Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[TomTom updated to support iPod touch and original iPhone]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/18/tomtom-updated-to-support-ipod-touch-and-original-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/18/tomtom-updated-to-support-ipod-touch-and-original-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/18/tomtom-updated-to-support-ipod-touch-and-original-iphone/#comments Back in much simpler times, TomTom's navigation app had claimed compatibility with all iPhone and iPod touch models. Then suddenly, somewhere along the primrose path to publication, original iPhone and iPod touch support evaporated. But no more. TomTom's pushed an update that allows for turn-by-turn navigation, but of course, you'll still need the car kit to work. Was this the missing link between your $100 and owning this app? [Warning: iTunes link]

[Thanks, Scott M]

Update: So, the Car Kit for iPod touch has hit TomTom's e-store, and it's $20 cheaper than the Car Kit for iPhone due to the lack of handsfree support (we guess, anyway). Thanks, Philippe!

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TomTom updated to support iPod touch and original iPhone originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapp storeappleAppStoregpsiphoneiphone 1giphone appIphone1gIphoneAppipod appipod touchipod touch appIpodAppIpodTouchIpodTouchAppitunesitunes appItunesAppnavigationoriginal iphoneOriginalIphonetom tomTomTomWed, 18 Nov 2009 19:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget's Holiday Gift Guide: GPS devices]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/18/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-gps-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/18/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-gps-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/18/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-gps-devices/#commentsWelcome to the Engadget Holiday Gift Guide! The team here is well aware of the heartbreaking difficulties of the seasonal shopping experience, and we want to help you sort through the trash and come up with the treasures this year. Below is today's bevy of hand curated picks, and you can head back to the Gift Guide hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the holiday season.

Look, we all know "that guy / gal." The one that never seems to end up at a meeting place on time, who incidentally is the same one that always gets tied up at the local fuel station asking for "directions." We've always heard that true friends don't let friends drive sans a robotic navigator, and if your BFF is still traversing the highways without any sort of GPS device on board, it's time for that situation to be remedied. There's a whole slew of options out there, so we'll be breaking 'em down as best we can based on how much dough you're willing to spend. Whatever you decide, just make sure you get one with the maps of your own country; after all, you wouldn't want that special someone to end up like this guy, right? Read on!

Continue reading Engadget's Holiday Gift Guide: GPS devices

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Engadget's Holiday Gift Guide: GPS devices originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresgarmingpshgg 2009Hgg2009holiday gift guideholiday gift guide 2009HolidayGiftGuideHolidayGiftGuide2009magellannavnavinavigationtomtomWed, 18 Nov 2009 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia abandoning S60 for Maemo on future N-Series devices?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/18/nokia-abandoning-s60-for-maemo-on-all-future-n-series-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/18/nokia-abandoning-s60-for-maemo-on-all-future-n-series-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/18/nokia-abandoning-s60-for-maemo-on-all-future-n-series-devices/#comments Confused by Nokia's dual-platform, Maemo 5 and S60 5th Edition smartphone choices? You're not alone. Fortunately, things are starting to become a bit more clear thanks to some loose-lipped members of Maemo's marketing team attending an official N900 meet-up in London last night. According to The Really Mobile Project, Nokia will drop S60 from all of its flagship N-series consumer devices in favor of Maemo. Apparently, Nokia has been pleasantly surprised by the enthusiastic response to the N900 OS even though the enthusiast package is not quite ready for mass-market appeal. Mind you, the transition won't be instantaneous as anyone with an N900 (and a clear mind) can attest -- the OS, services, and apps just can't compare to the mature S60 platform regardless of Maemo 5's superior user experience. As such, we'll continue to see N-Series handsets already in development pop with S60 on board alongside mass-market Maemo devices as the platform matures to the point that Nokia can make the full switch by 2012. Assuming, of course, Nokia doesn't end up adding webOS to its portfolio somewhere along the way.

Update: The Nokia Blog has what it claims is an official response from Nokia on this delicate matter. As you'd expect, Nokia says it remains "firmly committed to Symbian as our smartphone platform of choice." It then added this little gem: "Maemo is our software of choice for devices based on technology that you'd typically find inside a desktop computer. It delivers a different user experience and enables us to widen the market we can address." Perhaps you're even reading this on an ARM Cortex-A8 desktop PC right now?

[Thanks, Sockatume]

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Nokia abandoning S60 for Maemo on future N-Series devices? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flagshipmaemomaemo 5Maemo5n seriesn-seriesnokiaNSeriesrumors60s60 5ths60 5th editionS605thS605thEditionsymbiantransitionWed, 18 Nov 2009 05:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Magellan debuts GPS app / car kit for iPhone and iPod touch]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/17/magellan-debuts-gps-app-car-kit-for-iphone-and-ipod-touch/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/17/magellan-debuts-gps-app-car-kit-for-iphone-and-ipod-touch/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/17/magellan-debuts-gps-app-car-kit-for-iphone-and-ipod-touch/#comments
Magellan's new iPhone navigation app won't do much for the iPod touch on its own, but it looks like the company's forthcoming Premium Car Kit will in fact work just fine with the handheld out of the box, unlike TomTom's similar Car Kit. Otherwise, there aren't exactly a ton of surprises, but the cradle is fully adjustable to accommodate a range of sleeves or cases, and it'll of course also charge your iPhone or iPod touch, and give it some amplified sound courtesy of the built-in speaker. The navigation app itself also seems to be more than ready to challenge the competition, with it boasting spoken street names, NAVTEQ maps, 3D landmarks, in-app music control, a pedestrian mode, and a price tag of $79.99. No word on a price or release date for the cradle just yet, but Magellan says it is "coming soon" -- iPhone users can get the app from the App Store right now.

[Thanks, djphatjive]

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Magellan debuts GPS app / car kit for iPhone and iPod touch originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gps cradleGpsCradleiphone appIphoneAppmagellanmagellan premium car kitmagellan roadmateMagellanPremiumCarKitMagellanRoadmatepremium car kitPremiumCarKitroadmateTue, 17 Nov 2009 12:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Pioneer suing Garmin over three navigation patents]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/pioneer-suing-garmin-over-three-navigation-patents/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/pioneer-suing-garmin-over-three-navigation-patents/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/pioneer-suing-garmin-over-three-navigation-patents/#comments
 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.

