Audi A8 To Offer EDGE And Google Earth

Audi A8 To Offer EDGE And Google Earth

GPS navigators are fairly common in luxury cars nowadays, but about Google Earth? Well, Audi will be offering the option of a built-in navigation system for their 2011 model that comes complete with Google Earth and a GPRS/EDGE modem. 3G would have been a lot nicer, but considering that you don’t see Google Earth on cars everyday, it’s certainly not the end of the world. There isn’t any mention how this unit will affect the price of your new A8, but you’ll probably want to take note that it might not be available the moment the car is launched, as Audi is saying to expect it mid 2010 or so. Word on the street is that there will also be a UMTS modem available in mid 2010, so you’ll want to keep that in mind when you check it out.

(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)

Vexia EcoNav 380 and Vexia EcoNav 380

Vexia EcoNav 380 and Vexia EcoNav 380

Vexia has unveiled its new range of GPS navigators, the Vexia Econav Series 80 which we noticed became sleeker but luckily kept all the features that you’d expect from other higher end models in the GPS navigation market.

Vexia Econav x80 series brings new features at the hardware and the software level, and is comprised of top two models, the Econav Vexia 480 and 380.

Although the design is almost like the early versions, the Vexia Econav Series 80 can claim to be more stylish. Lighter (154 grams) and slimmer are the developments in the external appearance.

Model 480 comes with 2GB internal memory, microSD expansion slot and 500-MHz processor dual core for handling data received from the Sirf Atlas IV GPS receiver chip. The screen on this model is 4.3 inches with 480x272 pixels resolution, which includes a light sensor as a method for energy saving. Therefore you can expect a battery life of four hours with the EcoNav 480.

The base model of the series is the Vexia 380, which only differs from 480 in screen size, which in this case is 3.5 inches and has a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels. Memory, processor and GPS chip are identical, and the battery as well.

In addition to the typical functions of GPS navigators, such as the useful lane assistance, realistic road signs, text-to-speech, etc, the Vexia Econav series also incorporates fuel saving features.

These two navigators from the 80 series utilize a Penalty Point system that gives the driver real-time information on the amount of points lost by exceeding the speed limit, even where there is no radar.

Another interesting feature is the eco-front passenger, which is responsible for helping to drive more efficiently depending on the type of car you have and we run the roads. It will even indicate when is the ideal time to change gear.

And when you’re ready Econav Report allows the user to analyze the evolution of fuel savings you get by day, week, fortnight and year.

New GPS navigators Vexia Econav Series 80 are priced at EUR 160 and 190 EcoNav 380 (depending on the type of maps; only Spain or Western Europe) and 200 and 230 euro for Econav 480…

(Via NaviGadget.)

Pikavu GPS child tracker

Pikavu GPS child tracker

Possibly made by the same people who brought you GPS tracking for Alzheimer patients - Pikavu is a GPS child tracking system which consists of a base station and a quite stylish wrist watch.

The GPS wrist watch is water resistant and impact resistant and comes with a safety lock so it can’t be removed by the child. It has an alert button which when pressed for 5 seconds sets off an alarm in the base station.

To get a GPS lock faster Pikavu uses four systems. SBAS-GPS, indoorVision, VisionCellid, and T-GSM. Apparently it can even work where no GPS signals are available by using an alternate tracking system.

The wrist watch of the Pikavu child GPS tracking system weighs only 36 grams, and comes in two colors. The battery can last up to 3.5 days but with the power saving mode you can squeeze maybe 4.5 days out of it.

The base station has a 4.2″ touch screen, and have an easy to use graphical user interface. It comes with maps of the world, that are downloaded automatically when the child is located. It works with rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and charger is included in the pack.

How much? 990 freaking Euros…

(Via Xataka.)

Garmin GPSMAP 4208

Garmin GPSMAP 4208

There’s the Garmin GPSMAP 5012, the portable and dual function GPSMAP 640, and the brand new GPSMAP 6000 and GPSMAP 7000 series. But maybe you need something else - not so expensive - but still more functional than the portable GPSMAP 640. In that case you’ll find the Garmin GPSMAP 4208 quite useful. Garmin GPSMAP 4208 is a WAAS enabled chartplotter with 12 channel GPS receiver and a 8.4″ VGA display.

