Panasonic CN-HW830D

Panasonic CN-HW830D

Panasonic and Kenwood seem to be in an arms race when it comes to 2DIN car entertainment navigation systems. Just the other day we heard of Kenwood DNX 8220BT and today we have Panasonic CN-HW830D which combines various useful features right to your dash.

It has an optical drive to support CD, MP3, and DVD playback. You can watch digital TV on the 7″ touchscreen with 800x480 resolution, or transfer files via high capacity SD cards or access your files on the hard disk drive. Speaking of HDD, that’s where navigation maps are stored so you’ll have your optical drive free for other stuff. You can also control your iPod with Panasonic CN-HW830D.

It looks like this device will stay in Japan (do let us know if you see it elsewhere) and will be available on September 12th for about $2500…

(Via NaviGadget.)

Navigon's 7200, 2200 and 2150 Max in the flesh

Navigon's 7200, 2200 and 2150 Max in the flesh

We just went on a whirlwind tour of Navigon's booth here at IFA 2008, and while a sea of barely distinguishable GPS devices has a tendency to send us into sudden and violent fits of napping, we thought we'd give you a look-see just in case you feel otherwise. The only real standout was the new 7200 (pictured), which has a flat, glossy front, and is a joy to touch -- we're not positive it's capacitive, but it feels a ton better than the regular dull resistive touch of most GPS units out on the market. We also took a look at the 2200 and 2150 Max, as you can see in the gallery below. Knock yourself out.

Gallery: Navigon's 7200, 2200 and 2150 Max in the flesh

(Via Engadget.)

Blaupunkt TravelPilot 700 and 500 overlay nav info on realtime video

Blaupunkt TravelPilot 700 and 500 overlay nav info on realtime video

Blaupunkt's TravelPilot nav units have never really stood out from the pack, but it looks like that's about to change -- the new TravelPilot 700 and 500 feature an integrated camera that displays realtime video with nav overlays on their 16:9 screens. That's definitely a novel and intriguing feature, but there's not a lot of information on how it works or what kind of hardware is under the hood to keep it running smoothly -- with the 700's estimated list price of $740, we're guessing it's pretty beefy. Both units also feature voice control, DVB-T traffic, live traffic, Bluetooth, and the usual PMP features, and the 700 also has a browser, email app, and VoIP client that work over Bluetooth tethering with your phone. Yeah, definitely intriguing -- hopefully we'll see this thing make it Stateside soon. Video after the break.

[Via Navigadget; thanks, Khattab]

Continue reading Blaupunkt TravelPilot 700 and 500 overlay nav info on realtime video

(Via Engadget.)

Garmin 785T GPS and Friends: Free Lifetime Traffic, Lane Assist, 3D Transparent View and Bluetooth

Garmin 785T GPS and Friends: Free Lifetime Traffic, Lane Assist, 3D Transparent View and Bluetooth

Garmin'sdropping four new models to the higher-end 7x5 lineup with the nüvi 755T, 765T, 775T and the 785T. All models will include lifetime traffic alerts via NAVTEQ Traffic and Bluetooth connectivity, but the updated 7x5 series will include the most exciting new features: a 4.3' touchscreen, a 3-D transparent view of buildings, and lane assist. Garmin is also dropping their budget friendly 2x5 series with three new models: the nüvi 265T, 265WT and 275T. I'd probably opt for the high end line with lane suggestions, but take the 765T with Bluetooth and skip the fancier models. Parsing Garmin's huge lineup is always challenging, but the differences are detailed here:

The nuvi 765T adds Bluetooth(R) wireless technology for hands-free calling and supports a powerful advanced audio amplifier for a stereo Bluetooth connection. For transatlantic travel, nuvi 775T adds mapping of North America and Europe. The nuvi 785T features an MSN Direct receiver with trial subscription that includes updated information about traffic conditions, fuel prices, weather reports, movie listings, headline news, stock quotes and local events.

The nuvi 265T and 265WT will be available with preloaded comprehensive coverage of North America. For transatlantic travel, the nuvi 275T comes standard with mapping for North America and Europe. These nuvis are available in vibrant 4.3' or 3.5' screens that display shaded digital elevation mapping. All models will announce street names in their voice prompts, advising drivers to 'Turn right on Elm Street,' rather than 'Turn right in 500 feet.'

