Clarion's NAX973HD is one satellite navigation system that you can consider should you want to upgrade your car to cater for drivers who can't seem to find their way around without help from an electronic apparatus of some sort. Features include the following :p
TwoNav - On Road and Off Road Navigation
This just in ahead of CeBit 2008 is a cool idea that has seen a few entries already with the Magellan CrossOver and the Lowrance XOG, but this one looks better designed to take with your instead of just sitting in the car.
The unit will be available in Europe, and has the ability to navigate on roads much like other GPS units with verbal turn cues, and automatic route calculation. Off road, the 3-D maps (Not true Topo maps- which are available as an option) come with the unit and allow you to navigate like any handheld unit.
No hard launch date for the US, but I would imagine we're on the list.
More at TwoNav
(Via GPS Lodge.)
Sony today announced a pair of in-car GPS receivers. The large-screen, suction-cup-mounted GPS units feature touchscreens and real-time traffic updates, as well as voice-to-text interaction. The two units are the NV-U73T and the NV-U83T. They’re similar in most ways, save for the U83T featuring Bluetooth for handsfree calling. They’re out now for $300 and $400, respectively.
VALUE, PERFORMANCE DRIVE SONY’S LATEST NAV-U NAVIGATION DEVICE [Sony]
(Via CrunchGear.)
Magellan Maestro 5340 almost here
Magellan’s two way connected GPS navigation system Maestro 5340+GPRS is already available for pre-order for only $1200!!!
Maestro 5340 is the most expensive GPS navigation system you can buy from Magellan which offers a 5″ screen, text-to-speech, Bluetooth, live traffic information, advanced voice command for menus and addresses, 3D landmarks and 1,400 additional building displayed in 3D, MP3 player, video player, new screen and case, and OneTouch interface. The +GPRS version gets you upgraded Google local search and live internet access. Without GPRS it costs $1000.
Magellan plans on shipping the Maestro 5340 late April and there’s still no information on how much they’ll charge for the GPRS service. Also don’t let the slim profile fool you. The GPRS module is quite bulky and the FM traffic receiver is integrated into the car charger.
(Via NaviGadget.)
dreevo GPS with messaging and tracking
French brand mobile-devices is showing off their latest GPS navigation system Dreevo that combines messaging and tracking in one small device. What enables Dreevo the power to messaging and tracking is GSM/GPRS module of course. Such two way connected devices are becoming the next standard in GPS navigation. Take for example the Dash which is coming out at the end of next month or nuvi 780 which uses MSN Direct network, or Magellan’s Maestro 5340 which has unknown availability date.
Dreevo is ready for various useful features such as vehicle tracking, connected real time speed camera warnings, messaging via push mail, traffic information, and regular mobile phone use.
However mobile-devices seem to be an OEM, so you’re gonna have to wait for another brand to carry Dreevo on. No word on pricing.
(Via NaviGadget.)
Here is another GPS tracking device fitted with a GSM antenna to also serve as a mobile phone. Manufactured by Chinese Leader International this tracking system is a dual band mobile phone with a regular keypad as well as an emergency keypad that can be programmed to store 5 numbers. It also has a SOS button which automatically sends coordinates to the ‘guardian’ number.
Here is the full set of specs:
This GPS tracker is designed to work using SMS messaging but in case of an emergency the microphone is also activated to transmit voice date too.
(Via NaviGadget.)
ski resort maps for navigation systems: snowranger
SnowRanger from Mountain Dynamics is a set of maps that can be downloaded to Garmin or Magellan branded GPS navigation systems.
They have the resort maps for 64 North American ($75), and 420 European ($300) ski resorts which include everything from trails, chairlifts, parks, lodges, parking lots and much more.
North American version runs on both Magellan and Garmin whereas European maps currently only work on Magellan navigation systems. Also you can buy regional maps for most of the regions if you don’t feel like paying too much.
They work on Garmin Nuvi’s too. All you have to do is insert the SnowRanger memory card into your device, and check the box on the next screen to show ski maps. When you are on or near the slopes your nuvi will start showing the correct map.