The device is preloaded BlueChart g2 maps of the U.S. coast, and supports connecting to the Garmin Marine Network, where you can add sonar, radar and weather updates. If the onboard maps are not enough you can always bring your own on an SD card, or use the video-in port to get live pictures from other places on your boat.

Costs $1740 on Amazon which is $260 cheaper than the price posted on Garmin.

(Via NaviGadget.)

NX707 Onkyo tablet with integrated GPS

NX707 Onkyo tablet with integrated GPS

Japanese Onkyo just announced 7″ tablet PC with integrated GPS receiver called NX707. It will come with Windows 7 and will sell for about $680 when it comes out before the end of the year in Japan.

Other than being tiny in every way some of the features of the Onkyo tablet are somewhat comparable to some laptops. It comes with an Atom Z520 processor, 1GB RAM, and 80GB of hard disk space.

As far as I/O, you’ve got two USB ports, ExpressCard/34, SD/SDHC/MMC slots, Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR, 802.11n Wifi, and two webcams.

NX707 weighs 720g and the battery should last you about 3 hours…

(Via NaviGadget.)

Koreans invent Turbo GPS

Koreans invent Turbo GPS

Korean Fine Digital just introduced a new GPS navigation system called FineDrive Style 3D. Yeah - they’re not very creative with naming their sat nav systems but their realistic 3D rendering have no match. Also they have a new technology called ‘Turbo GPS’ - which can get a GPS fix even around an overpass where GPS signals might not be optimal. Just a fancy name for dead reckoning if you ask us.

Some other features of the FineDrive Style 3D include the Atlan 3D navigation software, DMB for digital TV channels, real time traffic updates, latest gas prices.

For the basic 8G you’re going to need about 400K KRW which equals to about USD 345… via

(Via NaviGadget.)

Nokia 2710 Navigation Edition

Nokia 2710 Navigation Edition

Nokia just unveiled Nokia 2710 Navigation Edition - their cheapest phone with GPS navigation. Of course it is pre-loaded with Nokia Maps which is the GPS navigation software from the company that lets you get turn-by-turn driving directions with voice guidance included. Not only that but the hardware even supports an integrated digital compass.

Another neat feature is that the maps are locally stored on the Nokia 2710 Navigation Edition. Nokia is smart - because the markets they’re targeting with this low end phone may not always have data coverage - and even if they do the customers may not be able to afford it.

Wait until the second quarter of 2010 for Nokia 2710 Navigation Edition and then you can spend about EUR 110 on it.

(Via NaviGadget.)

ridiculous anti theft device for GPS navigation systems

ridiculous anti theft device for GPS navigation systems

As if we didn’t have enough clutter on our dashboards in our cars, now comes ‘maplock’, an anti-theft device for GPS navigation systems. No thank you. I’d rather take my GPS navigation system down and wipe suction cup mount marks off of my windshield rather than dealing with this GPS system lock with a flimsy steel cable. On top of all that I’d have to add a new key to my key chain.

Other alternatives would be to just use my phone as a GPS navigation system, or switch to paper maps - anything but this.

What do you guys think?…

(Via NaviGadget.)

Humminbird 997c SI

Humminbird 997c SI

A while ago we had talked about Humminbird 997c. That was 2007. Today we have a more advanced version of it called Humminbird 997c SI. Humminbird 997c SI - to be exact - is actually a Combo NVB Color Fish Finder and GPS Chartplotter, pre-loaded with Navionics Gold and Hotmaps.

What you do is put this marine GPS chartplotter in your boat (you’ve got one right?) and with its side-imaging sonar it will give you a clear image of your whereabouts and the surrounding fish with 180 degree coverage to 360 feet on either side, and 150 feet down. In addition it has DualBeam PLUS sonar which can reach 1500 feet and even provide wider coverage. Of course Humminbird 997c SI has an external GPS receiver and comes with built-in UniMap of USA lakes, rivers, and shores.

Some hardware specs of 997c SI are the 8″ TFT LCD screen with 800x480 resolution, SD card slot for chart recording, adjustable backlight, dual CPU and a separate graphics co-processor, and more.

(Via NaviGadget.)