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Pioneer suing Garmin over three navigation patents originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>garminginternational trade commissionInternationalTradeCommissionitvlawsuitlegalnavnav systemnavigationnavigation systemNavigationSystemNavSystempatentpatentspioneerMon, 16 Nov 2009 15:46:00 EST<![CDATA[TomTom to bring free lane guidance, text-to-speech, iPod control to iPhone GPS app]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/12/tomtom-to-bring-lane-guidance-text-to-speech-ipod-control-to-i/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/12/tomtom-to-bring-lane-guidance-text-to-speech-ipod-control-to-i/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/12/tomtom-to-bring-lane-guidance-text-to-speech-ipod-control-to-i/#comments TomTom's probably still dizzy from the hit that Google laid on it just a few days ago, but it has somehow managed to get its bearings long enough to announce that a slew of gratis updates are incoming for its highly-hyped iPhone navigation app. Following in Navigon's footsteps, the outfit has today stated that a free update has been submitted to Apple for approval, and when (er, if) it clears Cupertino's ambiguous review process, it'll deliver advanced lane guidance, text-to-speech, "Help Me," updated map / safety cameras (in select European nations) databases, customizable audio warnings and iPod player control. Not a bad list of additions for the grand total of $0.00, but we wouldn't expect anything less given the lofty admission price.

Update: As of November 18th, this update is live in the App Store.

Continue reading TomTom to bring free lane guidance, text-to-speech, iPod control to iPhone GPS app

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TomTom to bring free lane guidance, text-to-speech, iPod control to iPhone GPS app originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applefirmwaregpsiphoneiPhone GPSiphone navigationIphoneGpsIphoneNavigationlane guidanceLaneGuidancenavigationsoftwaretext-to-speechTomTomtomtom iphoneTomtomIphoneupdateThu, 12 Nov 2009 12:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia reveals 2015 vision while struggling with 2009 realities (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/11/nokia-reveals-2015-vision-while-struggling-with-2009-realities/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/11/nokia-reveals-2015-vision-while-struggling-with-2009-realities/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/11/nokia-reveals-2015-vision-while-struggling-with-2009-realities/#comments When Nokia talks about the future it's generally a good idea to pay attention. After all, even with diminishing market share, a split Maemo and Symbian smartphone strategy, and less than stellar financials, the company remains the world's leading supplier of handsets with a proven ability to innovate. So take notice when Nokia's head of corporate strategy, Heikki Norta, describes what life will be like in 2015 in a video littered with high-tech devices driven by finger-based UIs. Of course, five years is generally only enough time for the nascent technologies we see today to mature enough for mass market acceptance -- in other words, readers of Engadget won't find anything mind-blowing in a presentation laced with liberal doses of augmented reality, pervasive connectivity, dual-display clamshells, and as always: micro projectors and laser keyboards. Beyond hardware and software, Nokia sees itself at the heart of a global network aggregating data from hundreds of millions of intelligent devices for an unprecedented level of knowledge sharing that enables services such as highly localized traffic reports and weather trends. Fun stuff and certainly worth a few minutes to ponder on your own. Still, it's difficult to get too excited by the vision from a company that was not only totally caught off guard by consumer trends at the margin-rich (read: money making) end of its devices portfolio, but also so slow to respond in any meaningful way.

Continue reading Nokia reveals 2015 vision while struggling with 2009 realities (video)

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Nokia reveals 2015 vision while struggling with 2009 realities (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2015futureheikki nortaHeikkiNortanokiavisionWed, 11 Nov 2009 07:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dual Electronics announces XGPS300 navigation cradle for iPod touch]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/10/dual-electronics-announces-xgps300-navigation-cradle-for-ipod-to/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/10/dual-electronics-announces-xgps300-navigation-cradle-for-ipod-to/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/10/dual-electronics-announces-xgps300-navigation-cradle-for-ipod-to/#comments Well, it looks like iPod touch users pondering the somewhat pricey (and still unfulfilled) proposition offered by TomTom's Car Kit now finally have another option to consider, as Dual Electronics has announced a navigation cradle of its own that's aimed solely at Apple's GPS-less handheld. While it's not quite as sleek as TomTom's unit, Dual's new XGPS300 rig does boast a few decided advantages, including a cradle that also doubles as a rechargeable battery for some added juice when you're out and about and, most importantly, a free NavAtlas navigation app, which will apparently only work with Dual's cradle (sorry, no mix-and-matching here). You'll also get a built-in speaker, a mini USB port for charging and, of course, an adjustable windshield mount for in-car use. Still no firm word on a release date just yet, but it looks like this one should be available sometime this month for $179.99. Head on past the break for a video.

[Thanks, Ryan]

Continue reading Dual Electronics announces XGPS300 navigation cradle for iPod touch

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Dual Electronics announces XGPS300 navigation cradle for iPod touch originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dualdual electronicsdual GPS Navigation Battery CradleDualElectronicsDualGpsNavigationBatteryCradlegpsgps cradleGPS Navigation Battery CradleGpsCradleGpsNavigationBatteryCradleipod touchipod touch accessoryIpodTouchIpodTouchAccessorynavigationnavigation cradleNavigationCradlexgps300Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Navigon updates US iPhone navigation app, live traffic updates are a go]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/09/navigon-updates-us-iphone-navigation-app-live-traffic-updates-a/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/09/navigon-updates-us-iphone-navigation-app-live-traffic-updates-a/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/09/navigon-updates-us-iphone-navigation-app-live-traffic-updates-a/#comments 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

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Navigon updates US iPhone navigation app, live traffic updates are a go originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appgpsiphoneiphone appIphoneAppitunes storeItunesStorelive trafficLiveTrafficmobile navigatorMobileNavigatornavigationnavigontom tomTomTomtrafficMon, 09 Nov 2009 19:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Garmin ecoRoute ESP module gets priced, detailed further]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/garmin-ecoroute-esp-module-gets-priced-detailed-further/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/garmin-ecoroute-esp-module-gets-priced-detailed-further/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/garmin-ecoroute-esp-module-gets-priced-detailed-further/#comments
Well, it looks like we won't have to wait until CES for more details on Garmin's new ecoRoute ESP module after all, as a listing for the device has now already turned up on GPSCity.com, and the site has even provided us with a few additional, as yet unofficial availability details. Apparently, the cable (which ties directly into your car's on board diagnostic system) will run $149.99 and might "possibly" be available by the end of the year, but is more likely to roll out sometime in the first quarter of 2010 --- and it'll supposedly only work with nuvi 1xxx series units that have Bluetooth. If that's not enough for you, the site also has what appears to be the first set of screenshots of the interface, which detail everything from speed and breaking to fuel economy and your carbon footprint. Hit up the link below for the complete rundown.

