02/06, 2:10pm
Where To? expands navigation integration
Future Tap has updated Where To?, its iOS tool that can help find the closest and best rated restaurants, shops, and services, with support for five additional navigation apps. Building upon existing support, version 4.1 adds integration with Sygic, Waze, Navfree, Navmii, and Navigon Urban. Additionally, the update includes multiple images for listings, additional reviews, and landscape support for the homepage viewer. Where To? 4.1 can be purchased in the App Store for $3, with the option to add a 3D Augmented Reality mode through a $1 in app purchase.
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01/26, 7:45pm
Tracker now lets users share links to live maps
New social media functions, new apps and new features for its iOS apps mark navigation software and hardware maker Garmin's presence at MacWorld/iWorld, currently going on in San Francisco. Among the other features, updates will let users "check in" using social services via their navigation apps, integrate their exercise with Garmin tools, go on a digital treasure hunt, plan private-plane flights and send out map links to a live tracking map to others.
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01/09, 12:55pm
Garmin's Premium GPS line features free updates
Garmin has unveiled its latest premium flagship navigation devices, the nuvi 3500 series. The 3590LMT and 3550LM are Garmin's first to use five-inch displays, and automatically reorient to the user's preference of either portrait and landscape mode. They also have Garmin's latest navigation engine, which features faster route calculation and realistic displays of interchanges and exits.
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12/08, 7:50pm
Standalone navigation devices struggle to compete
TomTom has announced plans to make significant cuts to its workforce, a move that will leave 10 percent of its current employees out of work. The layoffs are expected to help the company reduce costs as it struggles to survive in a market that has encountered difficulty maintaining hardware sales.
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11/10, 9:55pm
GMC's latest gadgetry
Many vehicle companies have begun to focus on technology integration for their latest models. Electronista had a chance to try out the latest gadgetry in GMC's 2012 Terrain, a midsize crossover SUV that serves as a downsized successor to the Envoy. In our test drive, we were able to take advantage of GMC's latest navigation system, lane guidance and Pioneer speakers.
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10/25, 11:25pm
Geolocation Privacy and Surveillance Act
Oregon Senator Ron Wyden is currently pushing to enact legislation that would require government agencies to obtain warrants before obtaining location tracking data. The Geolocation Privacy and Surveillance Act is said to clarify laws surrounding digital location information such as GPS data from cellphones.
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10/12, 12:00am
System takes advantage of common phone tech
Among the myriad of companies focusing on cellphone technology this week at the fall CTIA expo, Cadillac jumped in to debut its new "CUE" vehicle infotainment system. The name is an acronym that stands for Cadillac User Experience—the company's refined and expanded approach to connected vehicles. Electronista took an early look at the new system before it arrives in production vehicles.
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09/01, 4:45am
Piecemeal map management more efficient
Navigon will soon release an all-new version of its navigation apps for iPhone and Android that now feature user-selected download of the specific regions users want, keeping downloads faster and avoiding wasted storage space. The leaner, lighter maps also load faster and zoom in quicker, and can be optionally or automatically updated every quarter. The company also plans to expand to the Windows 7 platform later this year.
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08/29, 8:25pm
Apps include Yelp, Twitter, Expedia
TomTom has introduced its latest navigation device, the Go Live 1535M. The standalone GPS unit is claimed to be the first to offer a full app platform, enabling users to take advantage of travel apps and social networking features that have been available on various smartphone platforms. The Live connected services will include Twitter, Yelp, TripAdvisor and Expedia.
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08/04, 6:30pm
Combines travel features, GPS when available
Wazado Mobile Applications, best known for its NAVV turn-by-turn GPS navigation app, has created an iPad-only offering called NAVV Traveller, which combines offline maps with online GPS (if available) and travel-assistant type features such as weather conditions, real-time traffic, points of interest and in-app posting to Facebook or SMS. The app is available for North America and Western Europe so far.