Nissan GPS navigation system

Nissan GPS navigation system

Nissan is going to offer factory installed GPS navigation systems in their vehicles for a reasonable price. As you know GPS navigation is an add-on for most other car makers that usually tag about $2000 to the price of the vehicle. Since you can get a more capable portable GPS navigation system for less than $300 the navigation package always looked like a rip-off.

The GPS navigation system from Nissan on the other hand will only add an extra $400 to the price of the vehicle. The system is co-developed with Bosch and has a ‘more than enough’ 5″ touch screen, bluetooth connectivity, USB compatibility for your external music players, iPod support, and XM satellite and XM Traffic support. Not high end enough for you? How about if we said Nissan’s GPS navigation system also support hook up to a back up camera? Oh yeah. This is a good deal and you know it.

You’ll have to wait until January of next year to see this in your Nissan…

(Via NaviGadget.)

TomTom XXL 540S World Traveler Edition

TomTom XXL 540S World Traveler Edition

Remember the TomTom XXL 540S we mentioned back in September? Well they just came out with a new version of that called TomTom XXL 540S World Traveler Edition. As you may have guessed the only thing that’s going to different with this World Traveler Edition is the maps. The new XXL 540S will come with maps of U.S., Canada and Europe which requires a bigger 4GB internal memory.

Other features are pretty much the same, including text-to-speech, advanced lane guidance, seven million points of interests, TomTom Help Me, and Map Share technologies.

TomTom XXL 540S World Traveler Edition will cost $350 when it comes out in early December.

(Via NaviGadget.)

new Lowrance Elite Fishfinder and Chartplotters

new Lowrance Elite Fishfinder and Chartplotters

Lowrance just recently announced a new line of fishfinders and chartplotters called the Elite.

The new Lowrance Elite series currently has 3 models all of which are going to be available as soon as March 2010. The new models Elite-5x fishfinder, Elite-5m chartplotter and Elite-5 fishfinder/chartplotter. However only Elite-5 and Elite-5m chartplotter models feature a built-in 16-channel GPS+WAAS precision antenna. There’s basemap included in these models which covers more than 3000 lakes with information on shorelines, depth, and more. Of course you can also buy more maps and load them onto a microSD card which is supported.

Some other features of these marine GPS devices include 5″ sunlight readable display with 480x480 resolution, built-in memory, waypoint storage, and NMEA 0183 output.

Here is the pricing:

• Lowrance Elite-5x fishfinder: $449


• Lowrance Elite-5m chartplotter: $499


• Lowrance Elite-5 Combo chartplotter/fishfinder: $549

(Via NaviGadget.)

JVC and Kenwood unveil MDV-313

JVC and Kenwood unveil MDV-313

JVC and Kenwood have teamed up to release their maiden car navigation system known as the MDV-313, where this device is touted to bring the best of both worlds in a solitary device. You get a built-in DVD player (no Blu-ray yet), an integrated 1Seg TV tuner, a USB port and virtual 3D maps among others, where the highlight of the MDV-313 would be its high speed response time that is touted to improve the user experience by leaps and bounds. No idea on pricing or availability elsewhere, but this is set to hit Japan first.

(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)

Coyote Mini v2 GPS radar detector

Coyote Mini v2 GPS radar detector

As you know there a lot of GPS radar detectors out there. And if you live in Europe we really advise you getting a radar detector since that continent is filled with speed cameras, red light cameras, and the usual cop with a radar gun.

Coyote is a big name in France for GPS radar detectors and they just came out with a new model called the Coyote Mini v2. This new version from the Coyote Mini series offer a screen that is twice as big as its predecessor. It has audible and visual alerts, can be configured without a PC or the internet, displays speed limits, and even real time traffic updates.

Coyote also has a community based web site where users can mark police hideout areas and participant has a confidence score based on their history.

Coyote Mini v2 promises no false alerts, highly configurable distances for highway and city, and reliable speed limits.

(Via NaviGadget.)

GPS safety cell phone

GPS safety cell phone

A company called Clayton Communications just came out with a GPS safety cell phone called ActiveONE. It is a very small GPS device with basic cell phone features and the ability to speed dial four people when you feel you’re in danger.

Active ONE also has a center SOS button which will immediately connect to a US-based 24/7 personal assistance call center. They claim this is better than calling 911 since the personnel already knows who is calling and may already know what kind of assistance you may need - in addition to your location of course.