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Garmin ecoRoute ESP module gets priced, detailed further originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car diagnosticsCarDiagnosticsecorouteespgarmingarmin ecorouteGarminEcoroutegps accessoryGpsAccessoryFri, 06 Nov 2009 18:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Garmin's new aera series gets you there by air or by land]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/garmins-new-aera-series-gets-you-there-by-air-or-by-land/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/garmins-new-aera-series-gets-you-there-by-air-or-by-land/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/garmins-new-aera-series-gets-you-there-by-air-or-by-land/#comments 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.

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Garmin's new aera series gets you there by air or by land originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500510550560aeraaircraftairplaneaviationgarmingpsnavnavigationMon, 02 Nov 2009 16:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Mio MiBuddy GPS units to trade Windows CE for Android]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/mio-mibuddy-gps-units-to-trade-windows-ce-for-android/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/mio-mibuddy-gps-units-to-trade-windows-ce-for-android/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/mio-mibuddy-gps-units-to-trade-windows-ce-for-android/#comments If you're keeping tabs on Mio Technology's GPS happenings, you'll be interested to dip into some facts that PC World has uncovered about the company's upcoming offerings. According to the mag, the next version of the electronics-maker's MiBuddy satnav unit will dash the underlying Windows CE architecture for Google's newer and far more suave Android platform. The new device will be pushing into MID territory, boasting a 4.7-inch touchscreen along with a hardware slider keyboard, the ability to browse the internet, and WiFi and Bluetooth onboard. Call us crazy, but it seems possible that devices like dedicated PNDs running Android could easily adapt Google's new turn-by-turn system as their primary mode of operation. Alternately, you could switch between Mio's proprietary version and Google's variation... or they could axe the big G's altogether, though that awkward situation makes far less sense to us. No word on timing or price just yet, but we'll keep you posted.

[Via NaviGadget]

Update: Seems this is all just a great big mixup, and the whole Android thing is just untrue. Bummer.

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Mio MiBuddy GPS units to trade Windows CE for Android originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid osAndroidOsgoogle androidGoogleAndroidgpsmibuddymiomio technologyMioTechnologypndsatnavwindows ceWindowsCeMon, 02 Nov 2009 09:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Telmap taps NAVTEQ for iPhone GPS solution, understands the inevitable]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/30/telmap-taps-navteq-for-iphone-gps-solution-understands-the-inev/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/30/telmap-taps-navteq-for-iphone-gps-solution-understands-the-inev/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/30/telmap-taps-navteq-for-iphone-gps-solution-understands-the-inev/#comments Man, talk about awful timing. At least TomTom and Navigon were able to sell a few rounds of their pricey iPhone GPS application before Google went and ruined everyone's day (at least in the GPS biz), and now that Google Maps Navigation is but an approval away from hitting iPhone users for free, we've got serious doubts about Telmap's ability to market its newest product. Utilizing NAVTEQ maps and familiar shells like MapQuest Navigation (in the US) and Orange Maps (in France), the company seems quite proud of its newest routing solutions. Oh sure -- there's live traffic, turn-by-turn guidance, in-car and pedestrian modes, etc., but is anyone really doling out cash for a phone-based routing system right now with Google at the wheel? Exactly.

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Telmap taps NAVTEQ for iPhone GPS solution, understands the inevitable originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gpsiphoneiphone gpsiphone naviphone navigationiphone softwareIphoneGpsIphoneNavIphoneNavigationIphoneSoftwaremapquestMapQuest NavigatorMapquestNavigatornavnavinavigationNAVTEQroutingsoftwaretelmapFri, 30 Oct 2009 09:47:00 EST<![CDATA[TomTom Car Kit for iPhone review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/29/tomtom-car-kit-for-iphone-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/29/tomtom-car-kit-for-iphone-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/29/tomtom-car-kit-for-iphone-review/#comments Boy, TomTom sure has chosen the worst possible time to release its Car Kit for iPhone, and to make matters worse, its decision to not include the iPhone app is now set in stone. That's right, the hardware alone will set you back the cost of a TomTom ONE nowadays, and the $99.95 app works on the iPhone 3G and 3GS without it. So here's the question: is the car kit worth the extra $119.95? To find out, we got hold of a review unit for a sunny road trip around London. Surprisingly, the car kit uses Bluetooth to connect the GPS receiver and the hands-free function to the iPhone, even though there's a dock connector for charging. Bluetooth connectivity does have its advantages: according to TomTom it can work as a generic Bluetooth GPS receiver for any satellite navigation app -- including Google Maps -- on the iPhone, or any smartphones at all for that matter. TomTom even confirmed that the car kit could potentially compensate for the first-generation iPhone's lack of built-in GPS, but since its app won't run on anything but a 3G or 3GS we'll have to wait and see if that's actually useful. Meanwhile, the company is cooking up a compatible app for the original iPhone and the iPod touch, which could make the car kit more worthwhile. [Update: the app has now been updated to work with the iPod Touch and the original iPhone, but you'll need to get a separate (and slightly cheaper) model of the Car Kit for the iPod touch. Thanks, Philippe!] Read on for our hands-on impression and test videos.

[Thanks for being our driver, Sam]

Gallery: TomTom Car Kit for iPhone review

Continue reading TomTom Car Kit for iPhone review

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TomTom Car Kit for iPhone review originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebluetoothcarcar kitCarKitcradlefeaturesgpshands onhands-onhandsoniphonemapnavigationnavigatorreviewsat navSatNavtesttom tomtomtomThu, 29 Oct 2009 16:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Magellan SE4 navigation unit turns up at Best Buy]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/29/magellan-se4-navigation-unit-turns-up-at-best-buy/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/29/magellan-se4-navigation-unit-turns-up-at-best-buy/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/29/magellan-se4-navigation-unit-turns-up-at-best-buy/#comments 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]

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Magellan SE4 navigation unit turns up at Best Buy originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best buyBestBuygpsmagellanmagellan se4MagellanSe4nav unitnavigation unitNavigationUnitNavUnitse4Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's MSN Direct service to shut down in 2012]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/microsofts-msn-direct-service-to-shut-down-in-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/microsofts-msn-direct-service-to-shut-down-in-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/microsofts-msn-direct-service-to-shut-down-in-2012/#commentsWell, it's quite the day for any GPS-related announcement, but Microsoft has nonetheless made a fairly big one of its own, with it dropping word via a simple service announcement that it's killing off its MSN Direct live information service for navigation units (among other devices -- even the odd coffeemaker). Those relying on the FM-based service won't be left in the lurch just yet, however, as the shutdown won't occur until January 1st, 2012. Anyone looking to move on with their lives before that can also cancel their service at any point prior to the shutdown date and receive a pro-rated refund for the unused portion of their service, and you can of course rest assured that all MSN Direct-equipped GPS devices will continue to function as basic nav units after the shutdown. Hit up the link below for the complete FAQ.