(Via NaviGadget.)
We have talked about the LG KT610 before mostly because it has GPS capabilities. A French site had a close encounter with the device in Barcelona and took lots of pictures too.
South Korean LG made a surprise at the last Mobile World Congress in Barcelona by revealing their second smartphone under Symbian S60 behind the ‘KS10″ and named ‘KT610″. This one is new as it has a form factor close to that of a Nokia Communicator.
Offering a full QWERTY keyboard, the KT610 of LG uses Symbian OS operating system with the S60 3rd edition Feature Pack 1 software interface. It features two screens, the main one measuring 2.4 inches and has 240x320 pixels resolution, and the more compact second (1.45 inches) only offering 160x64 pixels resolution.
Finally the KT610 has compatibility with triband GSM, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS and 3G+ (3.6 mbps) networks , has a GPS receiver, and a 2MP digital camera. It has Bluetooth 2.0 but does not have Wi-Fi. It has 64 MB of internal storage and more than one port for MicroSD memory card (not compatible with high capacity formats). LG KT610 is planned to be marketed in Europe in May 2008 for a price for the moment unknown.
(Via NaviGadget.)
Marbella of Taiwan has a new GPS navigation system in their lineup called NAV-8800. It has the slightly bigger screen at 4 inches and uses the super sensitive SiRF Star III GPS receiver.
NAV-8800 is quite multi-purpose offering various entertainment features such as photo album, a MP3 player, and a movie player. But the most exciting of it all is the built-in 2 megapixel digital camera - in case you don’t have one on your cell phone.
It doesn’t end here though. NAV-8800 also provides an AV-in interface. You can enjoy watching digital TV with the optional DVB-T box too. There’s also the support for rear view cameras.
We do not have any leads on the availability date.
(Via NaviGadget.)
The portable media player manufacturer Viliv had the new X5 AIO on display recently. The X5 AIO which is expected to hit the market in March has WVGA (800x480) LCD screen, and runs on a Au1250 processor at 700Mhz. It will come in two versions, a 30GB and a 60GB one.
Of course it has GPS navigation but unlike some other Viliv’s this one has the GPS antenna embedded as opposed to flip-out style. In addition to supporting many many multimedia formats X5 AIO also plays digitally broadcast TV channels thanks to its DMB receiver.
X5 Aio has a mini USB port, a USB host, and if you get the Wi-Max card you can even connect to the internet.
(Via NaviGadget.)
GPS navigation software for Sony PSP
We’ve talked about the Sony PSP GPS navigation system numerous times before. Apparently the software was on demo at the Game Developers Conference recently. The GPS add-on (PSP-290) is not seen in this pic for it is a developers kit version it says our source:
However there were a bunch (7) GPS-supporting games that had been released in Japan on view, including Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops Plus & a couple of golf games. (And by the way, the reason you can’t see the GPS top-mounted aerial in the photo is this is a devkit PSP.)
(Via NaviGadget.)
LG announces new GPS in the LN series
During CES 2008, LG announced their new GPS LN series, and they recently added a new model to it, called the LN845.
This new GPS sports a 4.3-inch touch screen, has 5 hours of battery life along with Bluetooth connectivity for hands free calling. The only difference it has from the LN855 is that it does not come with a TMC receiver, which provides traffic updates. Unfortunately, no word on pricing as of yet, however, it has passed the FCC so it should be on sale in the States relatively soon.
(Via Gadgetell.)
Korean Cowon has come out with a new GPS navigation system called N3 that integrates real time traffic information service TPEG.
Cowon N3 has a 7″ touch screen that almost covers the whole face of the device but still has room for 6 interface buttons on the right hand side.
As most things in Korea, N3 is also multi-purpose. In addition bringing door to door navigation it also has a DMB receiver so you can watch digitally broadcast channels on the go. It also serves as multimedia player that recognizes many formats.
Cowon N3 runs on a 600Mhz AU1250 processor and even though not mentioned the 519000KRW ($550) price tag makes us think this toy has a hard disk drive too…
(Via NaviGadget.)