One other neat feature is to let other family members figure out your location by calling the same call center.

It is mostly designed for the elderly who may have Alzheimer’s or some sort of dementia issues - but there’s no reason for others not to use it. If you’re giving to a very young kid - you better turn off the built-in fall detector though.

Check out their pricing and rates here.

(Via NaviGadget.)

new Garmin GPSmap chartplotters

new Garmin GPSmap chartplotters

We’ve talked about Garmin’s GPSmap series here on Navigadget but just today they came out with a bunch of new models including this one pictured above - the GPSmap 7215.

Their new series of chartplotters are the GPSmap 6000 and GPSmap 7000 which include the new Garmin G Motion technology that promises to smooth map panning, and zooming with super fast updates. Unlike most other devices out there when it comes to marine GPS devices it is sometimes really important to have a really really dim backlight - and all the new models in these series boast a display that can dim down to 0.5 nits.

The new models are:

• GPSMAP 7015: touchscreen, 15″, basemap only


• GPSMAP 7215: touchscreen, 15″, U.S. coastal charts and more


• GPSMAP 7012: touchscreen, 12″, basemap only


• GPSMAP 7212: touchscreen, 12″, U.S. coastal charts and more


• GPSMAP 6012: soft key interface, 12″, basemap only


• GPSMAP 6212: soft key interface, 12″, U.S. coastal charts and more


• GPSMAP 6008: soft key interface, 8″, basemap only


• GPSMAP 6208: soft key interface, 8″, U.S. coastal charts and more

Youll have to wait until February 2010 to get one of these MFD chartplotters. Expect to pay more than $3000…

(Via NaviGadget.)

sygic GPS navigation now on Nokia Maemo

sygic GPS navigation now on Nokia Maemo

Sygic just announced that their GPS application (which works on iPhones and other devices) now also works on Nokia Maemo phones. The GPS application will be ready for sale from Sygic website before next year. Sygic offers turn-by-turn voice guided directons on Nokia Maemo 5 OS devices in the following countries: Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brazil, Colombia, USA, Canada, Mexico, USA, all of Europe, Russia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates,

Sygic already works on iPhone, Symbian, Android and Windows Mobile, incl. Windows Mobile 6.5.

(Via NaviGadget.)

come in for drug test now

come in for drug test now

We really hope you never have to wear this criminal offender GPS tracking device. But if you do get to wear one this could be one of the messages you receive: ‘come in for drug test now’. Developed by PTM this is a two-piece tracking system designed exclusively for tracking criminal offenders. Called SMART MTD, this little device utilizes multiple wireless carriers for data communication with the

option of a land line backup.

With this GPS tracking device the officers can choose from four levels of supervision, have two way communication with the offender, get 1minute to 15 seconds updates, real time texting, and more.

It has a battery that lasts 2 days, and can charge in only four hours, the autonomous GPS on board works independently from wireless carriers, and it can store up to 5 days of tracking data.

(Via NaviGadget.)

Pioneer suing Garmin over three navigation patents

Pioneer suing Garmin over three navigation patents

Pioneer's GPS products don't make huge waves in the Stateside navigation market, but it's actually got some fairly broad patents on route guidance and mapping, and apparently Garmin's infringing them. That's at least the story Pioneer's telling to the US International Trade Commission, where it's filed a complaint against Garmin and asked for a ban on sales of GPS products that infringe the patents. Obviously that would shake things up in a big way, but we clearly don't have the whole story here -- Pioneer and Garmin have apparently been negotiating for some time, and the two companies are currently fighting it out in the German court system as well. We'll see how this one shakes out -- stay tuned.

(Via Engadget.)

iPod touch gets GPS navigation for first time

iPod touch gets GPS navigation for first time

One of the big reasons many users of the first generation iPhone upgraded to the iPhone 3G and then the 3GS was to get GPS capability. The problem for those that use the first generation iPhone or the iPod touch is that the devices lack a GPS receiver.

A new software and hardware system has been unveiled called G-Fi with Navmii software that allows turn-by-turn navigation on the iPod touch and the original iPhone. The hardware portion is called the G-Fi and is a device that acts sort of like a router and can support up to 200 Apple devices in range.