[Via Ars Technica, thanks Eric]

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Microsoft's MSN Direct service to shut down in 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gpsmicrosoftmsnmsn directMsnDirectWed, 28 Oct 2009 16:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Google adds free turn-by-turn navigation, car dock UI to Android 2.0 (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/google-adds-free-turn-by-turn-navigation-car-dock-ui-to-android/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/google-adds-free-turn-by-turn-navigation-car-dock-ui-to-android/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/google-adds-free-turn-by-turn-navigation-car-dock-ui-to-android/#comments Those nat service providers' fears were actually quite justified. Google today unveiled Maps Navigation (beta, of course), an extremely upgraded version of its current Maps software that'll be free and, from what we understand, available by default on all Android 2.0 devices. All the usual Maps features are present, including the ability to search by name of business and have it suggest the closest matches, both semantically and geographically, and traffic data. We're also now looking at turn-by-turn navigation, female robotic voice and all, and integration with satellite and street view, the latter of which will be able to show you what lane you need to be in when exiting the highway, for example. Instead of just searching nearby, it'll also now search along the route for when you're looking for upcoming gas stations or fast food joints that won't take you too far off your beaten path. Select addresses can be added to the Android home screen as their own icons, and given the limits of living in the cloud, trips and their respective visual feeds will be cached just in case you hit dead spots along the way. Still no multitouch, but as VP of Engineering Vic Gundotra noted at a press conference, there's nothing stopping a company like HTC from adding that feature à la Sense UI.

In addition to demonstrating the basic navigational functions, Gundotra also showcased a new user interface that appears when the device hooked up into a car dock, one that is intended for use "at an arm's length away." Essentially, it means much larger iconography and a convenient "voice search" option front and center. We later got confirmation from a Google product manager that car dock detection was definitively a hardware-based feature, which we take to mean Android devices currently on the market won't necessarily have the same convenience. If Android 2.0 takes off how Google (and Verizon!) hope it does, companies like TomTom and Garmin are going to seriously need to worry about their bottom line. Watch Gundotra demonstrate the app after the break.

Update: Navigation for the iPhone? Gundotra said the ball's in Apple's court, so no telling if / when that'll happen. Remember how well Latitude integrated?

Gallery: Google Maps Navigation beta press shots


Gallery: Google Maps Navigation beta / car dock presentation

Continue reading Google adds free turn-by-turn navigation, car dock UI to Android 2.0 (video)

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Google adds free turn-by-turn navigation, car dock UI to Android 2.0 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.0Android2.0betabreakingbreaking newsBreakingNewsdroidfeaturedfeaturesgooglegoogle mapsgoogle maps navigationGoogleMapsGoogleMapsNavigationgpsmapsmaps navigationMapsNavigationmotorola droidMotorolaDroidnavigationpndWed, 28 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Google developing free navigation app?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/google-developing-free-navigation-app/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/google-developing-free-navigation-app/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/google-developing-free-navigation-app/#comments We already know plenty of people who've eschewed traditional turn-by-turn GPS systems in favor of plotting it out for free on Google Maps, and now there's whispers that Mountain View is coming after the rest of the market with a free nav app. That's at least what nav services providers are saying to Forbes, who think El Goog is gearing up to release a free ad-supported navigation app after making moves to use its own US maps instead licensing data from Tele Atlas and putting ads on the iPhone Maps app. Obviously that would shake things up a ton -- and make Android devices a huge bargain -- but we'll see where this all leads over the next few months.

[Via Fierce Mobile Content; thanks Elad]

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Google developing free navigation app? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappappsgooglegoogle mapsGoogleMapsgpsnavigationrumorrumorstele atlasTeleAtlasTurn-by-TurnTue, 27 Oct 2009 16:24:00 EST<![CDATA[TomTom iPhone kit now being sold through US Apple Store]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/25/tomtom-iphone-kit-now-being-sold-through-us-apple-store/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/25/tomtom-iphone-kit-now-being-sold-through-us-apple-store/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/25/tomtom-iphone-kit-now-being-sold-through-us-apple-store/#comments American TomTom loyalists, we know what you've been thinking: how dare those fine folks across the pond get first dibs to pick up the iPhone car kit? Well, steam to yourself no longer, it's now for sale online via Apple's US store for the previously-disclosed price of $119.95. Alas, no software's included, but you've had enough time to cope with that. Also, it's iPhone 3G and 3GS only -- iPod touch need not apply.

[Via App Advice]

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TomTom iPhone kit now being sold through US Apple Store originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecar kitCarKitgpsiphoneiphone 3giphone 3gsiphone car kitIphone3gIphone3gsIphoneCarKitnavigationtom tomtom tom car kitTomTomTomTomCarKitSun, 25 Oct 2009 17:07:00 EST<![CDATA[PhotoTrackr Mini geotagging device shrinks down, adds Mac and RAW support]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/25/phototrackr-mini-geotagging-device-shrinks-down-adds-mac-and-ra/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/25/phototrackr-mini-geotagging-device-shrinks-down-adds-mac-and-ra/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/25/phototrackr-mini-geotagging-device-shrinks-down-adds-mac-and-ra/#comments Looking for a geotagging solution that doesn't discriminate based on what kind of camera you have? Looking for one that can fit snugly into your Fifth Pocket? The PhotoTrackr Mini looks to be that very device, boasting a diminutive thumb drive-esque appearance and the same geotagging technology as found in the original. Put simply, the device works by syncing the time of your camera with bundled software; when you're back from a shoot (a shoot where your device also was), you just allow the application to figure out where a given shot was snapped at what time. There's also Mac and RAW file format support on this model, neither of which were compatible with the prior version. Pre-orders are being accepted now at $69, and the first shipments are expected to go out next month.