Yaris SR with Eclipse AVN2210p
Yaris SR in Europe is getting the new Eclipse AVN2210p which includes a detachable TomTom portable navigation system.
Nice thing about this setup is that you can use the 3.5″ touch screen as an interface for the car stereo and when docked into its place the TomTom charges its battery so you never have to worry about unsightly cables and such.
Eclipse AVN2210p is a double-DIN sized audio unit that has a USB port, bluetooth, offers satellite radio capability, and with an extra attachment it lets you control your iPod too.
If you are not thinking of moving out to Europe and getting an Yaris SR - do not worry. You can still pick one up here in the US. Eclipse AVN2210p currently costs $500 on Amazon (or $600 if you want the blue backlight).
AVN2210p maybe the solution for those Prius owners who are going mad because they can’t control the GPS navigation system while driving. Yup, sell the Prius, move to Europe and get a Yaris SR…
(Via NaviGadget.)
Pioneer wants to get its hands in the auto navigation and auto multimedia market with the creation of the AVIC-F500BT. Pioneer calls the F500BT a ‘hybrid’, and that word is getting thrown around a lot within the auto industry, it applies to this automotive device as well.
After all, the AVIC-F500BT is a mix of many devices. First of all, it is a fantastic navigation system. There are mapping functions that can be viewed in both overhead and moveable 3D. The screen is a 5.8 inch touchscreen, and the directions are text-to-speech enabled by street. The database includes maps of the United States, Canada, Alaska, and Hawaii.
Second, the AVIC-F500BT is a Media Center. There is an auxiliary audio input for personal audio and communication devices. It can accept portable devices with a USB connection and SD memory cards. As soon as anything is attached, such as a memory card or iPod, it will recognize it for the user to interface.
The AVIC-F500BT also has the advantage of voice control that allows users to control their iPod players and Bluetooth enabled cell phones. The voice controls for the music allows for such commands as ‘Play Rolling Stones’, and you can even specify an album. As for the vocal phone commands, all a user has to do is say: ‘Call John Smith’, and the F500BT will ask the user which specific phone number: mobile or home.
AVIC-F500BT will be available in Spring of 2008, but there is no word of a price.
(Via Coolest Gadgets.)
This is the Bendix/King KSN 770 Next Generation GPS/NAV/COMM for aircrafts. The KSN770 combines an IFR GPS navigatior, integrated TAWS, weather radar display and a 16-watt digital VHF comm, replacing 4 other separate units in your cockpit.
It features a large, high-resolution display on which it can show a comprehensive moving map and a fully certified 24-channel WAAS-LPV GPS navigator.
Honeywell is the brand behind the Bendix/King name…
(Via NaviGadget.)
LG’s other new addition to the LN series at CES 2008 was LN845 which boasts a sharp 4.3″ screen, 5 hours battery life, and bluetooth phone pairing for handsfree calls.
It’s only difference from LN855 is that LG LN845 does not have an TMC receiver for traffic updates.
No word on pricing just yet but we just the word from Engadget that they’ve already got their FCC approval meaning they’re well on their way to hit the market here in the U.S.
(Via NaviGadget.)
LG is continuing to add to their LN GPS navigation lineup. LN840 seems to be the next line as it recently appeared on FCC site waiting for approval.
Though details are still unclear we expect this sat nav system will feature 4.3″ touch screen, have an SD card slot, and a mini USB port which also is how you charge the batteries.
Here is how LG LN840 compares to other LG LN models coming up:
| model | bluetooth | TMC |
| LN840 | no | no |
| LN840R | no | no |
| LN845 | yes | no |
| LN845R | yes | no |
| LN855 | yes | yes |
| LN855R | yes | yes |
We’re still not clear about the models with the R…
(Via NaviGadget.)
GPS Navigator with Built-In Breathalyzer [GPS Breathalyzer]
Billed as the first in the world, NDrive's G400 is a GPS navigator with a breathalyzer built into the side. I suppose this means that big drinkers will, finally, have an excuse to sing Show Me The Way To Go Home after a skinful. The fact that it costs 200€—just under $300—and that, according to Kit, who lives in Portugal, they're given away for free with the country's motorway toll widget, means don't trust it further than you can park it. Video after the jump.