The hardware device is a onetime charge item selling for $99. The required Navmii software is available for $39.99. There are no monthly fees with the system and both pieces are available now.

(Via SlipperyBrick.com.)

Mio Hammer V700

Mio Hammer V700

Mio Technology has developed a new GPS navigation system called Mio Hammer V700. It will be available starting on the 12th of this month and comes with the longest windshield mount we’ve ever seen so you won’t have to stretch too far.

Mio Hammer V700 has a 7″ screen, a stylish high quality black frame that only measures 16mm thick.

The giant 7″ display can provide 800x480 pixel resolution with 16:9 aspect ratio and can play various multimedia content such as audio and video. It has a GPS receiver that can track 64 satellites at once and can get traffic updates with the TPEG receiver.

4GB version will cost 329,000KRW ($285), and the 12GB version (4GB + 8GB external) will go for 359,000 KRW($310). Yeah, sorry. We don’t think this is coming to U.S. anytime soon.

(Via NaviGadget.)

Navigon updates US iPhone navigation app, live traffic updates are a go

Navigon updates US iPhone navigation app, live traffic updates are a go

A little later than previously alluded to, but Navigon's finally rolling out live traffic update to its MobileNavigator iPhone app. Same prices as mentioned before, it'll regularly be $24.99, but for the next four weeks, it's only gonna ring up at $19.99 for lifetime use, no monthly fees. Not that TomTom needed anything else to think about, of course. Full presser after the break.

Continue reading Navigon updates US iPhone navigation app, live traffic updates are a go

(Via Engadget.)

Evolution Mappy AP7

Evolution Mappy AP7

South Koreans love adding fancy GUIs to their portable media players. This one you see is quite new on the market and it is called Evolution Mappy AP7. It does a lot for its size. It is a digital TV player, movie player, audio player, FM radio, and of course a GPS navigation system. It is capable of receiving live traffic data via TPEG, and it can render amazing 3D graphics of your environment while driving.

It runs on a SiRF Prima processor at 600Mhz, supports SD cards, and even USB memory sticks. The OS in the back is WinCE which uses some of the 256MB RAM. We don’t know how much Evolution Mappy AP7 costs but it is only available for South Korea anyways…

(Via NaviGadget.)

Garmin EcoRoutes ESP

Garmin EcoRoutes ESP

By next year Garmin nuvi’s will be able to get diagnostic data from your vehicle with the EcoRoutes ESP module. This module will be a small unit that can fit somewhere behind your dashboard if necessary and talk to your nuvi via Bluetooth so you don’t have to worry about too much wiring.

The ESP module connects to and is powered by your vehicle’s OBD-II diagnostics port.

The new nuvi’s will have the software to let you customize which gauges you want to see and even set alerts for each one. Things you can keep track of are things like check engine light, real-time fuel economy, emissions, intake air temperature, coolant temperature, RPM, throttle position, and more… via

(Via NaviGadget.)

Garmins between $100 and $120 for Black Friday

Garmins between $100 and $120 for Black Friday

Garmin is expected to have a few models specially designed for the American Black Friday madness. These GPS navigation systems will cost somewhere between $100 and $120 according to Twice. Also according to Cliff Pemble who is the president and COO of Garmin the sales of nuviphone were ‘slow’ so a TV ad campaign was just launched. Reporting on the Android based nuviphone - he said it is slated for 2010.

Garmin doesn’t sound like they are too concerned about this new generation of competitors coming from GPS enabled smart phones. These new navigation apps still require a costly data plan and usually a higher end phone.

(Via NaviGadget.)

LG SB210 for golfers

LG SB210 for golfers

LG SB210 is the name of the new GPS enabled phone designed for golfers. LG SB210 is a touchscreen device announced in South Korea that comes with maps for 280 golf courses.

Nicknamed Cyon, the device also includes a G-sensor, compass, and software for counting calories so your experience on the golf course can be perfect.

Here are some more features of LG SB210:

• 3″ touch screen


• GPS


• 3MP camera


• 242MB memory


• microSD card slot


• 1000 mAh battery

For about $539 you can show off the LG SB210 to your golfing buddies. South Korea only…

(Via NaviGadget.)

Magellan SE4

Magellan SE4

We’re not used to this naming convention from Magellan. Their newest model that showed up on Best Buy’s website is called Magellan SE4.

