CES Roundup: GPS Devices, Software Evolve
While there's no arguing that tablets and slate-style PCs are the darling of CES this year, there have been some intriguing entrants in the GPS category as well. GPS, one of the first mobile technologies beside the cell phone to really take off, has certainly taken on bit of a blow by the smartphone (and in some cases iPod) industry as many consumers have opted for GPS apps instead of actual GPS gadgets.
However, as CES has so far demonstrated, the GPS industry is still working toward innovation and, in some cases, willing to compromise with existing gadgets.First up, the Dual XGPS300 Navigation and Battery Cradle for iPod. Yes, the GPS device is clearly missing from this actual GPS gadget. Dual combines the NavAtlas application (free from iTunes) with a cradle specifically designed to integrate with the iPod Touch. The cradle includes a receiver, amplified speaker, and rechargeable battery. According to Dual, it's portable so that you can easily take it with you on hiking trips as well as road trips, a common feature often overlooked in bulkier GPS systems.
According to the company, the XGPS300 "provides a fully-featured turn-by-turn navigation solution, complete with free navigation software and a windshield mount for in-car use." It will retail for $179.99 (about the same price as an iPod Touch).
And with all the buzz around Android, it's no surprise to learn about the Navigon MobileNavigator will be available in for both Windows and Android-based phones. CNET says of the the Navigon MobileNavigator, "for the time being is the most comprehensive iPhone GPS app with potentially more features than you can ask for" so this is likely good news for anyone out there with a new Droid or NexusOne. However, it's important to note that the Windows and Android version won't have the same live-traffic updates as the iPhone, but the features are pretty impressive nonetheless, including 2D and 3D map views, route planning, Day and Night mode, and Text-to-Speech.
Instead of opting for integration, the idea behind the TomTom EASE is, well, ease. For some consumers, the idea of putting an iPod or iPhone on the dashboard is about as distracting as can be—who wants Gmail notifiers going off when you're just trying to find your way around a new city? The TomTom EASE is designed to get the job done, with two-button control and a very small profile. Engadget reports that the TomTom EASE is also going to be competitively priced, and will likely appear in Q2. Some basic specs include a very tiny footprint (3.4" x 3.6" x 1.2" including the mount), lightweight (6.1 oz.), a 3.5" LCD screen (at 320 x 240 pixels, 64K colors), 2GB Flash memory, pre-loaded Tele Atlas US maps, and text-to-speech capabilities. If this really is "competitively priced" it may make quite a splash among GPS holdouts. It also comes in a variety of colors.
Another big name in GPS gadgets, Garmin, also announced a new model in their motorcycle GPS line. I will admit, I had no idea that the Zumo even existed before. But it didn’t take long to figure out why GPS for motorocyclists is such a great idea: not only do they do a great deal of travel, but the gadget itself has to be able to withstand some pretty intense conditions on the road, like bad weather and constant exposure to sun and moisture. The new Zumo 665, reports CNET, has quite a number of the same features as the previous model, which includes a complete waterproof system, rechargeable battery, and 4.3 inch WQVGA touch screen, as well as Bluetooth capabilities and audio streaming. From CNET:
While the unit is not yet available for purchase, it will retail around $999.Dig a little deeper and you'll find that the new 665 boasts a better battery life (up to five hours versus the 660's three), but the biggest change is the switch to XM NavTraffic and weather from the soon-to-be-defunct MSN Direct network used by the older unit. A cool byproduct of the XM traffic integration is that the Zumo 665 can also stream XM Radio programming through its integrated speaker or to Bluetooth-connected headphones or helmet headsets.
Still, altogether, there is a definitely feeling of innovation among the GPS devices, and some thinking outside of the box. As far as press buzz goes, it’s the TomTom EASE that’s made the most noise so far, with most extensive coverage, but we'll keep you posted.
r4 kort on January 08, 2010 at 07:12 PM
It had evolved but certain models could have more accessories than the norm; so the more intelligent way to learn about accessories for any given GPS device is to read through the product page of your device and shop for the accessories that it works with to avoid paying for any unnecessary purchases. It always helps in few minutes. It can roundup update your device.
newscaper on January 09, 2010 at 07:20 PM
What I really want in a GPS is a decent 'Interstate' or 'cross country' display mode.
