GPS now in a (insert anything): today’s find: watch

GPS now in a (insert anything): today’s find: watch: "

In Gadgetell’s continuing coverage of ‘all the wondrous things GPS can be jammed into’ here is todays offering: the GPS watch. This 75g fatty, is a hefty, clunky watch. One has to ask, why?

According to MainNav, the manufacturer, the answer to that question is:

• GPS aid for PDA or phone via Bluetooth.


• reporting of data for performance athletes (altitude, speed, distance).


• If the size is a big deal to you, there are mounts for a bike and lanyard. It is unclear if a broach is in the works.

It still looks a bit chunky, even with all it packs. The charge lasts 66 hours and the unit can be submerged for up to 30 minutes, though GPS performance will suffer under water. So forget the plans about swiping a runaway Soviet sub and navigating with your watch.

Read [Gizmag] Product Page [MainNav]

(Via Gadgetell.)

Dash Next-Gen GPS Navigator Gets Official Look and Launch Schedule (Gallery)

Dash Next-Gen GPS Navigator Gets Official Look and Launch Schedule (Gallery): "

If you want to know what the next big move in navigation will look like, it's the Dash, shown here for the first time in its final design. The wireless net-connected GPS is just about through with its successful national road beta test (which many of you have participated in) and it's on track for early 2008 launch. Here are the stats, plus a gallery of homespun product and screen shots:

The difference between the Dash and all of the other dedicated portable navigators on the market is that it's got a GPRS modem built in, so that it can receive (and send) useful live information. If you're a user, Dash will know your commute and check traffic conditions, sending you an SMS when it thinks you need to hit the road so you're not late for work. Besides better traffic data, Dash is about local search: it gets POIs not from some static list but from Yahoo, so there's a greater chance of finding something up-to-date and appropriate to your needs.

The new, final design will feature:

• Larger screen -4.3'TFT LCD screen, 480x272

• Haptic buttons for audio, main menu

• Powered mount

• Internal battery with 2 to 4 hours of life

• Improved audio quality

• Improved TTS

• USB port

The interface has also been dramatically improved, with heavier reliance on the touch screen and brighter colors. Pricing hasn't yet been announced, but Dash will start selling online in the first quarter of 2008, with a big retail push in the second quarter. We can't wait to get our hands on one, because the GPS navigators we use now are great, but have reached a glass ceiling that only two-way communication will break through.

(Via Gizmodo: GPS.)

Dash Navigation coming soon - new hardware

Dash Navigation coming soon - new hardware: "

Gizmodo was able to get their hands on the next generation of GPS navigation devices - Dash - which we have talked about before here, here, here, and here. Dash seems to have new hardware design now looking a lot better than prototype models.

Dash has wireless two way connectivity via GPRS so it can collect real time live traffic information from their users and let others know where there’s a traffic jam. It also has has Wi-Fi.

Another unique feature that makes Dash revolutionary is that instead of a static POI database, it gets local listings from Yahoo. Some other specs were also revealed as well:

• Larger screen 4.3″TFT LCD screen, 480x272


• Haptic buttons for audio, main menu


• Powered mount


• Internal battery with 2 to 4 hours of life


• Improved audio quality


• Improved TTS


• USB port

We have no info on pricing just yet but Dash will start selling in first quarter of 2008.

(Via NaviGadget.)

A pink nuvi and an updated C300 series?

A pink nuvi and an updated C300 series?: "

Reuters is reporting that a pink nuvi is on the way, at least in Europe, where they say it will be available before year's end. I had seen a rumor before that Garmin was getting ready to launch a nuvi aimed at women; now another source is citing it, so maybe it's true.

Furthermore, the report says that analyst Jeff Evanson of the investment banking firm Dougherty & Company 'expects an upgrade of

Garmin's C300 series later this month.'

(Via GPS Tracklog.)

HP navigation device with 3D map

HP navigation device with 3D map: "

HP revealed its personal navigation device ‘iPAQ 312 Travel Companion’ at the press event for new consumer product launch in Singapore, which adopts 4.3-inch WVGA touch screen display with 3D map.

(Via 7Gadgets.com.)

Garmin Forerunner 305

Garmin Forerunner 305: "

GPS: High-Sensitivity SiRFstarIII architecture

Wireless: Communication between system devices via ANT protocol

Lap Memory: 1,000 laps

Waterproof: IEC 60529 IPX7 standards (submersible in one meter of water for up to 30 mins.)

Alerts: Time, distance, pace and heart rate

(Via 7Gadgets.com.)

new VDO Dayton GPS navigation systems includes TV receiver

new VDO Dayton GPS navigation systems includes TV receiver: "

VDO Dayton’s new PN 4000 and PN 6000 navigation systems includes digital TV reception as well. Presented at the IAA International Motor Show Cars, in Frankfurt, these portable navigation devices, will come with a DVB-T receiver as a standard feature - a feature that still is of no use in the U.S. But if you were in a European country that broadcasts digitally you could enjoy your favorite TV channel on a 4.3″ screen with the PN 4000, and a 5.3″ screen with the PN 6000.

The two new models belong to a family of navigation systems that includes the older VDO Dayton PN 2050 and PN 3000. Both PN 4000 and PN 6000 offer high resolution maps rendered in 2D or 3D, and have a 16:9 aspect ratio display. You can also get live traffic info if you choose to get the optional RDS/TMC traffic receiver.

Now on to the digital TV part:

…VDO Dayton has now integrated a receiver for digital TV signals alongside the navigation computer. This receiver, which is available in large areas of Europe, brings the ‘television of the future’ into the vehicle. Due to powerful batteries and an external power supply, the PN 4000 can be operated outside the vehicle, like at camp grounds, the beach or vacation homes. Because the antennas are designed to be highly sensitive and redundant, the system ensures television reception even at speeds of up to 160 km/h allowing the back seat to become a mobile home theater on long road trips.

Not only does the dual tuner receive the television program, but it also displays screen text, television subtitles, and the electronic program listings for the next four days.

PN4000 and PN6000 also feature an SD slot through which you can bring your portable media such as videos or music. Also, an optional Bluetooth module is available, which will upgrade the device to a hands-free system for mobile phones… via

(Via NaviGadget.)