Magellan SE4 is a GPS navigation system with a 4.3″ screen, preloaded with Navteq maps that includes 48 contiguous states, Hawaii and Puerto Rico, text-to-speech, 6 million points of interests, and multidestination routing.

How much? $180.

(Via NaviGadget.)

PhotoTrackr Mini DPL900

PhotoTrackr Mini DPL900

If you’re into goetagging you’ll remember that more than a year ago we mentioned Gisteq’s PhotoTrackr. Just last week they announced a new version of the device called PhotoTrackr Mini DPL900.

The new one is smaller, cheaper, and more compatible. It doesn’t really ‘hook up’ to your camera - you just sync the clock on your camera and then take the PhotoTrackr with you. PhotoTrackr Mini DPL900 can last up to 17 hours in continuous mode and it can track 65 satellites at once. The GPS chipset is from Skytraq which can provide tracking with signals as weak as -160dBm.

It can store up to 250000 records in its tiny 2MB storage space and the software that comes with it works with PCs and Macs.

It costs $69 and will start shipping in November.

(Via Prweb.)

Navteq’s new 3D intersections

Navteq’s new 3D intersections

One of the biggest digital map makers - Navteq - now has most complex freeway intersections rendered in 3D, and is ready to sell the new feature to manufacturers of GPS navigation systems.

The 3D world they have created comes pretty close to what the driver would see out the windshield including complete road signs, over passes, and other things.

The idea is to help the drivers out as much as possible specially at unfamiliar stacks of roads where the lane you’re on becomes very important.

In the U.S. they have 3D’ed 2000 of these intersections, and a total of 8000 around the world.

Currently no GPS navigation system has access to this data yet but we’re sure they’re trying to rush this out the door as they now need to compete with Google Navigation

(Via NaviGadget.)

CartoGoo

CartoGoo

CartoGoo is a brand new GPS surveying and map creation tool. It is designed for certain industries such as archaeology, environmental, architecture, utilities, and forestry. CartoGoo lets you record your data graphically while you’re at the site, letting you double check your work right there and then. It gives you the ability to work in 3D, and make use of powerful Google Earth.

Some of the features of CartoGoo include:

• Hand held GPS


• Easy to use and intuitive


• Google Earth interface


• Import/Export KML files


• GPS calibration


• GIS data collection (Points, Lines, Polygons)


• Multiple survey methods


• Construction methods


• Multiple data overlays (DXF, DWG…)


• Coordinate conversion to local system

(Via NaviGadget.)

Garmin's new aera series gets you there by air or by land

Garmin's new aera series gets you there by air or by land

Pilots looking for the hardest-core portable nav unit available tend to flock to Garmin's GPSMAP 696 these days, but there's a problem: the big, bulky tablet doesn't do much good once you're wheels-down and you've got to find your way to the hotel. Enter the new aera series, which you can sorta think of as 'nuvi for pilots' with 4.3-inch touchscreens, user-friendly prompts, and dedicated car modes across the board that'll keep casual observers from realizing that your little buddy doubles as a $2,000 beast capable of safely guiding you cross-country at flight level 250. The 696 is still being regarded as Garmin's premier aviation portable, while the four aera models -- the 500, 510, 550, and 560 -- are called 'entry or mid-level' with prices ranging from $799 to $1,999 and should finally sunset the aging lower-end GPSMAP models that look like they're straight out of Garmin's GPS III days. The 510 and 560 throw in XM WX weather support while the 550 and 560 feature Garmin's SafeTaxi interactive airport diagrams, integrated AOPA Airport Directory, and high-end car features pulled from the nuvi line like lane assist and speed limit data. All four models are technically launching on the 5th, but appear to be in stock with online retailers now if you're in a rush.

(Via Engadget.)

Thanko GPS watch

Thanko GPS watch

Thanko of Japan is getting to release a new GPS watch that actually looks like an ordinary wristwatch. If it wasn’t for the battery, satellite, and way point icons and LEDs on its face you wouldn’t be able to tell this little thing was tracking your location. The name of this GPS watch is unfortunately GPSTRVBK which means nothing in any known language on earth.