Continue reading PhotoTrackr Mini geotagging device shrinks down, adds Mac and RAW support

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PhotoTrackr Mini geotagging device shrinks down, adds Mac and RAW support originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>geotaggeotaggingGiSTEQgpsmacphotographerphotographyPhotoTrackrPhotoTrackr MiniPhotoTrackr Mini DPL900PhototrackrMiniPhototrackrMiniDpl900rawSun, 25 Oct 2009 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Insignia's Little Buddy Child Tracker encourages kids to run away, disown parents]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/insignias-little-buddy-child-tracker-encourages-kids-to-run-awa/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/insignias-little-buddy-child-tracker-encourages-kids-to-run-awa/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/insignias-little-buddy-child-tracker-encourages-kids-to-run-awa/#comments With a name like "Little Buddy Child Tracker," you know this thing has to be awful, right? Insignia, Best Buy's house brand, has just listed an incredibly invasive and humiliating new GPS tracker on its site, and rather than promoting it as just that, the marketing brains have decided it best to aim this at paranoid mums and dads who've done such a poor job raising their offspring that they can't even trust 'em to trek out on their own. All sensationalism aside, there's little Insignia can say or do to remedy the product labeling job, but if you're okay with shoving this extra-small stick into your youngster's lunch box, you can keep tabs on his / her exact location and have alerts sent to you via SMS if they leave a designated area. Just make sure they don't ever know that you were responsible for planting this thing on their person, else you can forget about junior footing those nursing home bills when the time comes.

[Via Navigadget]

Continue reading Insignia's Little Buddy Child Tracker encourages kids to run away, disown parents

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Insignia's Little Buddy Child Tracker encourages kids to run away, disown parents originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best buyBestBuygps trackingGpsTrackingInsignia Sports TourerInsigniaSportsTourerLittle Buddy Child TrackerLittleBuddyChildTrackersecuritytrackpadFri, 23 Oct 2009 20:52:00 EST<![CDATA[In Japan, nerds control girls with joysticks]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/in-japan-nerds-control-girls-with-joysticks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/in-japan-nerds-control-girls-with-joysticks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/in-japan-nerds-control-girls-with-joysticks/#comments For some of you, like this guy (look at his face!), this is a dream come true, no questions asked. The rest will be wondering what the hell is going on here. See, that bicycle helmet affixed with what looks like a robotic crab is a not so subtle, ear tugging navigational device that could ultimately benefit the sight-impaired or anyone, really -- it pulls on the left ear to direct the wearer to the left, on the right to go right. Simple. Granted, it looks ridiculous now, but imagine it miniaturized under a tin-foil helmet and communicating with a hands- and eyes-free GPS navigational system. You've just seen the future, how does it feel?

Gallery: In Japan, nerds control girls with joysticks

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In Japan, nerds control girls with joysticks originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blindcrabgpshandicappedhelmetjoysticknavigationpersonal navigationPersonalNavigationsight impairedSightImpairedvisually impairedVisuallyImpairedwalkwalkingFri, 23 Oct 2009 04:43:00 EST<![CDATA[OnStar's Stolen Vehicle Slowdown used to recover carjacked vehicle, baffle carjacker (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/21/onstars-stolen-vehicle-slowdown-used-to-recover-carjacked-vehic/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/21/onstars-stolen-vehicle-slowdown-used-to-recover-carjacked-vehic/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/21/onstars-stolen-vehicle-slowdown-used-to-recover-carjacked-vehic/#comments So, picture this. You get the itch to start some chaos at around 3AM local time. You snatch up your stolen shotgun, load a few slugs in there and roll out with a mind to come home in a shiny new vehicle. As fate would have it, you choose to carjack a 2009 Chevy Tahoe, and while everything seems kosher at first (look, there's even a half-full bottle of Coke Zero over there!), the mighty V8 just seems to be struggling all of a sudden. As the horrifying reality sets in (you know, the one that involves the accelerator not functioning any longer), you're left with no choice but to curse OnStar's Stolen Vehicle Slowdown feature, which has just nabbed its first-ever criminal. As the Tahoe slowly grinds to a halt, you make a fruitless dash and topple into a swimming pool before being apprehended soaking wet, and even though OnStar took just 16 minutes to return the vehicle to its rightful owner, at least you'll go down in history as the first one to fall victim to the system. Here's to you, unfortunate carjacker -- next time, go for a lawnmower. Humiliating video is after the break.

Continue reading OnStar's Stolen Vehicle Slowdown used to recover carjacked vehicle, baffle carjacker (video)

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OnStar's Stolen Vehicle Slowdown used to recover carjacked vehicle, baffle carjacker (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carjackchasecopscrimecriminalLaw EnforcementLawEnforcementlegalOnStarStolen Vehicle SlowdownStolenVehicleSlowdowntheftVehicle SlowdownVehicleSlowdownvideoWed, 21 Oct 2009 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[TomTom Go I-90 integrates into any dashboard, brings radio 'infotainment']]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/20/tomtom-go-i-90-integrates-into-any-dashboard-brings-radio-info/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/20/tomtom-go-i-90-integrates-into-any-dashboard-brings-radio-info/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/20/tomtom-go-i-90-integrates-into-any-dashboard-brings-radio-info/#comments 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.

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TomTom Go I-90 integrates into any dashboard, brings radio 'infotainment' originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 06:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cardashboarddashboard integrationDashboardIntegrationgo i-90GoI-90gpshandsfreein-carin-car entertainmentIn-carEntertainmentinfotainmentintegrated navigation systemIntegratedNavigationSystemmap shareMapSharenavigationsatnavtomtomtomtom gotomtom go i-90TomtomGoTomtomGoI-90Tue, 20 Oct 2009 06:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Garmin's nuvi 1450 GPS makes small, quiet blip on retail map]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/17/garmins-nuvi-1450-gps-makes-small-quiet-blip-on-retail-map/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/17/garmins-nuvi-1450-gps-makes-small-quiet-blip-on-retail-map/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/17/garmins-nuvi-1450-gps-makes-small-quiet-blip-on-retail-map/#comments It's not that Garmin doesn't love the nuvi 1450 -- we're sure it loves each and every one one of its GPS units equally in their own special way or somesuch -- but it did release the device without so much as a press release or other typical fanfare. Bummer, but the 5-inch, 480 x 272 resolution touchscreen has now been unearthed and doesn't look too bad for its $449.99 price tag. Battery lasts up to three hours without charge and includes optional cityXplorer software for public transit listings and ecoRoute for fuel-conscious drivers. Available now if you're itching to take it with you on the next road trip.