All seven units are expected to be released in October at prices ranging between $300 and $700 for specific models.

Aug 27, 2008 07:00

Garmin(R) Expands Affordable nuvi(R) 2x5 Series, Offering Hands-Free Calling and Lifetime Traffic Alerts

(Via Gizmodo: GPS.)

Sony NV-U94T

Sony NV-U94T

Sony NV-U94T is the latest top of the line GPS navigation system from Sony. Priced at $400 NV-U94T has some high end features such as A2DP Bluetooth technology, a large 4.8″ touch screen with 16:9 aspect ratio, acceleration sensor, a pressure sensor and a gyro sensor that together can calculate the vehicle’s current position based on the last known GPS location, and of course - unique to Sony - gesture commands.

Other features include RDS-TMC traffic receiver, multimedia features and the slimmer form factor. Sony NV-U94T will be available as early as September.

(Via NaviGadget.)

Sony NV-U84

Sony NV-U84

Also just released like NV-U94T, the new NV-U84 model offers the best value in the large-screen segment. Priced at $350, drivers get a large 4.8 inch 16:9 aspect ratio display plus, dual view, text to speech, photo viewer and gesture command. Different from 94T, NV-U84 lacks RDS-TMC traffic receiver and bluetooth features.

Other features and specs include:

• text-to-speech


• SiRF Star III receiver


• position plus


• 2GB internal memory


• memory stick pro duo slot


• USB 2.0

(Via NaviGadget.)

TomTom GO 630

TomTom GO 630

TomTom GO 630 is the new entry level GPS navigation introduced today at IFA. According to our source, the new GO 630 will be similar to the TomTom GO 730 but will come with maps of the 22 Western European countries.

Other versions of TomTom GO 630 will be available too. GO 630T will include RDS-TMC traffic receiver and GO 630HDT will come with an HD Traffic receiver.

TomTom GO 630 will hit the store some time this fall and will cost £ 300. GO 630HDT should go far about £ 300…

(Via NaviGadget.)

garmin nuvi 265WT

garmin nuvi 265WT

As expected Garmin Nuvi 265WT shares the same features as nuvi 265T we just mentioned but uses wider 4.3″ touch screen instead of the 3.5″ size. All that extra screen space will cost you only $50 bringing the manufacturer suggested retail price of nuvi 265WT to $350.

Some features of 265WT include 2D, 3D maps, bluetooth hands free calls and traffic updates with the FM traffic receiver.

We’re not sure when this will be available at the stores just yet.

(Via NaviGadget.)

Sony Remixes Nav-U GPS Line With Four New Models

Sony Remixes Nav-U GPS Line With Four New Models

Nothing Earth-shattering here, but you might like to know that Sony has refreshed their Nav-U line of GPS units with the NV-U94T, NV-U84, NV-U74T and NV-U44. Their $400 NV-U94T is the new top model, thinner than ever and sporting a 4.8' touchscreen with gesture recognition. Other features include stereo Bluetooth audio streaming (A2DP), hands-free calling with paired Bluetooth phone, photo viewing, and an accelerometer/barometer system known as Position Plus that tries to track your position even if the GPS suffers from interference (like when you drive through a tunnel). All of the new Nav-Us will be available this September. For more info on the complete line, we've pasted the press release after the jump.

(Via Gizmodo: GPS.)

NV-U74T

Sony NV-U74T

Another new GPS navigation system from Sony is NV-U74T which offers a slightly smaller touch screen that measures 4.3″ , blutooth wireless, and real-time traffic reports.

In addition you’ve got the dual view feature to help you out at intersections, TTS (text-to-speech), and the 2GB internal flash memory which has maps of U.S. preloaded. Also from the image above we can tell Sony is also trying to perfect their ‘reality view’ just like Garmin and Navigon.

Sony NV-U74T will cost about $350 and will be available as early September 10th.

(Via NaviGadget.)

garmin nuvi 275T

garmin nuvi 275T

Continuing with the new nuvi 2x5 series, the last one is the nuvi 275T. Nuvi 275T has the same features as 265T and 265WT but has a 3.5″ screen and maps for both North America and Europe. All those extra maps cost money so expect to pay about $400 for this new transatlantic GPS navigation system.

(Via NaviGadget.)