Once you wear this watch, or convince somebody to wear it, you can transfer the GPS track logs to a PC and lay them over Google Maps. It sells for 17800 Yen (~ $200) in Japan, and apparently it is coming to geekstuff4u.com very soon…

(Via NaviGadget.)

Magellan SE4 navigation unit turns up at Best Buy

Magellan SE4 navigation unit turns up at Best Buy

Well, Magellan doesn't seem to be doing much talking about this one itself just yet, but Best Buy has a fresh listing for a new SE4 nav unit from the company, and it seems to be available right now. Better still, Best Buy also looks to have knocked a full $60 off the MSRP right of the bat, bringing it down to just $119.99. That'll get you a 4.3-inch touchscreen, NAVTEQ maps of the 48 contiguous states, Hawaii and Puerto Rico, six million POIs, and text-to-speech and turn-by-turn voice prompts, but seemingly few other notable features to speak of -- not even so much as a memory card slot or MP3 playback, if Best Buy's listed specs are right.



[Via GPS Review]

Kenwood DNX5140

Kenwood DNX5140

We’re not sure why we haven’t mentioned the Kenwood DNX5140 before but maybe that’s a good thing. The MSRP for this 6.1″ TFT LCD touchscreen GPS navigation system with radio, and optical disc support was $1150 when it first came out in January, 2009 but now Amazon offers it for $606.

It includes built-in Garmin navigation, direct iPod connection, USB music streaming, and front panel A/V input and output.

Kenwood DNX5140 has all of the features of the DNX6140 but with the built-in Bluetooth module deleted.

(Via NaviGadget.)

cheetah gps speed camera detector for U.S.

cheetah gps speed camera detector for U.S.

Called Cheetah C50, this device is a small GPS speed camera detector for the U.S. It costs $100 and has 65 unique spoken voice alerts for various types of

threats. It can identify the different types of cameras such as speed, red light, speed-on-green, and also is capable of telling you if the camera is on a freeway, a highway, an exit ramp, a frontage road, a nearby city street, in a tunnel, after the end of a tunnel, on an overpass, in a school zone, in a construction zone or even near a bridge ahead.

Cheetah C50 has directional intelligence, meaning it won’t bug you if the camera is facing the other direction, has a speedometer and a compass, and of course is loaded with camera locations for North America.

Here is the video:

(Via NaviGadget.)

TomTom GO I-90

TomTom GO I-90

TomTom GO I-90 is the latest in car infotainment plus GPS navigation system from the company. This retro fitted device takes up 2-DIN on your dashboard and therefore can be installed in many cars, including older ones.

TomTom GO I-90 combines radio too so you don’t have to give up your favorite station but it lacks a CD slot. However that’s not all that bad since listening to tunes on your CD is so old school. GO I-90 does support USB storage devices - which would be a really easy way to bring your music on board.

Another benefit of TomTom GO I-90 integrated solution in addition to completely getting ridding of charging cables and mounts is that it works with the audio system in your car which should be nice and loud and interference free since it would mute your music while directions are being announced.

TomTom GO I-90 comes with maps of Western Europe pre-installed, supports bluetooth connected phones for hands free and will be available starting December 2009 for Є599.

More features:

• Pre-installed map of Western Europe


• TomTom Map Share technology - so drivers get daily map changes from the TomTom community.


• TomTom Safety Alerts, including safety cameras.


• Enhanced Positioning Technology - for uninterrupted navigation, even in tunnels.


• Improved hands-free calling - so drivers can make and answer phone calls safely while driving.


• Help-Me! emergency menu - local information to get help quickly.


• Optional iPod support - optimal support for iPod playback and iPod charging.


• Optimised TMC reception through the car’s antenna.


• Address speech recognition and text-to-speech.


• USB connection for MP3/I-pod.


• Amplifier (4 x 40 WATT).


• FM reception.


• RDS support for PS, AF, TA.


• AM reception (LW and MW).


• Built in TMC receiver.


• Ready for steering wheel control (3rd party accessory).


• Connectors to car and outside world (GPS, USB, iPod).

(Via NaviGadget.)

iPod Touch GPS navigation

iPod Touch GPS navigation

Geolife and PosiMotion just announced a turn-by-turn navigation app which is submitted to the Apple App Store. It is currently pending approval but when it gets the green light it will be the first GPS navigation app solely designed for the iPod touch.