(Via Gizmodo: GPS.)
TG's Favicon PMP / navigator gets priced, even sexier
(Via Engadget.)
Altina has a new GPS navigation system out called A800.
A800 comes with a large TFT LCD display measuring 4.3″. It has a Samsung 2440 400 MHz CPU, and uses the popular SiRFStar III GPS chipset. It has the most basic multimedia features such as picture viewing and listening MP3s.
Here are the rest of the features and specs:
We do not know which markets Altina is exporting to just yet.
(Via NaviGadget.)
Dit Digital’s B-009 is a dual-core packing, GPS-enabled (with TMC functionality) PMP with a 4.3-inch touchscreen TFT LCD with a 480x272-pixel resolution.It supports ASF, AVI, WMV and MPEG-4 videos, MP3, WAV, WMA and Ogg audio files, and JPEG, GIF and BMP images.
Stereo 1.2W speakers, and Bluetooth, FM transmitter and audio recording capability are built-in, as is a mini USB 2.0 port with OTG functionality. The B-009 uses a 1.8-inch HDD with either 20GB or 30GB of memory, and runs Windows CE 5.0.
(Via PMP Today.)
People at Asus decided that they could not let HTC be the only one coming out with Windows Mobile devices this year. Second quarter of the year Asus will be releasing a direct competitor of HTC Touch called Asus Galaxy Mini (code name). Asus Galaxy Mini is a PDA Phone with GPS which is very compact in size and is considered an entry level device. It runs under Windows Mobile 6 (probably WM 6.1 when it comes out) and has a TI processor running at 200Mhz. As far as connectivity it features WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS and GSM/GPRS/EDGE.
Other features include MicroSD card slot, 2MP camera, mini USB, and a QVGA screen. It will be available several colors such as pink, blue and champagne.
It will be out in Europe and retail for somewhere in between 300 and 400€…
(Via NaviGadget.)
If you want to go as far installing a car PC onto your dash to have a GPS navigation system, then Atlas CPC-1200 maybe the way to go. Made by Azentek, the Atlas CPC-1200 is a full pledged Microsoft Vista PC. If the Vista UI is of no interest to you then feel free switch to the custom interface designed by Azentek.
This double-DIN car PC has a 6.5″ touch screen, has internal SiRFstarIII GPS receiver with an external antenna, bluetooth, and of course 802.11b/g wireless.
Expected to ship in April Atlas CPC-1200 runs on Intel Core Duo processor, offers AM/FM/satellite radio, HD Radio, and CD-RW/DVD/MP3/WMA at a cost of $2800…
(Via NaviGadget.)
Also from NDrive at MWC in Barcelona the Portuguese brand presented G700, a personal navigation device with 4.3″ screen, GSM/GPRS connectivity which enables the G700 to connect to the internet for local information.
Others features of the two way connectivity is updates on weather, traffic information, and cultural events like the concerts and movie listings.
Just like their software this GPS navigation system also offers aerial images overlayed with POIs and directions.
NDrive G700 will be marketed next month for approximately of 480€€. This however does not include mobile internet subscription…
(Via NaviGadget.)
At Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the Portuguese brand Ndrive presented the latest version of their GPS navigation software for smart phones, symbians, as well as PDAs with Windows Mobile.
A nice feature of this navigation software is that it can display 3D renderings of buildings while routing the user. Ndrive uses photographs coming from the Spanish company Blom which specializes in high quality geographical information.
The demo for the software was rather impressive, it is quite smooth, but we’ll have to wait and see if it is really useful. We do not have information on the number of POIs yet but it is planned to be released at the end of March.
One thing to note is that data for all these aerial images takes a lot of space: 2 GB for Madrid for example. Therefore it is necessary to install only certain cities in 3D photographs and let the remainder of the country or Europe be installed in normal graphical mode.