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07/07, 12:45am
Turn-by-turn GPS plus augmented reality
Turn-by-turn GPS navigation apps are a common tool found in the App Store; however, TapNav looks to build on existing standards by incorporating augmented reality. Unlike other GPS applications, TapNav forgoes any built-in maps and instead uses a live feed from the iPhone's camera. Large AR discs are placed on top of the video feed, providing users with a visual path to follow. Standard voice directions are also featured, along with a fully tap-based interface and customizable gadgets.
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04/21, 8:20pm
Europe-only for now; US, others following soon
Nav N Go LLC out of Budapest has completely reworked their iPhone navigation app and are now offering the new iGo Primo app as a free replacement for the existing iGo My Way application. The European edition of the app has just launched, with US and other country editions to follow shortly. The new engine at the heart of the program is faster and more stable, and delivers over 100 new features and enhancements over the previous version, including Google local search, 3D digital terrain, 3D junction views, driver alerts and improved text-to-speech capabilities, among other changes.
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03/11, 12:15pm
iGo offers 30 percent discount
Pearson, at the National Science Teachers Association's annual conference, showcased three new Language Central for Science for iOS devices. The applications are geared towards students in grades 6-8 and feature a number of tools that can help students learn basic science vocabulary. Topics covered by the applications include life, earth, and physical science, with options to learn via flash cards, trivia challenges, or the Word Fly definition game. All three applications are available free of charge through the App Store.
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03/01, 11:40pm
Company invites devs to create apps
Saab has previewed its upcoming infotainment system, IQon, which is based on Google's Android OS. Users will be able to access navigation utilities, multimedia content, web-based services, and a variety of other features. The interface is presented in an eight-inch touchscreen, while an integrated modem automatically connects to the Internet when the car is started.
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01/25, 7:35pm
Comodo Console expected to expand beyond Israel
Israeli cellular carrier Cellcom has collaborated with startup Iway Mobile to introduce an Internet and entertainment system geared for vehicles. The Comodo Console integrates a 4.3-inch touchscreen, which presents an interface for various features such as GPS navigation and video from a rear camera when the user is backing up.
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01/04, 11:30am
Entune system is scalable, upgradable
Harman announced it will preview the new multimedia and navigation system, dubbed the Entune, at CES2011. Developed with Toyota, the Entune system will appear on select Toyota vehicles later this year. The Entune system is compatible with most smartphones and feature phones, and provides hands-free calling, music playback controls, and navigation features by voice command. It also has a text-to-speech function to read incoming SMS messages aloud.
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06/22, 7:55pm
Users can now take calls while navigating
TomTom has announced that its iPhone app has been update to take advantage of multitasking support in iOS 4. Users can now make and answer calls without interrupting navigation, as visual instructions are still presented even when a call is in progress. Version 1.4 also provides audio navigation instructions in the background if a user needs to switch to a different app.
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06/10, 1:55pm
Helps keep your Garmin GPS relevant for 2011
In an all-too-complicated world, the Navteq 2011 Map Update data card is a simple way to update your Garmin GPS device. Perhaps a little too simple. Slide in the Map Update 2011 SD card, fire up your Garmin and, viola, you have the latest detailed maps of the U.S., Canada and Mexico, plus a few other areas. We can’t comment on the updated maps as the roads in our area appear to be unchanged for 2011, but we wish Nateq’s update process was a little more user-involved.
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05/12, 10:00pm
Nuvi 295W bridges gap with nuvifone
Garmin has quietly introduced the nüvi 295W, a new navigation device featuring Wi-Fi connectivity. The overall form factor gives the 295W an appearance similar to a smartphone, while the feature set is similar to a nüvifone without the voice communication capabilities. The device even automatically reorients the 3.5-inch touchscreen for portrait or landscape use.
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04/23, 4:50pm
Spokesperson claims iPhone support isn't confirmed
Contrary to earlier reports, Google has denied suggestions that it plans to bring free turn-by-turn GPS navigation to the iPhone. A company representative claims an executive was misquoted regarding plans to expand the free service, which is being considered for other platforms. The Maps Navigation feature is currently limited to devices running Android 2.0 or higher.