Sony NV-U44

NV-U44

Sony’s new entry level GPS navigation system is called NV-U44 which features a 3.5″ touch screen and comes with pre-loaded maps of United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Gesture Command is on board just like other Sony sat nav systems and it lets you take control via simple, on-screen finger movements.

NV-U44 also has dual view which displays dynamic route information and a clearer view of what’s ahead at the next turn. The NV-U44 is available in black, red and silver. It will start to ship on September 10th and will cost $250.

(Via NaviGadget.)

garmin nuvi 265T

garmin nuvi 265T

Priced at only $300, the new Garmin Nuvi 265T adds the lifetime traffic updates feature to a mid level GPS navigation system. Other highlights of this sat nav device include text-to-speech, and bluetooth for hands free calls.

The rest of the features for 265T is pretty standard; a 3.5″ screen, 4 hour battery life, microSD card slot and preloaded maps of North America. If you live in Europe you can expect nuvi 265 to come with full European maps.

(Via NaviGadget.)

navitainer dnx8220BT from Kenwood

navitainer dnx8220BT from Kenwood

DNX8220BT is the new navigation and entertainment system from Kenwood. It looks just like DNX 7120 we had already talked about so we’re thinking this may be the European version - it will be displayed in Berlin next week at the consumer electronics show.

Also known as Navitainer this 2DIN unit unites navigation system, multimedia player, CD/DVD receiver, handsfree bluetooth, and radio in one place. It has 6.95 inch interactive touch screen control with all graphic UI. The optical drive on board can read all sort of formats including DVD Video/Audio-VR/±R/RW, DivX, MPG & JPEG, AAC, WMA, and MP3 playback. If you spend some extra $ on KCA-iP200 you’ll also have full control over your iPod and with the KCA-iP300V you can even watch your videos on the large screen.

The navigation system is from Garmin and the GPS receiver is SiRF Star III. For traffic information you’ll be pleased to hear that TMC / TMCpro decoder is built-in. Nice feature about the maps is that you can update them using an SD card.

Bluetooth feature we just mentioned is not just for pairing with your phone, it also does audio streaming. Other I/O options include 2x USB ports.

(Via NaviGadget.)

enzym SG 350 review

enzym SG 350 review

Today we’re going to talk about the new GPS navigation system Enzym SG 350 which we mentioned earlier this month. We’ve spent enough time with the device and can now share our experience with you.

software

The user interface on Enzym SG-350 was very intuitive. There was never a moment we had to refer back to the manual during our review.

When you power on the device you are greeted by three levitating robots while system boots. After that screen you’re quickly taken to the application menu where navigation is the first option. Then you come to the navigation main menu where you can choose to drive to home, office, or a new location. You can exit out of this menu just to view the current map, or you can change device settings or view your trip computer which we’ll talk about in a minute.



If you choose to view the map without navigation you can still pan around the map and drive to a location which is a nice feature if you don’t know a street name or any kind of address but you knew which direction you wanted to go to. We used this feature when we just wanted to head towards the beach for example.

There are three map viewing options: 2D, 3D, and split view. Split view is very handy and it automatically utilized when you’re approaching intersections. In left side of the device you’ll be able to view the current map, and on the right hand side you’ll see detailed view of the on-ramps, highway stacks, etc to make sure you stay on the correct lane.

If you know where you’re going or have a name in mind you hit the ‘go to’ option and enter a state name, address or intersection, point of interest, coordinates, favorites, or select a location from your history.

The address entry is quite smart. Once you enter the first character, software grays out any number or letter that can’t follow that first character which helps in three ways:

• it is a lot easier to type since you can’t accidentally hit neighboring keys


• typing the address takes shorter once the pattern in the name is unique


• you know if a street name is not in the database before you have to type in the whole thing

Then there’s the trip computer which is a nice little utility that keeps track of your avg speed, max speed, total trip time, stopped time (nice!), drive time, elavation, total mileage, odometer, etc. We didn’t really use this but could be very useful for people who are crazy about their driving habits and stats.

hardware

We were pleased with the hardware performance of Enzym SG 350. The display was nice and bright, touch screen was easy to use and the few buttons that are on the device are properly placed.

There’s a spring loaded volume control on the right side as well as a button-lock switch. On top there are two buttons, power, and mode which takes you back to the application menu where you go back to text, video, or audio playing features of the device. On the left side you’ll find the SD card slot, headphone jack, and the mini USB connection.