[Via Slashgear]

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Garmin's nuvi 1450 GPS makes small, quiet blip on retail map originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 17 Oct 2009 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1450garmingarmin 1450garmin nuvi 1450Garmin1450GarminNuvi1450gpsnuvinuvi 1450Nuvi1450Sat, 17 Oct 2009 08:26:00 EST<![CDATA[All-weather Satsports GPS handles navigation duties for snow bunnies, other athletes (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/all-weather-satsports-gps-handles-navigation-duties-for-snow-bun/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/all-weather-satsports-gps-handles-navigation-duties-for-snow-bun/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/all-weather-satsports-gps-handles-navigation-duties-for-snow-bun/#comments
Ripxx is already targeting athletes-in-training with its GPS-enabled Personal Measurement Device, but it looks as if that very unit may have a little competition. Satsports GPS claims to be the world's first device to combine "true real time interactive navigation for skiing, snowboarding, golfing, running, cycling and automotive enthusiasts in a portable, all-weather device." Granted, it's not like you couldn't get your hands on a rugged navigator before, but the software here is what takes things to another level. It promises athletes real-time routing and data logging, and after your runs are through, you can sync the data with Google Earth to get a good look at what all you just accomplished. As for specs, you'll find a 2.7-inch touchscreen, 400MHz Samsung processor and a microSD expansion card. Oh, and if you're not down with dropping $490 on this, you can opt for the Satski, Pocket Caddy and / or Sports Log apps for WinMo and Android. Check the details in the press release and demo vid after the break.

Gallery: All-weather Satsports GPS handles navigation duties for snow bunnies, other athletes (video)

Continue reading All-weather Satsports GPS handles navigation duties for snow bunnies, other athletes (video)

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All-weather Satsports GPS handles navigation duties for snow bunnies, other athletes (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all weatherAllWeathergooglegoogle earthGoogleEarthgpsoutdooroutdoorsSatsportsSatsports GPSSatsportsGpssportsportsThu, 15 Oct 2009 14:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Garmin-Asus nuvifone G60 reviewed at Engadget Mobile!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/13/garmin-asus-nuvifone-g60-reviewed-at-engadget-mobile/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/13/garmin-asus-nuvifone-g60-reviewed-at-engadget-mobile/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/13/garmin-asus-nuvifone-g60-reviewed-at-engadget-mobile/#comments You've been waiting for this day for nearly two years, but before you go and drop three Benjamins on a phone that you're probably assuming is way out of date by now, you should probably hit up Engadget Mobile's review of the thing. It's the nüvifone G60, and the full, unadulterated critique is waiting for you right here. Have a gander, won't you?

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Garmin-Asus nuvifone G60 reviewed at Engadget Mobile! originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asusattg60garmingarmin-asusgpsnavnavinavigationnuvifonenuvifone g60NuvifoneG60reviewreviewedsmartphoneTue, 13 Oct 2009 16:39:00 EST<![CDATA[TomTom XL 335S: mostly the same, but slightly cheaper]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/13/tomtom-xl-335s-mostly-the-same-but-slightly-cheaper/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/13/tomtom-xl-335s-mostly-the-same-but-slightly-cheaper/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/13/tomtom-xl-335s-mostly-the-same-but-slightly-cheaper/#comments Maps cost money, people -- and if you're TomTom and you're trying to shave a couple bucks off your latest nav unit, you can do it by leaving some out. Like, say, maps of Mexico. That's really the only difference we see between the $239 XL 335S announced today and the $249 XL340S announced back in April -- both have 4.3-inch touchscreens and the usual Map Share, IQ Routes, and Advanced Lane Guidance features, but the new kid won't go south of the border. We'd spring for the extra peace of mind, honestly -- but if you're willing to live dangerously, the 335S is on sale now.

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TomTom XL 335S: mostly the same, but slightly cheaper originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>335sgpsnavigationpndsatnavtomtomtomtom xltomtom xl335sTomtomXlTomtomXl335sxlxl 335sXl335sTue, 13 Oct 2009 14:08:00 EST<![CDATA[TomTom iPhone Car Kit returns to UK Apple Store, awaits drama]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/09/tomtom-iphone-car-kit-returns-to-uk-apple-store-awaits-drama/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/09/tomtom-iphone-car-kit-returns-to-uk-apple-store-awaits-drama/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/09/tomtom-iphone-car-kit-returns-to-uk-apple-store-awaits-drama/#commentsIt's back. After making a horrendous false start with the early promise of iPod touch support and the inclusion of the iPhone App in its £100 price tag, the TomTom Car Kit has returned to the Apple Store. In a big fat disclaimer, TomTom writes:
The TomTom app for iPhone is not included with this TomTom Car Kit. The Car Kit dock is compatible with all iPhone models, but the TomTom app only works with iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G.
We only see it in the UK store at the moment but it's likely to pop on your local store anytime now. Ships in 1-2 weeks.

[Thanks, Joe W.]

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TomTom iPhone Car Kit returns to UK Apple Store, awaits drama originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 05:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g3gscar kitCarKitgpsiphoneiphone 3giphone 3gsIphone3gIphone3gsipodipod touchIpodTouchtomtomtouchFri, 09 Oct 2009 05:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Garmin's connected nuvi 1690 now shipping for $500]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/garmins-connected-nuvi-1690-now-shipping-for-500/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/garmins-connected-nuvi-1690-now-shipping-for-500/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/garmins-connected-nuvi-1690-now-shipping-for-500/#comments
Guess what, kiddos? Garmin's minty fresh connected PND is now shipping, and if you plan on getting your home address on one of those labels, you best break out the checkbook. The nüvi 1690 is now moving out from Amazon's warehouses, and just as promised, it's going for a penny under $500. Is real-time access to Google search, white page listings, real-time traffic and flight status updates on your GPS unit really worth all that cheddar? Maybe -- but just wait until those two years of free service expire. Good times.

[Via navigadget]

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Garmin's connected nuvi 1690 now shipping for $500 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1690connected gpsconnected pndConnectedGpsConnectedPndgarmingarmin nuvi 1690GarminNuvi1690gpsnavinavigationnuvinuvi 1690Nuvi1690on saleOnSalepndThu, 08 Oct 2009 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[TomTom's iPhone car kit gets taken for a stationary test drive]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/07/tomtoms-iphone-car-kit-gets-taken-for-a-stationary-test-drive/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/07/tomtoms-iphone-car-kit-gets-taken-for-a-stationary-test-drive/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/07/tomtoms-iphone-car-kit-gets-taken-for-a-stationary-test-drive/#comments
It's been a long trip filled with hopes and confusion, but TomTom's iPhone car kit is now finally nearing an actual release (minus the bundled navigation app), and a few lucky folks are beginning to get their hands on it. While they unfortunately didn't get to take it for an actual test drive, the folks at Recombu did get to spend a bit of time with the device and deliver a few initial impressions, noting that the kit feels solid and easily accommodates your iPhone without too much effort. Interestingly, the site also says that TomTom told it that the kit will also work with "any sat-nav iPhone app," and that TomTom's own navigation app (which has apparently already sold thousands of copies) will be getting free updates. Head on past the break for a brief (and we mean brief) video.