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03/16, 8:10pm
Regional apps offer in-app upgrades to new regions
NAVIGON has announced regional mobile navigator apps for lower prices than its primary MobileNavigator North America app. The navigation specialist has released three regional apps, US Central, US East and US West options, at substantially lower prices compared to the company's flagship MobileNavigator version. Users can expand out of their region at a discount as well, when needed. The app supports upgrading to another region from within the app, while on the go. The app actually downloads the entire US map on first purchase, then makes regions available as they are paid for, removing the need for additional downloads on expansion into a second or third region.
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02/08, 5:45pm
Route avoidance options expanded
AT&T has released an update to its iPhone navigation app, AT&T Navigator. Version 1.5i offers an improved interface which now includes a speed limit display, with visual and audio alerts to notify the user when the limit is exceeded. A new option in the Recent Places menu allows users to easily navigate back to the origin of their last trip, while a "Shake-to-Go" feature automatically sets the route to go home when the iPhone is shaken.
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02/03, 8:40am
Sets stage for other GPS-aware apps
Nokia today revealed that within one week of relaunching Ovi Maps as a free service, over 1 million users have downloaded the new version. There have been over 1.4 million downloads in total since the January 21 launch, or an average of one per second. The number is faster than Nokia had predicted, according to the smartphone maker.
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01/20, 4:45pm
Maps can be added as an in-app purchasee
ALK Technologies has announced that its CoPilot Live Directions app is now available on the App Store as a 30-day free trial. The iPhone utility provides full navigation capabilities, including turn-by-turn instructions and voice guidance. Map data is stored locally on the handset, rather than constantly requiring a network connection when traveling.
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01/06, 6:35pm
Components offer new connectivity options
Pioneer has expanded its line of vehicle products with several new receivers, a navigation system, and three amplifiers. The AVIC-X920BT navigation system features a new interface claimed to offer advanced features while reducing the number of layers required for operation. Users can navigate the menus directly from the 6.1-inch touchscreen, while speech recognition technology enables the system to be controlled without physical interaction.
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01/06, 12:10pm
Integrated mount foldable for transportation
TomTom on Wednesday announced that its entry-level EASE navigation system is headed for the North American market. The device features an integrated EasyPort mount which folds flat for portability. A 3.5-inch LCD touchscreen offers 320x240 resolution, while the company's EasyMenu interface has been improved with a simple two-icon layout.
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11/12, 5:50pm
Full US base map for $30 lifetime license
NDrive Navigation Systems has released its self-titled iPhone app on the US App Store. The GPS utility provides full map coverage for the US, including 3D representations of important buildings or other landmarks. Users can take advantage of a large keyboard for quick entry, while the interface supports multi-touch input for zoom, tilt and shortcuts.
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08/17, 10:50pm
CoPilot GPS on App Store
ALK Technologies has announced that its CoPilot Live GPS navigation iPhone app is now available for customers in North America. The app saves Canadian and US maps directly on the iPhone, enabling users to receive guidance when outside of cellular coverage and without accruing data fees.
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05/08, 12:25pm
DealNN: $148 RoadMate 1430
Today's featured DealNN deal is on the Magellan RoadMate 1430 4.3-inch portable navigation system. It is regularly priced at $299.99, but for today only 6ave.com has reduced the price to $148 with FREE shipping. The RoadMate has a 4.3-inch color touchscreen display, turn-by-turn navigation, LIVE traffic capability, 6 million Points of Interest, text-to speech and more.
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01/10, 5:35pm
Ford touts SYNC 3.0 at CES
Ford this week introduced a new set of SYNC 3.0 services that leverage voice-recognition software, integrated GPS technology and Bluetooth-capable mobile phones to deliver personalized traffic reports, turn-by-turn driving directions and up-to-date information (business listings, news, sports and weather) -- without the need for a built-in navigation system. Due this spring, SYNC 3.0 with Traffic, Directions and Information will deliver hands-free access to personalized traffic reports, turn-by-turn driving directions and up-to-date information including business listings, news, sports and weather using a customer's cell phone.