When I'm on a trip of everal hours and hundreds of miles, I'd like a usefully zoomed out mode that shows city/town names, interchanges, mile markers etc, how many miles to next exit etc..
In case I get a breakdown or accident on I-10, I'd like to have the bigger picture of where I am, instead of the names of the dirt roads a few hundred yards on either side of the interstate.
GPS's have the street level part down pat, but suck at enhancing you driving long trips -- 'drive 312 miles and turn right' is useless. Ihave aNavigon, but the others I've looked at all had the same issue more or less.
Even when I manually zoom out in 2D mode, once the street names disappear, then you lose almost all useful labels.
Study in Sweden on January 14, 2010 at 02:17 PM
nice...love IPOD and especially Apple.......awesome
micro sd card on January 19, 2010 at 09:44 PM
Anytime you want to know your exact location, the GPS tracking device becomes an indispensable tool.GPS tracking devices can be used to navigate your car through traffic day-to-day or vehicle fleet tracking. Not only can a driver use an auto GPS system for directions, but the corporate office knows where each vehicle is. GPS Systems can be used while outdoors for activities such as hiking or camping.
Mio Navman Spirit S500THF on January 25, 2010 at 08:53 PM
I have a GPS device and also iphone, i use both of them,
i use GPS device when i am in car, and iphone when i am
on the streets.
Mio Navman Spirit V505 on January 27, 2010 at 02:40 AM
GPS has become a widely used aid to navigation worldwide.GNSS allows small electronic receivers to determine their location to within a few metres using time signals transmitted along a line-of-sight by radio from satellites. GPS for cars that provide information on points of interest, airports, ATMs, hotels, restaurants and many other sites.
discount womens moncler down coats onlines sales on February 27, 2010 at 12:35 AM
I admire what you have done here. I like the part where you say you are doing this to give back but I would assume by all the comments that this is working for you as well. http://www.edhardy-buy.com/ Took me awhile to read all the comments. herve leger dress for you !
nike shoes on April 03, 2010 at 01:37 AM
Do not,for one repulse,give up the nike shoes purpose that you resolved to effect.A light cheap jordans shoes heart lives long.In delay there lies no plenty,Then nike shox for cheap on sale come kiss me,sweet and twenty,Youth's a authentic air jordan stuff that will not endure.The time of life is short!to spend http://www.nikejordanshoes2sell.com/ that shortness basely,
snap dome on August 20, 2010 at 07:11 PM
This extra function sounds good.
china Kungfu tour on December 02, 2010 at 11:14 PM
Some of the incredibly capital capitals of the Xia province are Song, Yangcheng, Qiongshi again Yuan. Anyang was the premium of the Shang Chinese CulturesDynasty during the Yin word. This whistle stop was further called considering Yin.Zongzhou was the Western bad of Zhou realm (Western) from 1046 BC to 771 BC China Kungfu besides Chengzhou was the Eastern unparalleled of Zhou scepter (Western). The capitals of Zhou possessions (Eastern) were Chengzhou, Henan (matchless of Western Zhou illustrate) also Gong Chinese Martial Arts(capital of Eastern Zhou describe).
R4 on December 21, 2010 at 12:52 AM
I think this site is the most affordable I've seen of the game card sites
http://www.ndscardsale.com/r4
wholesale dropshippers on January 21, 2011 at 03:53 AM
Good news from this article that now we have GPS on motor bike. GPS is really helpful in the city as well as for outside city tour, camping and hiking.
Christian Louboutin Mary Janes on May 11, 2011 at 02:02 AM
That was a great piece of information, I enjoyed reading it.
Christian Louboutin Flats on May 12, 2011 at 12:58 AM
Good post. I am also going to write a blog post about this...I enjoyed reading your post and I like your take on the issue. Thanks.
Memory Foam Mattress Topper on June 13, 2011 at 11:46 PM
Yap software apps has merge all other things into its body