Archive for August, 2009
Friday, August 7th, 2009
The end of June 2009 brought good news to all vehicle rental customers all over Europe who wishes to be aided with the best navigation tool. An upgrade of Hertz’s satellite navigation was released in its new version in the form of Hertz Neverlost Version 3 which features all 39 languages in the continent.
Like its older version, the portable Hertz NeverLost system still has the easy-use touchscreen and large database of pre-programmed locations. Now, customers will have much more confidence in using the upgraded satnav, with the most advanced turn-by-turn directions powered by Garmin.
Its upgraded touchscreen has the unique “locate” feature marking current positions when removed from the windshield, a useful addition when in new cities or places, or parked in vast car parking areas. The gadget also has the “where am I?” enhancement to assist customers find the nearest amenities while driving, and it contains as well over a million points of interest like ATMs, hotels and dining spots.
Additional mapping is featured in the latest satnav, along with modifications to suit the needs of any Hertz renting customer. The maps already include all of Eastern Europe and other pre-programmed company branches of the car rental company. More good news is that voice guidance of the Neverlost 3 now comes in major European languages, and Arabic and Afrikaans as well.
For many, among the most welcome feature would be the extended battery life of the Neverlost 3. For others, it’s the friction mount that eliminates the suction cup on the windscreen. The Bluetooth and FM transmitter are the other modifications that allows hands-free calling from mobile phones.
Hertz remains the only rental company to render its customers customized satnav system in Europe, continuing its company’s pursuit of investing in innovative products and services to its customers. Hertz president Michel Taride further solidified their commitment to customers, saying, they want comfortable driving both at home and abroad for their clients for them to enjoy freedom and adventure with Neverlost as their travel guide.
To date, the Neverlost 3 devices are available to Hertz customers in over 69 major airports and cities in 17 European countries.
For more information on the Hertz Neverlast 3, click on traveldailynews.com
More details about the company and the Neverlast 3 can be found at World News
Tags: GPS, Hertz, in-car-sat-nav, rental-car-sat-nav, Sat Nav
Posted in Hertz, In Car | No Comments »
Friday, August 7th, 2009
A bill has been pushed by one staunch lawmaker to ban hand-held cellphones and prohibit text messaging when driving. Supported for its wisdom and effort to eliminate road accidents related to text messaging, the bill took effect on March 2008.
Now comes another wise bill calling to prohibit manual operation of GPS devices. Under such law, drivers will only be allowed to employ voice-activated systems to program devices while operated vehicle is in motion. If such law is passed, it would be the first of its kind in the United States.
Jersey City Democrat L. Harvey Smith introduced the bill on June 8, 2009 which states that only a voice activated GPS may be programmed while driving a car. Further, the bill proposes that violators will get a $100 fine for anyone caught text messaging or using a hand-held mobile phone while driving a car or any other vehicle.
Among the benefits included for the proposed bill would be that it will eliminate the hazards of manual GPS programming from behind the wheel. Even with GPS manuals clearly stating to avoid programming while driving, many remain stubborn and taking their chances at doing so.
The effort of Congressman Smith to combat distracted driving comes with a lot of opposition, saying manual GPS operations as similar to eating, changing DVD or CD, combing one’s hair or putting make up or a tie on while driving.
Still, many perceive a GPS device a distracting device like a satellite radio box with dozens of stations that streams all scores of the major league baseball on such tiny screen. Point is, not one lawmaker is proposing a ban on manual operations of a satellite radio.
While there is much wisdom in the proposed law, many perceive that common sense is what needs to be applied regarding their GPS system of choice.
More informative details could be read at Fox News You could also click Daily Records for more information.
Tags: gps-laws, in-car-sat-nav, Sat Nav, sat-nav-laws
Posted in Laws, Smartphones | No Comments »
Thursday, August 6th, 2009
RAC has recently released the United Kingdom version of their 300 models, the RAC 300 UK. Nearly identical to the Europe version, this device is well equipped with a 3.5” touchscreen display. While traveling high definition map images are shown to bring a more exciting approach to reading directions. Both 2D and 3D maps are offered when viewing routes. As with all RAC gps devices, turn by turn voice directions are read aloud via the internal speaker. Thousands of Points of Interests are can be viewed in case you are wanting to find the nearest hotel, gasoline station, shopping area, restaurants and more. Your route can be automatically rearranged if you choose an interest point that is off-route. The entire display system is set up very well and has simple icons that are easy for anyone to understand.