As far as GPS receiver sensitivity Enzym SG-350 was able to require a satellite fix in less than a minute, indoors, with the blinds shut. At other times, when waking from stand-by mode reacquiring a fix usually took less than 10 seconds which was really impressive. However we were most impressed with the processing speed of this new navigation system. They used a fast 533 processor in this device and you can tell every time you choose a menu item or do a very general POI search. It is very responsive and the search results appear instantaneously.

We should also point out that the SG 350 is preloaded with 2008 Q2 Navteq maps and uses a NavMate engine with full coverage of the USA and Canada.

Overall we were very happy with Enzym SG-350 would recommend it if you’re in the market for a mid-range GPS navigation system. It is expected to cost about $200 when it hits the shelves soon.

(Via NaviGadget.)

AR 800 navigation

AR 800 navigation

Another in-dash entertainment/GPS navigation system that will be displayed in Berlin next week is the AR 800 from CTC Clatronic International. It has a quite unique design with sets of button on each side of the 16:9 format 4.3″ TFT touch screen.

Also on the front you’ll find USB connection and SD/MMC card slot. The GPS navigation system relies on SiRFstar III for satellites signals and uses a Samsung 400 MHz processor. Navigation software can provide speed warnings and manual input and storage of radars.

The maps are provided by TeleAtlas and maps cover Western and Eastern Europe which is stored on AR 800’s internal memory for a smooth navigation.

We’ll keep you updated as we find out more about AR 800.

(Via NaviGadget.)

new holux bike gps GR-245

new holux bike gps GR-245

We talked about a bike GPS computer just the other from Mainnav and today we get the news that Holux will be introducing something very similar at IFA this year. It is called GR-245 and just like you expected it is a GPS tracking device with a screen to track your progress while you engage in outdoor activities.

Here are the hardware specs:

• MediaTek Low power consumption / high sensitivity GPS Receiver


• 128 x 128 LCD display (4 gray) with backlight


• Li-ion removable & rechargeable battery


• Mini USB port for connection


• IPX6 waterproof

Not sure when Holux GR-245 will be available in the U.S. but we can’t wait. It is always good have some options.

(Via NaviGadget.)

Navigon 7200T - Lifetime Traffic, Voice Command and 3-D Landmark Views

Navigon 7200T - Lifetime Traffic, Voice Command and 3-D Landmark Views

Navigon has announced the new Navigon 7200T, a more advanced widescreen unit that has lifetime traffic subscription. The Navigon 7200T includes voice command for address entry and the start of 3-D buildings with a 3-D landmark view. The voice navigation capabilities are quickly becoming a high end feature that may be a must have; and the 3-D landmark view will be something we are seeing more and more as the data and views come available from map suppliers. Garmin has topographic shading in certain situations, and may bring to show a version in a 3-D point of view also. The drive here is to better represent on the GPS what you are seeing in the real world as it lays out in front of you. The concern of course is that when your right turn is behind that hill, you may not be able to see it.

The Navigon 7200T has a whole host of features that continue to build on their offerings in the market.

(Via GPS Lodge.)

GPS GR-130 for golfers from Holux

GPS GR-130 for golfers from Holux

We’re not sure if this is actually a finished product from Holux but this will be on display at the consumer electronics show in Berlin next week. Called GR-130, this is a GPS device with a 2.2″ color screen and 176x220 pixel resolution. It uses a Renesas J2, 120 MHz CPU - which should be enough to direct you to the next hole on the golf course.

Other features include built-in 128MB NAND flash memory for maps, removable and rechargeable NP-120 1600 mAh Li-ion battery, and 9 menu buttons to enable frequent used functions.

Holux GR-130 is IPX6 waterproof for those rainy days on the golf course. Not sure when this will hit the market but we’ll be sure to keep you updated.

(Via NaviGadget.)