Update: Exact sales figures removed upon TomTom's request.

Continue reading TomTom's iPhone car kit gets taken for a stationary test drive

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TomTom's iPhone car kit gets taken for a stationary test drive originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 06:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gpsiphonetomtomtomtom car kittomtom car kit for iphonetomtom iphone car kitTomtomCarKitTomtomCarKitForIphoneTomtomIphoneCarKitWed, 07 Oct 2009 06:24:00 EST<![CDATA[TomTom Start wants to democratize GPS navigation: smartphones point, laugh]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/06/tomtom-start-wants-to-democratize-gps-navigation-smartphones-po/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/06/tomtom-start-wants-to-democratize-gps-navigation-smartphones-po/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/06/tomtom-start-wants-to-democratize-gps-navigation-smartphones-po/#comments Paradoxically, most of the fuss surrounding TomTom of late has been associated with a certain smartphone -- a class of devices that signals the end to the dedicated SatNavs TomTom builds. Still, TomTom hasn't given up the fight yet as they've just announced the TomTom Start, a Є129 entry-level GPS navigator with 3.5-inch display and choice of six StartSkin covers costing €15 per -- you know, so you can change the look of your GPS unit every time you reupholster your car's interior. The device cost climbs to Є149 for a European map pre-load instead of the base, regional offering. Start features TomTom's IQ Routes and Map Share technology to find the fastest route benefiting from the aggregated map correction data fed by the hoards of local TomTom-ers. Look for it in the UK and Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway... someday, TomTom doesn't say when.

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TomTom Start wants to democratize GPS navigation: smartphones point, laugh originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 04:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gpsiq routesIqRoutesmap shareMapSharesatnavstartstartskintomtomTue, 06 Oct 2009 04:24:00 EST<![CDATA[EU's new EGNOS GPS system goes active]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/04/eus-new-egnos-gps-system-goes-active/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/04/eus-new-egnos-gps-system-goes-active/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/04/eus-new-egnos-gps-system-goes-active/#comments
The EU's Galileo satellite positioning project has been lost in a haze of paperwork for a while, but there's finally some positive news to report: a "precursor" system called EGNOS launched last week, which will provide free positioning over most of the 27 EU states. The European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service, as it's charmingly called, consists of three satellites, four control centers, and around 40 positioning stations, all of which combine to take signals from US GPS satellites and enhance them to provide position information that's accurate to six feet, compared to around 60 feet for GPS alone. That means satnavs in Europe are going to get more accurate overnight, as most major brands are already EGNOS-ready -- too bad better navigation won't keep drivers in the UK from careening into rivers and damaging bridges.

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EU's new EGNOS GPS system goes active originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>egnosesaeueuropean space agencyeuropean unionEuropeanSpaceAgencyEuropeanUniongalileogpsnavigationsatellitesatellite navigationSatelliteNavigationSun, 04 Oct 2009 23:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Navin miniHomer keychain GPS will lead you to your car, won't help find your keys]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/02/navin-minihomer-keychain-gps-will-lead-you-to-your-car-wont-he/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/02/navin-minihomer-keychain-gps-will-lead-you-to-your-car-wont-he/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/02/navin-minihomer-keychain-gps-will-lead-you-to-your-car-wont-he/#comments
Still have a bit more room on that keychain ring next to your DAP, photo frame, Atari controller and, um, keys? Then you might want to keep an eye out for Navin's new miniHomer GPS compass, which won't give you actual turn-by-turn directions, but will at least point you towards up to five different locations of your choosing (including your car's spot in the parking lot). To ensure the device keeps on ticking during particularly arduous trips away from your car, the miniHomer is also waterproof to IPX7 standards, and it promises a "low power consumption," although Navin doesn't seem to be making any firm promises about battery life just yet (it's recharged via USB). It also isn't saying anything about a price, but it looks like this one should be out sometime in November.

[Via SlashGear]

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Navin miniHomer keychain GPS will lead you to your car, won't help find your keys originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>compassgpsgps compassGpsCompasskey fobkeychainKeyFobkeyringminihomernavinnavin minihomerNavinMinihomerFri, 02 Oct 2009 14:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Garmin-Asus nuvifone G60 finally ready for AT&T: $300 on October 4?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/28/garmin-asus-nuvifone-g60-finally-ready-for-atandt-300-on-october/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/28/garmin-asus-nuvifone-g60-finally-ready-for-atandt-300-on-october/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/28/garmin-asus-nuvifone-g60-finally-ready-for-atandt-300-on-october/#comments Let's just be brutally honest here: Garmin-Asus' nuvifone G60 is basically the Duke Nukem of phones. We've been following it since before Garmin and ASUS formed their joint venture, since before we had an inkling of what carriers might pick it up, and before other models running other platforms got thrown under the nuvifone branding umbrella. It's been a heck of a ride -- a ride that seemed exciting for the first year or so, but at this point, the phone's stretched our patience to the breaking point and set expectations so unrealistically high that it seems virtually impossible that a US launch could quench our thirst for awesomeness. The world will never know with certainty what took so long -- maybe it was met with a lukewarm response from carriers, maybe the formation of the joint venture set everything back a bunch of months -- but whatever the case, it looks like we'll finally be able to navigate the G60 right into our hands come October 4 on AT&T. With triband HSDPA, a 3.2 megapixel camera, Bluetooth, and microSD expansion, the phone really doesn't scream "high end," but AT&T must think that the promise of an authentic Garmin nav experience is enough to command a hefty premium because a two-year deal is going to run $299.99 with a required $30 data plan -- and that's after $100 mail-in rebate. Follow the break for a gander at AT&T's G60 FAQs for salesfolk.

[Thanks, anonymous tipster]

Continue reading Garmin-Asus nuvifone G60 finally ready for AT&T: $300 on October 4?