Ndrive uses maps from Tele Atlas. Maps of Europe on DVD will cost 98 €…
(Via NaviGadget.)
Samsung yesterday introduced a new slider phone called M520. Samsung M520 is GPS capable. The navigation service is offered by TeleNav and it features audio and visual turn-by-turn driving directions, and more than 10 million local listings.
Offered exclusively by Sprint, M520 also offers Sprint TV which has more than 50 channels of on demand video and music channels.
Additional features of the M520 by Samsung include stereo Bluetooth with audio caller ID, audio player, 1.3MP camera with 2x digital zoom and camcorder. Also it has supports microSD cards upto 4GB.
Samsung M520 is already available in stores and you can get it for only $50 with a 2-year contract. If you don’t want the 2 year slavery deal you’ll have to pay $250.
ParaNav GPS Unit For Parachutists Helps Marines Avoid Errors...Like This One [GPS]
Rockwell Collins has been selected by the US Marines to deliver 3,000 of its ParaNav GPS units for parachutists. Soldiers plummeting towards Earth will soon have the advantage of GPS navigation with a HUD that will help improve landing accuracy and allow for target zones to be easily changed on the fly.
The system itself consists of a GPS unit that connects to the soldiers helmet and a full-color display attaches directly to goggles or helmet shields. It also 'contains an 802.11 Wi-Fi interface for Joint Precision Airdrop System data connectivity and custom circuitry that allows for dead reckoning calculations in the event of a GPS lock failure.' Plus, it looks like the dude is rockin' a sweet mohawk.
(Via Gizmodo: GPS.)
Nextar I4 BC comes with rear view camera
GPS navigation system manufacturer Nextar seems to have a new model in their lineup called Nextar I4 BC.
Let’s start with the basics: I4 BC has a 4.3″ touch screen, SD card slot for extra memory, pre-installed maps of 50 states and Canada, and 1.6 million POIs. In addition it has built-in speakers, and text-to-speech function.
And then the software has a couple of add-ons such as the speed alert system, MP3 player and JPEG viewer. What’s unique with I4 BC is that it comes with a rear view camera; a feature we’re not used to seeing right out of the box.
We hear the price ranges somewhere between $300 and $600…
(Via NaviGadget.)
Expected to be shown at CeBIT in Hannover Germany in March is the ultra slim PDA STM-8100. Mostly designed for the industry rather than end consumers STM-8100 is waterproof to some extent and can resist vibrations or falls.
STM-8100 integrates a GPS receiver and it supports an external 2D bar code scanner…
(Via NaviGadget.)
i-mate just introduced a new handheld at MWC 2008 in Barcelona called Ultimate 9502. Ultimate 9502 is Windows Mobile device which includes a direct video out so you can connect to a digital projector or TV to run presentations and video calls.
Here are the rest of the specs:
In addition, the integrated GPS feature is there thanks to the Qualcomm chip, the processor runs at 400Mhz and the battery has 1660mAh capacity.
i-mate Ultimate 9502 will be offered exclusively through Australian Telstra and will be available as early as this March for AUD $1099. (985 USD)
(Via NaviGadget.)
new AMD processors can power GPS systems
AMD just introduced a new set of processors - called Imageon - designed for handheld devices.
With the new Imageon lineup AMD is hoping to increase their market share in devices with large, high-res displays, touch-screen interfaces, internet, navigation and mapping capabilities. Specifically AMD Imageon A250 is for vector graphics such as those used in rendering maps for most navigation systems…
(Via NaviGadget.)
i-mate also made the ultimate 8502 official with a press release couple of days ago. i-mate ultimate 8502 has a completely different form factor than the Ultimate 9502 we just mentioned yesterday but still features the same direct video output.
It is a quad band Windows Mobile Pro 6 device with a full QWERTY keyboard, Wi-Fi, bluetooth, microSD card slot, 2.6″ screen, 2MP camera, and of course the integrated GPS.
There is no mention of a dedicated mapping application which means more than likely you’ll have to pay for the software. Or you can just use Google Maps since the 3.5G networks that the ultimate 8502 supports is rated at downlink speeds of up to 7.2Mbps.