TomTom Go 940 Live Leaked: Includes Live GPRS Traffic Data and Google Searches

TomTom Go 940 Live Leaked: Includes Live GPRS Traffic Data and Google Searches

A 'leak' at a UK online retailer's site reveals a whole bunch of info on TomTom's Go 940 Live GPS system: it looks like the system comes with a GPRS unit to give it live traffic and fuel-price info and the ability to Google search. Yep, alongside the IQ routing and intelligent lane advice that the Go 930 and the new Pro units have is a TomTom HD Traffic unit using GPRS to garner local traffic info, weather conditions, and lets you Google for whatever info you might need on the road. That traffic info is gathered 'via anonymous cellphone monitoring,' but whether its these units that do the uploading, or a different system, is unclear. The unit's available on pre-order in the UK for around $800, with the Live service likely to cost $10-$15 per month, but there's no data on when it'll hit the US.

(Via Gizmodo: GPS.)

suunto X10 is out

suunto X10 is out

We haven’t been talking too much about GPS enabled wrist watches lately but worry no more for Suunto recently announced the successor to their highly popular X9i.

The Suunto X10 has upgraded GPS performance, which locates your position even faster than the X9i. The improved GPS also tracks better in difficult conditions, such as heavy foliage, for more reliable readings when you need it most. Unlike bulkier, hand-held GPS units, the Suunto X10 is hands-free, so you can focus on the action instead of worrying about dropping or losing your GPS when the going gets tough. The Suunto X10 also records waypoints and routes, allowing users to analyze and catalog trips on a home PC.

The Suunto X10 includes an altimeter, barometer, digital compass, thermometer, and an extensive memory, as well as the usual time/stopwatch functions.

When you are navigating with the Suunto X10 on a preplanned route it can show you the direction you need to head and the estimated time of arrival. There is of course the obvious ‘find home’ preset which can lead the user back to the start point or marked ‘Home’. In addition you can also ‘track back’ function which can guide you back along any recorded route.

Suunto X10 offers a battery life that is 33% longer than that of X9i and it has its own USB charger which can also be used to transfer data.

It will be available in two colors.

(Via NaviGadget.)

the new MG-950D from Mainnav

the new MG-950D from Mainnav

Mainnav MG-950d has changed its design since we last talked about it. Compared to older MG-950D current design is more sturdy and best of it all it is smaller.

MG-950d is bluetooth GPS receiver combined with a small fitness computer. It is mostly designed for outdoor people who like to hike, ride their bike, etc. It can show information on your speed, elevation, trip time, total distance, average speed, max speed, and more. And unlike most other sports GPS gadgets Mainnav MG-950D can double as a bluetooth GPS receiver so you can pair it with your PDA phone, laptop, etc to turn them into a GPS navigation system provided you have the software for it.

It uses SiRF Star III GPS receiver which can lock a satellite with hot start in 6 seconds, warm start in 38 seconds, and cold start 42 seconds. There’s enough memory to store 120,000 waypoints.

If you’re interested in Mainnav MG-950d keep reading Navigadget for we’ll be posting a review very soon.

(Via NaviGadget.)

ClarionMIND

ClarionMIND

ClarionMind just made another appearance at Intel Developer Forum and apparently this is the production version - unlike other Clarion Mind’s we talked about before.

It looks like the device got smaller as sources now say the screen size is 4.8″. Of course some of the most important features never made it to this model such as WiMax and 3G connectivity. You’ll have to make do with a wimpy Wi-Fi antenna, which means you can browse the internets while you’re still in your garage. The device runs on Linux, has a 800x480 pixel resolution touchscreen, and support various media files as well as offering bluetooth features.

If the navigation system software is good enough this maybe a good alternative to a few brands that we are always used to see. ClarionMiND is expected to ship later this year…

(Via NaviGadget.)

palm treo pro with integrated GPS

palm treo pro with integrated GPS

You’re looking at the new Palm Treo Pro pics officially released by the company just yesterday. Accompanying these couple of pics is a demo video with a slightly annoying soundtrack. Not a lot of features were revealed but almost all specs can be found on the internets:

• 3G connection


• Wi-Fi button


• integrated GPS


• Windows Mobile 6.1 OS


• 3.5mm headphone socket


• 320×320


• microUSB


• 400MHz processor


• 256MB ROM, 128MB RAM

What’s more pleasing for us - as far as we can tell from the demo video is that there’s an already installed navigation software that relies on Google Maps. The bad news is that it doesn’t look like it can provide dynamic navigation - meaning it won’t tell you ‘take a left in 500 ft’.

(Via NaviGadget.)