Several RAC 300 UK reviews have claimed they have saved a great deal of money due to avoided speeding fines. The modern safety camera alerts notify you when there are upcoming cameras that could potentially fine you for speeding. A great addition to your visibility in the dark is the all new night view mode. A neat re-routing feature is included that will automatically direct you back on track in case you take a wrong turn. Since the RAC 300 UK is pre-loaded with complete United Kingdom maps only, you may need extra maps if you are traveling outside of the country. If you happen to need additional maps, weather forecasts, vacation guides and much more can be downloaded via SD card. If you happen to be a United Kingdom citizen and need the reliability to reach your destinations safely, then the RAC 300 UK could be the gps device you need.
Tags: in-car-sat-nav, rac, rac-300, rac-300-review, rac-300-uk-review, rac-reviews, Sat Nav
Posted in In Car, RAC News | No Comments »
Thursday, August 6th, 2009
Now 30% smaller and much lighter than the original unit at 5.2 ounce, SPOT LLC introduced its Satellite GPS messenger and everyone rushed to get the handy device. Already, 120,000 units have been sold in March this year, just a few weeks after the SPOT gadget was launched.
The hand-held personal tracking and emergency device now comes with an additional custom messaging tagged with a GPS position. From any point in the globe, text messages can be sent through the SPOT Satellite GPS messenger through the Globalstar Comms satellite. This feature has proven great with its older version which has reportedly helped in over 250 rescues conducted after custom messages were trafficked from its user to the emergency services. The SOS button and calls to home are equally helpful and a great relief for over 10 million people worldwide, thanks to the gadget’s features.
SPOT’s new device have become even more attractive to outdoor enthusiasts for its practical, handy and advanced technological features. Hikers, climbers, boaters, pilots and even travelers and remote workers have employed the applications of SPOT Satellite GPS messenger during emergencies and need for assistance from remote places. More importantly, the same gadget can be used to call home just to give the family the peace of mind while a loved one is out climbing some peaks or braving the stormy seas.
With the release of Satellite GPS messenger, SPOT is seen to stay a leader for long in the personal satellite messaging and emergency communications. The state-of-the-art GPS chipset has the ability to provide enhanced reliability and excellent performance. The newer version also comes with GPS acquisition light, protective covers over vital buttons, dedicated GPS tracking button, among others.
The marketing arms of SPOT, LLC stated with pride that they merely responded to their followers’ suggestions to increase the features and utility of the second generation Satellite GPS Messenger. The added features, it was said, demonstrates their commitment to providing advancements in their products to further render roadside assistance for its customers.
To find out more, click here rin.org.uk
More information may also be found here Spot Press Room
Tags: GPS, satellite-gps, SPOT LLC
Posted in Outdoor, SPOT LLC, Satellites | No Comments »
Thursday, August 6th, 2009
A new navigation unit will be provided by Garmin and released soon by the company. This unit is specifically for motorcyclists and is tagged as Garmin BMW Motorrad Navigator IV. It has much advanced features that will aid motorists in their navigation and have stronger capabilities than its predecessors.
It could be noted that when GPS devices were just gaining interest from the public as an option for vehicles, they were mostly available for high-end luxury cars. But with the prices of these devices continuing to be lowered, many more vehicles and motorcycles now include GPS options. Of course, many are choosing to get a portable navigation device, and the most noticeable demand are from motorcyclists.
The new Garmin product is based on zumo 660 and integrated the BMW specific features along with dealer database. Other exclusive features are the audio and Bluetooth capacities coming as part of the 4.3-inch glove-friendly touchscreen element. Also, it comes in customized mount, and has preloaded maps of streets, and the points of interest come in millions. This has made travelling and going around for motorcyclists a much greater experience as they don’t get lost anymore, and get a guide at where they’re heading to.
The Motorrad Navigator IV supports pairing to a Bluetooth helmet headset so that drivers can make and take calls even while driving. This feature is considered manna from heaven for motorcyclists because no stops have to be made to take calls, or dial someone up. As for the GPS device, it is mounted with four quick-function buttons and extra control capabilities. Both the GPS and the mount are both waterproof and have been tested against vibrations, so whether it is raining cats and dogs, or the terrain being traversed is really rough, motorcylcists need not worry at all.