It will be available this March Australia through Telstra for AUD1000.
(Via NaviGadget.)
Giga-Byte unveils TV and GPS-centric smartphones
Giga-Byte showed off their first two 3.5G smartphones at 3GSM, branding both a Mobile TV and a GPS focused devices with their MS800 (left) and the MS820 (right). The MS820 also features the motion-sensing G-Sensor and UI which manages the phone activity based on your activity, sort of like a wireless mouse. Both the MS800 and MS820 are planned for a spring release.
Vodafone of Spain introduced a new GPS receiver / software bundle for the blind or visually impaired. It is called ‘Easy Walk’ and it works on phones with Symbian OS such as most Nokia’s.
The service allows visually impaired people to know their current location and provide assistance to make them more independent. The way this is done is very similar to regular car GPS navigation systems: Detailed description of turns, distance to a certain point and even details of street names, numbers, and POIs are converted voice commands thanks to the text-to-speech engine.
In addition to helping the user it also transmits location information to family or friends or to a care center to keep their minds at ease. In addition Easy Walk can generate customized routes that can be ’studied’ offline before going out the real world - similar to a simulation…
(Via NaviGadget.)
Vie GPS Sports Glove Does it All [Concept]
Designer Du Tran Nguyen envisions the Verva Vie Sports Glove as the ultimate piece of sporting equipment. Like many current products, the Vie would allow users to use GPS to develop workouts, map routes, and send out distress beacons. However, this concept takes those technologies a step further by offering and interface that can be controlled with one hand thanks to strain gauges embedded in the glove fingers that interact with an E-ink screen.
The designer suggests that the Vie could also be used in other sports to communicate plays or to share information with other athletes with a simple handshake. Since safety a primary concern, one application of this technology would be to share health information with training partners. If a user is in danger, a distress signal could be sent to other gloves, or directly to the police or hospital in the case of a serious emergency. Since the device would also be monitoring vitals, this would even include SOS signals at the first signs of heart failure—a good thing considering that you will probably be around 90 by the time this thing sees the light of day. In the meantime the Garmin Forerunner 405 would be a suitable substitute.
(Via Gizmodo: GPS.)
Sony Ericsson added a new GPS phone to their Cyber-shot lineup: the new C702. It is not a standalone GPS receiver, but an aGPS chip - which promises performance even indoors with the help of cell towers.
The C702 Cyber-shot integrates GPS and a range of location-based imaging services… When you take a picture, information about where you are in the world is automatically added to the image…
If you are lost on your travels, Google Maps for Mobile locates and guides you to where you want to go… Use GPS to pinpoint your location and then get turn-by-turn voice guidance to your destination. Find your way home or to one of up to 20 million points of interest.
Here are some specs:
Sony Ericsson C702 is a quadband GSM/GPRS/EDGE phone that will be available second quarter of this year in select markets.
(Via NaviGadget.)
Motorola's DH01n -- think DH01 with GPS navigation
(Via Engadget.)
Nokia 6210 Navigator was just announced yesterday. It is the first GPS phone from Nokia that includes integrated compass for guiding users on foot. Unlike the 6220, 6210 Navigator does come with navigation software - specifically Nokia Maps 2.0 - so you will be able to get turn by turn guidance right out of the box; for only 300 €.
Other cool features on Nokia 6210 Navigator is the addition of an accelerometer - which can actually turn the map in the correct direction depending on the direction you’re heading.
Other features include:
Additional maps and multimedia city guides can be purchased from maps.nokia.com.
(Via NaviGadget.)
HTC keeps coming out with phones with embedded GPS. This time it is HTC P3470. The device is not quite ‘high-end’ for it only has a EDGE and no support for 3G networks. However it still has a decent set of features better than most phones. Take for example the 2MP camera, 2.8″ QVGA touch screen, and of course the embedded GPS receiver.
HTC also has bluetooth, microSD card slot, 256MB ROM, and 128MB of RAM. Available in Europe at the end of this month for only 500 €…
(Via NaviGadget.)