TomTom PRO 4000 and 8000

TomTom PRO 4000 and 8000

TomTom has announced the PRO series, consisting of the TomTom PRO 4000 and TomTom PRO 8000. These appear to be the TomTom XL 330-S and TomTom GO 730, with a few bonuses thrown in:

• Dedicated PRO customer service telephone line





• PIN lock to protect sensitive information





• Menu lock option that eliminates distractions and fosters safe driving





• Premium ruggedized sleeve for added durability and protection (pictured below)





• One free map update to be used within 12 months of first use





• Two-year limited product warranty

With the PRO series, TomTom continues its outreach to the business community. The higher end TomTom WORK series offers real-time GPS tracking capabilities, something not available on the PRO models.

(Via GPS Tracklog.)

DeLorme PN-40

DeLorme PN-40

We now have some details on the DeLorme PN-40 we talked about earlier this summer. It is expected to be available October 15th and has an MSRP of $399.95.

Included in the package are the Topo USA 7.0 software and a sample data download from the DeLorme Map Library. If you need more maps you can pay $30 for annual subscription which gives you unlimited access to USGS 7.5 minute quads, color aerial imagery, and NOAA nautical charts.

(Via NaviGadget.)

pioneer AVIC N5

pioneer AVIC N5

After AVIC N4 and N3 we now have the latest and greatest from the N series. The new Pioneer AVIC N5.

Reading the specs we realize they haven’t added any new features to AVIC N5, in fact we can go ahead and say they’ve done a search and replace for N4 to create N5 features page. Except one difference though: MSRP for AVIC N5 is $1500 instead of $1600 which was the suggested retail price for N4.

AVIC N5 fits into a 1-DIN chassis and has a motorized mechanism to reveal its sharp 7″ screen with 480x234 resolution. The navigation data is read from DVD which means your optical drive will be busy if you want to get some ‘new’ directions. It does have navigation from memory feature to remember your route once you enter your destination address though. The maps fit into 2 DVD’s and they come from TeleAtlas and cover US, Canada, Alaska, and Hawaii.

The GPS receiver is included in the package and it can track 8 satellites at once. AVIC N5 is bluetooth, iPod, XM and Sirius ready but they all require additional purchases.

(Via NaviGadget.)

altina A8010

altina A8010

Taiwanese Altina keeps coming out with new GPS navigation systems. This one is called Altina A8010 and it seems like it is reserved for local markets since they have no mention of it on their English site.

Altina A8010 has a 4.3″ screen which can be split into two show an overview map and your next turn - both in 3D.

In the hardware department you’ve got 64 MB NAND Flash and 64MB SDRAM. SiRF Star III GPS receiver for you satellite fix and SD/MMC card slot for maps. If we hear any rumors about a U.S. or EU release we’ll be sure to let you know.

(Via NaviGadget.)

Alpine PND-K3

Alpine PND-K3

Alpine is expanding their navigation system lineup; this time with PND-K3 which we had mentioned back in January.

PND-K3 is now official and has an MSRP of $550. For this price you get a 4.3″ touch screen with 480 x 272 resolution, maps of all U.S. states, plus Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands, 6 million POIs, text-to-speech which pronounces street names, and bluetooth to pair up with your cell phone.

As far as locating your position PND-K3 is quite advanced. It uses three different inputs: 1: the satellites. 2: gyro technology to sense the vehicle’s direction and 3: accelerometer technology to measure vehicle’s speed.

Alpine PND-K3 has 4GB of internal but no video or image viewing capabilities. However it handles your MP3 and WMA files just fine.

(Via NaviGadget.)

Lenovo GPS phone

Lenovo GPS phone

Who knew Lenovo did GPS phones? This one we have is apparently Lenovo P990 and is available in Asia.

We still know very little about this phone but if you’re from China and reading this maybe you can share some details with us.

Lenovo P990 supports GSM900 and GSM1800 networks, has a 3″ screen with 240x320 resolution, utilizes a 3 core CPU and its memory can be expanded with microSD cards.

In addition there’s the SiRF Star III GPS receiver, 2MP digital camera and a powerful 1450mAh battery.

(Via NaviGadget.)