The way it works is that it uses PosiMotion’s G-Fi mobile network/GPS router and the GPS navigation software from Geolife’s Navmii. The app can turn any iPod touch into a personal navigation device with smart routing, interactive maps and spoken directions.

G-Fi currently costs $99, and the Navmii iPhone application will be available for £30 for UK maps and $40 for US maps. A combined G-Fi mobile network/GPS router and Navmii software application for iPod touch will also be available once the Navmii application has been approved by Apple.

We have a list of all the iPhone GPS navigation apps.

Navmii GPS navigation app for the iPhone have also been submitted to the Apple App Store. See the video after the jump…

(Via NaviGadget.)

Stick This Thing to Your Kid and You Won't Lose Them

Stick This Thing to Your Kid and You Won't Lose Them

The Insignia Little Buddy is a $100 child-tracking GPS system. You simply duct tape the Little Buddy to your kid, and you'll never lose the little bugger again (involuntarily).

A web interface positions you various little ones on a map marked with your custom 'safety zones.' But the most enticing feature, if we're studying the GPS tracking page properly, is that you can assign your children with various barnyard animal iconography. That'll teach little piggy the consequences of being late.

The Little Buddy will be on sale at Best Buy shortly, and we assume the service could come with some sort of monthly cost.

(Via Gizmodo: GPS.)

Falk F12

Falk F12

Engineers in Germany are not that impressed with our Garmin so they keep releasing new models from the popular Falk series. This is the third edition of Falk F12.

This new GPS navigation system comes with maps of Europe and a super slim sophisticated design. When you’re discovering new cities on your Euro road trip you can see some of the famous sights in 3D view and when you can’t drive no more you can always rely on the ‘StadtAktiv’ which can help you out now with rail transportation and even underground.

Falk F12 has a 4.3″ touch screen and costs 370 Euros.

(Via NaviGadget.)

Garmin G3000

Garmin G3000

We wish we could have a few things to say about Garmin’s new G3000. But since no staff member flys or owns a jet here at Navigadget we - just like you - are just staring at the pics and thinking how awesome it would be to use one of these things.

Garmin G3000 is a the first touchscreen-controlled integrated flightdeck for light turbine aircraft says the press release.

Some features of G3000 include:

• icon-driven interface


• 5.7-inch diagonal touchscreen controller


• infrared touchscreen technology with audio and visual feedback


• 14.1-inch diagonal WXGA high resolution primary flight displays (PFD) and multi-function display (MFD)


• three-axis, fully digital, dual channel, fail passive auto flight system

Garmin expects to be certified for G3000 in the second half of 2011.

(Via NaviGadget.)

TomTom Go I-90 integrates into any dashboard, brings radio 'infotainment'

TomTom Go I-90 integrates into any dashboard, brings radio 'infotainment'

TomTom has been on a mission to keep itself relevant as smartphones increasingly start to overstep on its territory, and the GO I-90 is another move in its counteroffensive plan. Capable of slotting into the double DIN slot usually reserved for in-car radio / music players, its big selling point is that it integrates into your dashboard yet is still capable of being moved around like a discrete nav unit. You wouldn't be left decrying the loss of your radio either, with the GO I-90 sporting FM (with RDS support) and AM reception, USB support for MP3 players including iPods, and a promised compatibility with an 'extensive' list of phones for handsfree calling -- unfortunately, the poorly worded PR makes no mention of Bluetooth so we're not sure how they'll pull that off. Throw in a guarantee to receive the latest maps, TomTom's Map Share for crowdsourced routes, and a Help-Me! emergency menu, and you get a pretty comprehensive product. Shame about that €599 (about $893) sticker then. Available in Europe in December.

(Via Engadget.)

Inrix for Android (and iPhone)

Inrix for Android (and iPhone)

INRIX just launched a free (ad-free too) app for Google’s Android platform. The new traffic app can be downloaded from the Android Market Place. Inrix Traffic provides real-time traffic maps for over 160,000 miles of roads, predicts traffic to show how conditions will change over the next hour, gives details on traffic incidents, construction, and road closures.

Inrix says they have the biggest crowd sourced traffic network in the world, powered by about 1.3 million users.

Anyhow - it is free. Just download it and give it a shot.

(Via NaviGadget.)