At Mobile World Congress today Eten revealed a new PDA phone with GPS, 3G+ as well as a keyboard: the glofiish M810.
M810 is in addition to its big brother the glofiish M800, but in contrast it will not have VGA (640x480), and the design changes with a different keyboard that has two Windows Mobile buttons.
Here are the rest of the features as far as we know:
(Via NaviGadget.)
Nokia GPS Phones to Fight the Traffic Plague [Concepts]
Nokia has developed software that allows data to be received from GPS enabled phones, which is then compiled and interpreted into traffic flow patterns. The plans are currently at concept stage, with a demonstration recently taking place as a joint venture between Nokia, California Center for Innovative Transportation (CCIT), CalTrans, and Berkeley's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
The data sent back from each test car logged the vehicle's speed and location via an on board N95 handset, this information was then sent to a central control station, which in turn relayed the relevant travel alerts. Nokia are quick to point out that their technology has an economical benefit over similar systems, mainly because it relies solely on technology people already own. Given the soon-to-be ubiquitous nature of GPS enabled cellphones, we would have to agree with Nokia's observation. Rest your privacy woes aside; the information sent will be completely anonymous. It certainly sounds like a win, win to us—go ahead and checkout the video at CNet.
(Via Gizmodo.)
Pharos 600 GPS Phone Upgrades to WM6
The superb Pharos 600 GPS Windows Mobile Professional phone is now available with a Windows Mobile 6 operating system. It is virtually the same phone as the WM5 version with the only difference being the new operating system.
This upgrade makes the Pharos 600 all the more desirable, even though it was already a sweet unit. Basically, it will probably not win any design awards unless you admire its utter simplicity and economy of form as a basic rectangle with rounded corners, but its functionality is where it shines.
At first, I lamented its not having a built-in keyboard or keypad as I had grown used to one. But I soon got over it in favor of the relatively large screen in proportion to the snug body that fits nicely in your hand or in a window mount provided for navigation in your car.
With a built-in GPS receiver, you may begin navigating at the push of a button. You can also switch from portrait to landscape screen layout with the press of a button or take a photo with the 2 MPX camera.
Pharos is a time-honored software navigation establishment offering the Ostia line of products. The unit comes with Ostia software for the United States and Canada pre-installed on a 2 GB mini-SD card. The phone connectivity makes live traffic updates and real time weather possible giving this unit more useful than the usual stand-alone system.
Of course, it comes with the standard Windows Mobile productivity software such as Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. It also offers SPB Mobile Shell, an RDS FM radio, MP3/video player, a 2.0 MPX camera/camcorder, Virtual Earth, voice commands, a world phone with SMS, MMS, and email. 
It has Wi-Fi 802.11b/g and Bluetooth 2.0 but no Infrared. However, as neat as beaming with IR is, I hardly ever use it and don’t miss it because most people, in my experience, just don’t beam or even think of it, which is too bad really.
With 128 MB ROM, 64 MB RAM and a Samsung SC32442 400 MHz processor, it has respectable hunk but could have more. It weighs 5.2 ounces and measures 0.6 x 2.3 x 4.4 inches to form a compact package offering a 2.8’ transmissive TFT LCD touch QVGA 240 x 320 screen with beautiful resolution. The SiRF star III GPS receiver with 20 channels is WASS enabled for greater accuracy and faster lock on.
The phone is a worldwide GSM unlocked quad band 850/900/1800/1900 Mhz EDGE/GPRS device. The battery is a hefty 1530 mAh Li-ion that is removable and rechargeable.
There are several useful buttons scattered around the front and edges for navigation, telephony, camera, screen orientation, and sound modulation. Input/output ports include a 2.5 mm headphone jack (I would prefer a 3.5 mm jack), and a mini-USB port for a charging/syncing cable, which I applaud. There is a mini-SD expansion slot. Why don’t more manufacturers offer dual expansion slots? That would be a big plus in my book.
