, and a GPS receiver; so nothing out of the ordinary for a real time GPS tracking system there.

(Via NaviGadget.)

Nokia N97

Nokia N97

Nokia N97 was just announced and we have all the specs and features for you. Expect to see N97 mid next year and pay about 550 € for it.

OK, let’s get started with the features - a huge 3.5″ touch screen with 16:9 ratio, full kick-out QWERTY keyboard, 32GB of space for your files plus the ability take up to another 16GB via microSD, and of course location awareness! Nokia N97 has an A-GPS receiver and software to keep you close to your friends. We still do not know about dynamic navigation but we can’t imagine they’d leave out such an old technology :)

Even more features of the Nokia N97 include a 5MP with Carl Zeiss Tessar lens and dual LED flash, HSDPA, Wi-Fi, USB 2.0, stereo Bluetooth connectivity.

Here are some specs for you:

• Technical Profile


• System: WCDMA 900/1900/2100 (HSDPA), EGSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz


• User Interface: S60 5th Edition


• Dimensions: 117.2x55.3x15.9 mm


• Weight: Approx. 150 g


• Display: 3.5 inch TFT with up to 16 million colors


• nHD 16:9 widescreen (640x360 pixels)


• Battery: Nokia Battery BP-4L, 1500 mAh


• Memory: Up to 48GB (32 GB on-board memory,plus 16GB expansion via microSD memory card slot)


• Video playback: MPEG-4 / SP and MPEG-4 AVC/H.264,up to 30 fps, up to VGA resolution


• RealVideo up to QCIF @ 30 fps


• Windows Media (WMV9) up to CIF @ 30 fps


• Flash Lite 3.0 / Flash Video in internet browser


• Music playback: MP3, AAC, eAAC, eAAC+, WMA


• Camera Lens: Carl Zeiss Tessar


• Image capture: Up to 5 megapixels (2584 x 1938)


• JPEG/EXIF (16.7 million/24-bit color)


• Video capture: MPEG-4 VGA (640 x 480) at up to 30 fps


• Aperture: F2.8


• Focal length: 5.4 mm


• Flash: Dual LED camera flash and video light


• Talk time: Up to 320 min (3G), 400 min (GSM)


• Standby time: Up to 400 hrs (3G), 430 hrs (GSM)


• Video playback: Up to 4,5 hours (offline mode)


• Music playback: Up to 37 hours (offline mode)


• WLAN IEEE 802.11b/g with UPnP support


• Micro-USB connector, Hi-Speed USB 2.0


• 3.5mm stereo headphone plug and TV-out support (PAL/NTSC)


• Bluetooth wireless technology 2.0 with A2DP stereo audio, enhanced data rates (EDR)


• GPS receiver with support for assisted GPS (A-GPS)

(Via NaviGadget.)