Click on the links below to know more about this new Garmin product. slipperybrick.com
Or you can find out more at i4u
Tags: bmw, Garmin, Garmin News, motorbike-gps, motorbike-sat-nav, motorcycle-gps, Sat Nav
Posted in Garmin News, Motorcycle | No Comments »
Wednesday, August 5th, 2009
Avoid getting lost with the all new RAC 300 EUR. If you are new to the gps market and need a simple yet effective device than this could be for you. Featuring a vivid 3.5” widescreen that is accessible just by touching, the RAC 300 stands up the the design demands of its competition. The device can be attached to your windshield via suction cup or added to your dashboard. Complete maps of Europe are pre-loaded onto the device which can be viewed in both 2D and 3D. Searching for an address has never been easier with the new quick search function. If you don’t happen to remember the exact address you can enter bits and pieces of it as the function is similar to a search engine. It will display destinations that are relevant to what you have entered. After choosing your address you can then pick between various routes such as avoid highways or tolls, quickest or shortest mileage. RAC also offers thousands of Points of Interest to assist you in finding any shopping malls, hotels, ATMs or other popular visits. While traveling you are updated frequently of your estimated time of arrival as well as the total distance remained.
A brand new feature that many RAC 300 EUR reviews are praising is the ability to home sync software. This can be used for adding new maps, weather forecasts, travel guides and new color themes for your device. If you’re a frequent fast driver you may enjoy the safety camera alerts that are provided. You are notified of any upcoming safety cameras to help avoid receiving any unwanted speeding tickets. The main display of the RAC 300 EUR displays the current street name, distance from next turn, time and current vehicle speed. With both affordability and the quality you are searching for in a gps device, the RAC 300 EUR stands tall with the competition quite well.
Tags: in-car-sat-nav, rac-300, rac-300-eur, rac-300-eur-review, rac-300-review, rac-reviews, Sat Nav
Posted in In Car, RAC News | No Comments »
Wednesday, August 5th, 2009
The people have a reason to rejoice. Pretty soon they can have their own satellite-based navigation system for air traffic management. The GPS-aided Geosynchronous Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) System will be providing mainly satellite-based navigation for civil aviation over Indian airspace and adjoining countries in South and East Asia.
Gagan, which incidentally means “sky” in Sanskrit, is augmentation systems for GPS and other operational navigation systems, and is expected to give differential corrections and integrity in the same format as the WAAS of the United States and the Japanese MSAS. The technology demonstration phase has been recently completed and it is projected that the whole system will be ready for operational phase in 2012.
To be jointly implemented by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the state-owned-and-controlled Airport Authority of India, GAGAN is deemed interoperable with the European EGNOS as well to provide seamless global navigation. The more advanced mechanisms of the GAGAN will now make it possible to provide coverage for oceanic areas in addition to its current operational terrestrial systems.
Influx of information related to the GAGAN has since leaked to interested industries since ISRO awarded the $82 million (£50 million or €58 million) contract to Raytheon to build the ground stations for the developed systems. Raytheon will build the ground stations while it will be the ISRO who will provide the space segment and augment the needed ground equipment for the GAGAN.
The Indian civil aviation ministry now holds a hopeful clasp of hands regarding the GAGAN to be India’s great pride; but more importantly, it will advance fully the satellite – based navigation systems for air traffic management of the country and nearby areas.
India’s G-Sat-4 technology demonstrator communications satellite has a navigation payload designed to support Gagan’s functions. It is reported to be launched by ISRO’s geosynchronous satellite launch vehicle in 2010, along with two more payloads for the duo of future geostationary satellites also in the works.
More informative details on the GAGAN and other pursuits of India in GPS can be found at Royal Institute of Navigation
and also at flightglobal.com
Tags: asia-gps, gagan, gps-in-india, gps-news, indian-gps
Posted in Government, Satellites | No Comments »
Wednesday, August 5th, 2009
There is an ensuing battle between smartphones and the traditional GPS devices, and within each, the manufacturers keep trying to outdo each other in sales despite the global economic slump. While the smartphone has been considered the Swiss knife of the digital generation, the GPS remains the fastest provider of information a user needs.
It has been noted that iPhone users’ number is surprisingly twice that of smartphone holders when employing the satnav turn-by-turn directions. Last year, even high-end phones like Blackberry now come with features like spacious-touch sensitive screens, improved audio capacity and intuitive designs on the menu.
GPS units from TomTom, Magellan and Garmin saw a recent sharp decline compared to the past year, along with their stocks. Even with GPS being known to render results faster when it comes to searches, there is a noted preference to smartphones still. As GPS don’t eat battery that much, and there are no call interruptions compared to smartphones, a dwindle in sales is strongly foreseen. Of course, other than faster service, the GPS as a stand-alone device will always have followers, especially because they only pay a one-time fee rather than subscription.