The unit comes well accessorized with a car charger, AC charger, USB adapter, a sturdy car window mount, headphones, and a nice leatherette horizontal belt hook carrying case. It does not come with a cradle however, and I miss that. So, I went to Staples and got a business card rack for $1.99 that I use quite nicely as a cradle.
It is not my intent to review the Ostia GPS software in this device overview and update. However, let me just say that I have used it over the course of several thousand miles now walking, driving, and bicycling in three countries, and it performs admirably.
If you are not satisfied with Ostia, you can install any software you want in the device and use the built-in GPS receiver. For instance, I tested Co-Pilot 7 by simply plugging a mini-SD card into the slot; it installed automatically, and I was navigating in no time.
I hasten to add, however, that I see no reason to go to the extra expanse of buying other GPS software. Ostia is more than adequate.
Now comes the hard part. As powerful, functional, and beautiful as this machine is, it is, as you may suspect, on the pricey side ranging all the way from $549 to as high as $837 online. However, when you compare it to say iPhone in the same price range, it has far more power and functionality for the money.
By the way, I notice that if you purchase the unit from T-Mobile with a two-year plan, you will receive a $200 discount. I should also note that this phone is actually a rebranded E-Ten Glofish X500. Glofish? Oh well.
If you are looking for a compact phone with a whole host of powerful features including built-in GPS, I highly recommend the Pharos 600 WM6 for your consideration. I think you will be pleased. As I said, I missed the keyboard at first, but I soon got over it. Pharos attempts to compensate for it by providing the optional, large, onscreen keyboard that you can use with your fingers, but it’s not quite the same. There’s really not much not to like about this little pocket treasure.
If you already have a Pharos 600 running WM5, stay tuned, I am going to offer a sequel that will show you how you can upgrade to WM6 for free and save yourself 600 bucks.
(Via Mobility Site.)
The Hype machine has started, and I'll admit I will give it a few turns of the crank before it's done. I mean hey, it's not often that the little old GPS gets out and walks around the technology block to go and grab the cool trophy for a new phone design.
It looks like Garmin is partnering with Google for internet search; good move. Makes me wonder if they are starting to line themselves up for Google search on a connected GPS? If you want to see, checkout Garmin's online images with screenshots of what the Nuvifone might look like.
Anyway, here's Garmin's take on their evolution.... Nuvi to Nuvifone. The second one is about some of the Nuvifone capabilities. Pretty good; worth a look:
(Via GPS Lodge.)
Latest Navizon for iPhone Keeps You Located Constantly [IPhone]
Apple may have added new triangulation-based geographic positioning in the iPhone 1.1.3 upgrade, but Navizon keeps upgrading theirs, now with background updates that will keep your buddies constantly updated about your whereabouts. It will also keep track of buddies even if the app is not open, warning you when someone is near you. This is exactly why we need third-party developers, and I can't wait for Apple to release the SDK later this month.
(Via Gizmodo: GPS.)
custom GPS phone from zzzPhone
There’s a new brand in the cell phone market called zzzPhone from China. Their selling point is that you can customize your phone to your wish.
zzzPhone allows you to choose from various options such as the resolution of the on board digital camera, the applications you want on your phone, available memory, and even integrated GPS.
The base price is $150 and the GPS add on will cost you an extra $120. From the look of their website and the small fine print that says ‘allow up to 6 weeks for orders with high res camera or GPS’ we wouldn’t feel comfortable ordering from these guys just yet. Did we mention your order will ship from China?
But if you’re feeling adventurous go ahead and let us know how it ends.
(Via NaviGadget.)
Leadertone announces more details on their LT-GPS9100C GPS
Back at CES, Leadertone - a chinese GPS company, had on display a new GPS that seemed to be a pretty interesting high-end GPS unit. It comes with a really long model name of LT-GPS9100C, but it features a Innolux 4.3-inch touch screen. It also comes with 64MB of memory, USB port, SD memory expansion, and built-in speakers. Furthermore, it comes with Bluetooth capability for hands free calling and the battery is replaceable. Unfortunately, it probably won’t make its way to the States, but it has already been released in Saudi Arabia, although, the price is unknown.
(Via Gadgetell.)