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11/26, 5:10pm
Black Friday GPS deals
A variety of GPS models from different manufacturers are being drastically reduced for Black Friday. Starting at $99.95 is the TomTom ONE clamshell portable navigation system, regularly priced at $179.95 at 6ave.com. Next up for $189.99 is the Garmin nuvi 260w GPS, regularly priced at $299.99 at BestBuy.com. The TomTom ONE 130S GPS is available at RadioShack.com for $199.99 after $50 in instant savings. Lastly is the Garmin nuvi 265WT GPS navigator priced at $249.99, a price cut of $100 off the original price of $349.99 at CircuitCity.com.
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11/19, 4:35pm
Goodyear-branded GPS
NCC is about to introduce five new Goodyear-branded GPS devices, with three of them out by Christmas, according to a Wednesday report by Engadget. The least expensive among them, the GY130, will include a 3.5-inch LCD touchscreen along with three million points of interest (POI), a SiRF GPS receiver, turn-by-turn directions and 3D view. The next step up, the GY135, will add Text-to-Speech capability, being capable of speaking out street names. The GY145 will up the touchscreen size to 4.3 inches but bring little else in terms of features and specs.
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11/05, 4:25pm
Sanyo intros three PNDs
Sanyo on Wednesday announced it will soon launch a trio of advanced in-car entertainment and portable GPS devices, including the 7-inch Gorilla NVA-GS1580FT that doubles as a car entertainment center and the portable 7-inch NV-SD750FT, as well as the 5.2-inch NV-SB510DT. The first two use 4GB solid-state drives as well as a dual 12Seg/1Seg TV tuner built-in to catch live broadcasts in the company's native Japan. Apart from the smaller touchscreen size, the NV-SB510DT supports only a 1Seg TV tuner.
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11/03, 9:55am
Navigon launches two PNDs
Navigon on Wednesday announced the release of the 5100 max personal navigation devices, spotted earlier this month at the FCC, along with the 2090S. Both units sport Navigon's newest software that can generate routes quicker and makes entering information faster and easier thanks to the company's SmartSpeller software. The 5100 max uses a 4.3-inch touchscreen display with a 16:9 aspect ratio that will display real-time traffic updates. Buyers get these updates for the life of the unit without having to pay any additional subscription fees or having to buy additional hardware.
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09/16, 4:10pm
Sanyo thin navigator
Sanyo on Tuesday announced it has added a new, high-feature portable navigation system to its US line-up of Easy Street devices from its home market in Japan with the Easy Street NVM-4370. The unit is less than three quarters of an inch thick and features a 4.3-inch touchscreen with a 16:9 aspect ratio that will display maps and any of its preloaded 7 million points of interest or play videos or display photos via an SD card slot. A video input lets users hook up the optional back-up camera or other sources to the NVM-4370.
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09/05, 5:05pm
Garmin traffic ad support
Late last month, Garmin announced the release of its nuvi 7x5 and 2x5 GPS units which came with no-cost lifetime traffic updates. Independent testing of one of the units, the 755T, has revealed there is a price to pay for the free traffic, and that is constantly having ads in the bottom of the screens from Garmin's partners and will pop up from time to time when not in motion, and cannot be disabled. Tapping the ad will find the featured company's nearest locations. The GPS maker has not informed potential customers of this how it will offset the cost of providing users with no-cost traffic data prior to the release.
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08/20, 1:10pm
ClarionMiND navigator
Better known for its audio gear, Clarion has announced the ClarionMiND, a forthcoming GPS unit. Unlike most such systems however the MiND is also designed to operate as a mobile Internet device (MID), a category currently dominated by Apple's iPhone; the MiND connects primarily through Wi-Fi, which enables web browsing as well as the use of special MySpace and YouTube apps. Unlike the iPhone, though, cellular access requires tethering through a Bluetooth 2.0 connection.