On the other hand, this year smartphones now equipped with GPS are seeing a better future compared to personal navigation devices. More and more navigation applications, along with better connectivity and real-time traffic updates are gaining an even farther edge for smartphones. Many tech-savvy users also conclude that GPS capabilities of their phones are sufficient, and their system is handy and easy to use.
The manufacturers of GPS are moving quick and sure in developing new applications, combining the benefits of a smartphone and the plus factors of a navigational device. The target is to integrate two systems in one, making the gadget a greater convenience to users.
More information and details regarding smartphones and satnavs are available at NY Times
Smartphone battles standalone GPS in the nav market.
Tags: phone-gps, Sat Nav, Sat-Nav-Software
Posted in Smartphones | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, August 4th, 2009
Pioneer has took a step above the competition with the all new AVIC series. These are not your average gps devices as they include far more features and a more appealing display. The Pioneer AVIC-F500BT features a large 5.8” touchscreen that can be mounted to your dash to add a touch of class. As you would expect receiving directions is basically the same. Simply enter the directions to your destination and you will be directed their by voice commands. With this next generation gps device the ability to speak is offered with its voice recognition software. This can be used for controlling your mp3 player, making phone calls via Bluetooth enabled mobile phone. Adding information such as street name, city, country, etc is quite easy and takes literally seconds when compared to the distracting manual devices. Routes are displayed in an amazing 3D view with actual landmarks shown as you’re driving by.
Unlike the majority of gps devices in the market today, the F500BT offer several media options. You can connect your iPod, USB and SD cards and play them through the device. If you’re using an iPod you can control your media directly through the F500BT and even display artists and album information. While driving Pioneer’s AVIC FEEDS™ contains Points of Interests creator, photo editing software and a detailed driving report. By far the most talked about feature on various Pioneer AVIC-F500BT reviews is the added support for backup cameras. If you have a backup camera installed on your vehicle you can set the F500BT to display the camera automatically while you’re in reverse. This is a great feature that could save you from dealing with a careless accident. If you’re in need of a top of the line gps device with the reliability you can count on, the Pioneer AVIC-F500BT is for you. From the amazing widescreen view to the modern features included, this is a great deal.
Tags: avic-f500bt-review, in-car-sat-nav, pioneer, pioneer-avic-f500bt, pioneer-avic-f500bt-review, pioneer-reviews, Sat Nav
Posted in In Car, Pioneer News | No Comments »
Tuesday, August 4th, 2009
For many years, portable navigation devices have been most used for its efficiency and practicality. These stand-alone devices render maps, turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates, among other advanced features. Users are thankful for the GPS in their automobiles for they have rendered driving in familiar and new locations a breeze.
Then here comes the smartphone, blasting its way to being the most sought-after gadget. As the camera, camcorder and web browser are all rolled powerfully into just one handy device, smartphone has quickly displaced the traditional GPS. More so that it also comes with a music player and laptop features zooming its way to being the most preferred gadget by most.
Most smartphones produced by leading manufacturers like Nokia, TomTom and Garmin, are developed smartly with touch-sensitive screens, improved audio and intuitive menus. Now, pressing GPS even lower, smartphones now have the most advanced navigation applications, and are always connected for purposes of showing real-time traffic updates, directions and contacts in the phone’s address book. Even with noticeable shortcomings over the GPS, there is a fast increase still of smartphone purchases.
Everybody likes everything to be within reach, and smartphones have it all. Everyone cannot live without their mobile phones, and because satnavs are already integrated into the device, the more people find it indispensable.
It’s really no surprise now why GPS companies are scrambling to expand to the smartphone market. But still, their moves are a bit too late, with shipments of portable navigation devices seeing a continued fall since the third quarter of 2008 to date. On the other hand, sales and shipments of smartphones with integrated GPS doubled for the same period and have already hit 10.4 million to date. GPS manufacturers seemed to have also conceded, saying the volume of their PNDs being shipped and activated for smartphones have surpassed 11% of the total GPS smartphone total. They see the GPS built-in to smartphones move as the major reason for PNDs continuing dwindle in users.
For more infromation, click here PC World
More related details can be found here as well. rin.org.uk
Tags: GPS, in-car-sat-nav, phone-apps, phone-gps, Sat Nav, smartphone-apps, Smartphones
Posted in In Car, Smartphones | No Comments »