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Garmin-Asus nuvifone G60 finally ready for AT&T: $300 on October 4? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attg60garmingarmin-asusnuvifonenuvifone g60NuvifoneG60Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:28:00 EST<![CDATA[TomTom car kit for iPhone will run $120]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/28/tomtom-car-kit-for-iphone-will-run-120/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/28/tomtom-car-kit-for-iphone-will-run-120/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/28/tomtom-car-kit-for-iphone-will-run-120/#comments
We've been waiting quite a while to hear pricing info for the much-anticipated TomTom car kit for the iPhone. The kit, which will be sold separately from the navigational iPhone app, will be available in October (that's almost now!!). While we still don't have full details on what the whole package will include, it's officially going to run you $119.95 (or 99.99 if you pay in Euros). Check out the teaser video after the break to tide you over until the awesome, GPS-infused release date is upon us.

[Via GPSTracklog]

Continue reading TomTom car kit for iPhone will run $120

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TomTom car kit for iPhone will run $120 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsgpsiphoneiphone appIphoneAppnavigationtomtomtomtom car kitTomtomCarKitMon, 28 Sep 2009 15:35:00 EST<![CDATA[TomTom pushes Google services to mid-range XL 340S LIVE]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/28/tomtom-pushes-google-services-on-mid-range-xl-340s-live/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/28/tomtom-pushes-google-services-on-mid-range-xl-340s-live/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/28/tomtom-pushes-google-services-on-mid-range-xl-340s-live/#comments TomTom has already delivered its LIVE services to an array of its higher-end personal navigation devices, but now the company is pushing the Google love onto less expensive siblings. Er, one less expensive sibling. The mid-range XL 340S LIVE has just been launched, complete with Google-powered Local Search, real-time traffic information, real-time fuel prices, local weather and the company's own IQ Routes, which gets you from one point to another via the most efficient route possible. Essentially, this is simply a 4.3-inch (320 x 240 resolution) XL 340S with connected services, and as with Garmin's latest, said services are being provided courtesy of AT&T. Unfortunately, the $299.99 asking price only includes three months of LIVE; after that, you'll be shelling out $9.95 per month and hating every minute of it.

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TomTom pushes Google services to mid-range XL 340S LIVE originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 10:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attconnected gpsconnected pndConnectedGpsConnectedPndgooglegpsnavnavinavigationpndreal-time trafficReal-timeTraffictomtomtomtom xl 340s liveTomtomXl340sLivexl 340s liveXl340sLiveMon, 28 Sep 2009 10:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Garmin-ASUS nuvifone G60 to run $300?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/27/rumor-garmin-asus-nuvifone-g60-to-run-300/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/27/rumor-garmin-asus-nuvifone-g60-to-run-300/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/27/rumor-garmin-asus-nuvifone-g60-to-run-300/#comments
While several shipping dates have come and gone, we're still hopeful of seeing Garmin's nuvifone in the flesh and on the street at some point in the future. If you've forgotten (and nobody would really blame you), the HSDPA, quad-band handset will boast GPS (of course), WiFi, Bluetooth, plus a full browser. The G60's been available in Asia for some time now, and while a confirmed US launch has been much anticipated, no pricing has ever been announced. Rumors now abound that the device will carry a $300 price tag on contract, running about $550 without. Of course, it is just a rumor -- and one that we hope is off base, too.

[Via Navigadget]

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Rumor: Garmin-ASUS nuvifone G60 to run $300? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 03:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asusg60garmingarmin asusgarmin-asusGarminAsusgpsnuvifonenuvifone g60NuvifoneG60nuviphonenuviphone g60NuviphoneG60pricingrumorSun, 27 Sep 2009 03:46:00 EST<![CDATA[TomTom clears up iPhone car kit slip: £99.99 for the hardware alone, app sold separately ]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/24/tomtom-clears-up-iphone-car-kit-slip-99-99-for-the-hardware-al/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/24/tomtom-clears-up-iphone-car-kit-slip-99-99-for-the-hardware-al/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/24/tomtom-clears-up-iphone-car-kit-slip-99-99-for-the-hardware-al/#comments
Oh, brother. TomTom just hit us up with the real details on its iPhone car kit slip this morning, and we've got a feeling you won't like what it has to say. It confessed that the posting was indeed a mistake, and thus, the pricing was also incorrect. If you'll recall (c'mon, it wasn't that long ago), the Apple store listing explained that the £99.99 car kit included the iPhone app, when in reality, that price definitely does not include the app. Jump on past the break for TomTom's official statement, which now curiously states that the "iPhone 2G" will be compatible with the car kit, yet doesn't mention the iPod touch at all.

Continue reading TomTom clears up iPhone car kit slip: £99.99 for the hardware alone, app sold separately

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TomTom clears up iPhone car kit slip: £99.99 for the hardware alone, app sold separately originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g3gsappapp storeAppStorecar kitCarKitglobaliphoneiphone 3giphone 3gsiphone gpsiphone navigationiphone os 3.0Iphone3gIphone3gsIphoneGpsIphoneNavigationIphoneOs3.0navnavinavigationTomTomukThu, 24 Sep 2009 12:27:00 EST<![CDATA[TomTom iPhone Car Kit up for £100 UK pre-order, includes navigation app]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/24/tomtom-iphone-car-kit-up-for-100-uk-pre-order-includes-navigat/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/24/tomtom-iphone-car-kit-up-for-100-uk-pre-order-includes-navigat/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/24/tomtom-iphone-car-kit-up-for-100-uk-pre-order-includes-navigat/#comments
The TomTom iPhone Car Kit has just gone up for pre-order on the Apple UK store -- we presume it will go global in the hours to come. It'll cost 5 pence shy of £100 and ships in 2-3 weeks with the dock and adhesive disk in the box. Better yet, for that price you also get the £60 navigation app for the UK/Ireland. Then there's this little note:
"The Car Kit dock is compatible with all iPhone models, but the Car Kit app only works with iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G"
So what about the iPod touch compatibility as claimed in the TomTom FAQ? Or is that just a gaming device now?

Update: Just hit mainland Europe for €99,95.

Update 2: Oops! Looks like the page was pulled -- back to waiting! See the original after the break.

[Via Recombu]

Continue reading TomTom iPhone Car Kit up for £100 UK pre-order, includes navigation app

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TomTom iPhone Car Kit up for £100 UK pre-order, includes navigation app originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 03:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g3gsappleiphoneiphone gpsIphoneGpsipod touchIpodTouchnavigationon saleOnSaletomtomThu, 24 Sep 2009 03:59:00 EST