Low-End Korean GPS is Basically High-End 7-Inch Screen PMP, for $190

Low-End Korean GPS is Basically High-End 7-Inch Screen PMP, for $190

The normally navigation-focused guys over at Navigadget have spotted something interesting: The 'low end' Easycar U7 GPS system heading for Korean drivers at the moment is basically a pretty high-end media player with a 7-inch touchscreen. As well as helping you navigate, the 0.75-inch deep gizmo plays audio and video files, has a text reader, photo-viewer and accepts digitally-broadcast TV. Check out the gallery to see it in action, and go mad when you learn it costs the equivalent of just $190.

Where did you see a fairly thin PMP with a 7-inch screen and all that functionality for that small an amount of cash? I know there's exchange-rate shenanigans happening, but it sure makes most GPS systems over here seem like a rip-off.

Let us know your take on this guys: Are the Koreans just lucky buggers, or are the GPS makers over here ripping us off?

(Via Gizmodo: GPS.)

Kapsys' Kapten is Screenless, Voice-Driven, Key Ring-Sized GPS

Kapsys' Kapten is Screenless, Voice-Driven, Key Ring-Sized GPS

This tiny GPS system from Kapten shuns the current preoccupation for large, high-detail touchscreens... it has, in fact, no screen at all. There're a bunch of led-lit icons at the top, indicating car-, pedestrian-mode and so on, but that's it. All navigation requests and instructions are made by you talking to the Kapten and it talking to you. It's apparently aimed mainly at pedestrian users, and measuring 2.9 x 1.7 x 0.5 inches is small enough to slip onto a key ring. Somehow there's a Bluetooth chipset in there, alongside an MP3 player and FM radio, and it packs 4GB of internal memory. Sadly, the only instructions it'll utter will sound like 'Tournez à droite, dans 100 metres' since it's being released in France next month for around $220, and there's no info on whether it'll move outside the land of the moody pout.

(Via Gizmodo: GPS.)

enzym SG-350

enzym SG-350

There’s a new brand of GPS navigation system out there for the U.S. market which we were lucky enough to receive a sample of. It is called Enzym SG-350 and it is already available for the Canadian market.

SG-350 has a 3.5″ display with 2008 Q2 Navteq maps and a NavMate engine with full coverage of the USA and Canada. It boasts a POI database with 11 million entries and a surprisingly fast 533 MHz processor. It can play MP4/MP3’s and includes a picture viewer.

The product is initially going to retail in the USA for approximately $200. In addition Enzym has two more models in the pipeline: SG-250 and SG-430; both of which are scheduled to be available in early September. The SG-250 will be a lower cost model priced at about $150 without the multimedia features of the SG-350 but will retain the same map coverage. The SG-430BF will be a 4.3″ model with the same multi-media features and map coverage as the SG-350 plus Bluetooth and FM transmitter options and will retail for approximately $300.

We’ll be posting a full review of the device very soon.

(Via NaviGadget.)

Mio's Knight Rider GPS Now Available For Pre-Order

Mio's Knight Rider GPS Now Available For Pre-Order

The Knight Rider GPS that everyone was drooling over a few months ago is now available for pre-order on the Radio Shack website in the US and Sears in Canada for $270 and $290 respectively. The device is set to ship on September 24th.

(Via Gizmodo: GPS.)

Nikon P6000 Flagship Point-and-Shoot: 13.5MP, Built-In GPS Geotagging and Yes, RAW

Nikon P6000 Flagship Point-and-Shoot: 13.5MP, Built-In GPS Geotagging and Yes, RAW

Nikon's flagship P6000 point-and-shoot is official, and pretty much everything we heard. Besides long-awaited RAW support (not on Macs, sorry), the 13.5-megapixel shooter has built-in GPS geotagging, Nikon's DSLR controls, manual pop-up flash (which is so fun to play with it's almost worth the $500 price of admission by itself) and other pro-ish features for more manual control. The lens is a 4x wide-angle, and it'll do up to ISO 3200 at full resolution, or 6400 at three megapixels. The most oddball feature? An Ethernet jack. So it's like a free trip to 2001 to boot. Here's all the details and another shot.

NEW COOLPIX P6000 OFFERS DIGITAL SLR SHOOTING CONTROL IN A COMPACT CAMERA
New Performance Series Camera Enables Users to Test the Photography World with Creative Control and 'Geo-tagging' Capabilities with built-in GPS

(Via Gizmodo: GPS.)