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08/05, 4:10pm
Garmin Road Tech zumo
Portable GPS device maker Garmin on Monday released the Road Tech zūmo it will offer as part of the Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories. The special edition unit will add all Harley-Davidson dealership locations preloaded on the unit, expanding on the more than six million points of interest previously available. The unit will come with a handlebar mount and support on Harley-Davidson.com that will allow users to create routes and upload them to the zūmo.
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07/11, 5:00pm
IPhone voice nav. coming
TeleNav Software says it's developing turn-by-turn voice navigation software for the iPhone 3G, according to TWICE, The industry newspaper says the move comes despite a clause in Apple's contract with iPhone Developers that prohibits sophisticated navigation features. The iPhone 3G has a built-in GPS, but offers only on-screen maps and text directions.
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07/11, 9:20am
Nokia finalizes NAVTEQ buy
Nokia has completed its purchase of mapping technology and software maker NAVTEQ after getting the European Commission's approval of the deal earlier this month. Navteq provides data used in a wide range of applications, including automotive navigation systems and web-based applications, such as Google Maps, Yahoo! and other sites. As part of Nokia, NAVTEQ will now continue to develop map data and its technology platform, focusing on adding context-aware services to the web functions of mobile devices, the company said. Such functionality will allow users to quickly and efficiently access data such as restaurant reviews and store hours from the Internet based on their location.
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06/05, 6:20pm
Spectasia HUD for Mac
Spectasia from MATT Services brings fighter pilot technology to the Mac OS Finder to provide intuitive file and folder navigation. The company says it's unique "ergonomic retrieval" 3D layout makes desktop icons easier to spot, increasing productivity. This "Head Up Display" is said to be similar to the screens used in advanced fighter jets and provides a "clearly distinguishable angle-of-view and also depth location for every item."
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05/22, 4:45pm
Nokia Maps 2.0 launched
Nokia today announced the newest update to its Nokia Maps 2.0 navigation software is now available for download. No longer in beta stages, the new Nokia Maps 2.0 include enhancements to its drive, walk and explore modes. The pedestrian navigation options, walk and discover, now feature multimedia city guides, satellite images and integrated compass support. The drive mode includes a subscription-based real-time traffic information update service and a choice of three views in the redesigned user interface.
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05/14, 3:10pm
Dash Express dynamic API
The recently launched Dash Express navigation system can now be used to do more than just upload maps or run live Yahoo Search updates thanks to its Internet connection, the company announced on Wednesday. Dash opened its service platform to third-party developers, allowing them to create applications for the portable navigation device. To show off what's possible, the company also announce five new such applications, called DashApps.
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05/07, 3:45pm
Clarion personal GPS units
On Tuesday, Clarion unveiled two new personal navigation units, the MAP680 and MAP780. The 4.3-inch touchscreen devices offer more than just 2D and 3D navigation, as a photo viewer, video and MP3 player and RDS-TMC traffic tuner are integrated. A 400MHz CPU is common to both units, as is Bluetooth capability that enables hands-free calling, sending SMS messages and A2DP audio streaming.
The MAP680 has less built-in memory than its bigger brother, at 1GB versus 2, and can only be had in one of four versions with pre-loaded regional maps of Europe. The MAP780 includes mapping software for 43 European countries.
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04/24, 1:35pm
TomTom Rider 2nd edition
TomTom on Thursday launched its Rider 2nd Edition portable navigation system made for motorcycle riders. The systems utilize a Cardo scala-rider Bluetooth headset to relay instructions and allow for hands-free calling. The 2nd Edition was upgraded with more features from the company's in-car units, including Map Share that allows users to share voice messages, points of interest or even itineraries via Bluetooth. A new Help Me! button can either connect riders with or find the nearest emergency services and roadside assistance.
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