Feb 04
This week Google fully recognizes the power of Waze in their maps apps. With Google Maps’ update here and now, the 2013 acquisition of Waze has not only been integrated … Continue reading
Jan 31
Navigation app developer Telenav has acquired Skobbler, as it pushes its preference for OpenStreetMap data and ramps up its challenge to Google Maps and Apple Maps. The acquisition, which closed … Continue reading
Oct 02
With incremental updates for HERE maps on Nokia devices, the company takes away the pain of downloading the entire massive bulk of an offline map and makes it tiny. An update to Nokia’s offline maps system this week makes updating an offline map to your phone as simple as updating any normal app. Just as […]
Aug 23
After years of keeping watch over the likes of Android and iOS in the premium GPS navigation realm, the folks at Telenav have revealed their intentions with their current brand Scout for Windows Phone 8. This Scout app has been optimized for the Windows Phone 8 environment, taking its already diverse user interface and giving […]
Jul 02
If you’re going hiking or hunting and want your trusty dog by your side, but don’t want him to get lost, you can get one of Garmin‘s GPS-equipped dog collars that makes sure your dog doesn’t stray too far from your side. The company has outed a newer dog collar, called the DC 50, that comes with improved GPS capabilities and more ruggedness.
The DC 50 is designed to work with Garmin’s Astro 320 tracking system, and it also comes with new features such as bark detection and various training functions, as well as longer battery life and a longer, more robust antenna. The new collar is the successor to Garmin’s DC 40 and DC 30 collars, which we covered a few years ago.
The DC 50′s design was also changed to accomplish a better signal for the GPS unit. The main housing sits below the dog’s neck while a low-profile GPS antenna now sits atop the dog’s neck on the collar. This provides a better signal for GPS satellites, and in addition to GPS, the DC 50 also supports GLONASS, which is approximately 20% faster than GPS.
You can also use both GPS and GLONASS together, which will allow the collar to lock on to 24 more satellites than when just using GPS alone. As for the antenna, it’s made out of braided steel, so it’s meant to be beaten around some and still withstand the brutality. The collar comes with a 22.5-inch antenna, as well as an 18.5-inch option. The 22.5-inch antenna can reach up to nine miles on flat, clear land.
The DC 50 collar costs $229, and the collar bundled with the Astro 320 system will set you back $599. The DC 50 is expected to be available sometime later this month, so if you’ve been in the market for a GPS dog collar for your hunting trips, you may want to hold off just for a bit longer.
SOURCE: Garmin
Garmin Astro DC 50 dog collar arrives with improved GPS is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2013, SlashGear. All right reserved.
Jun 24
If any kind of hiking or exploring is in your future, Garmin thinks they have a GPS unit for you. The company just announced the Monterra outdoor GPS, which Garmin says is their first WiFi-enabled outdoor handheld GPS running Android. While it looks like a rugged smartphone, it’s actually just a touchscreen-enabled rugged GPS device
Apr 17
This afternoon the folks at TomTom have revealed two GPS sports watches that they say completely re-define what it means to work with a GPS-tracking wrist-bound computer. Witht the TomTom Runner and the TomTom Multi-Sport GPS sport watchs you’ll be working with massive displays, one-button control, and full-screen graphics-based training tools to make your sporty self a futuristic runner in no time!
Both watches work with TomTom’s own Graphical Training Partner. This system allos you to see at-a-glance statistics based around your physical activity – these three bits make up the full nelson for the future of wrist-based sports excellence!
• Race: Race against a personal best or most recent run. Quickly track performance with real-time graphics, to continue to improve run-after-run.
• Goal: Set a distance, time or calorie goal and see progress toward that goal with simple, full-screen graphics and alerts.
• Zone: Set a target for pace or heart-rate (with optional heart-rate monitor) and track progress in a simple full-screen graph throughout a workout.
Both of these watches will be bringing on the heat with a hardware build that’s not to be missed! Both watches come in at 11.5mm thin and are both waterproof and weatherproof – waterproof up to 50 meters/5ATM, that is! You’ll be using a “super-touch display” as well with both scratch and impact-resistant reinforced glass to keep your precious watch safe and fully readable.
You’ll be able to connect with the TomTom MySports website, MapMyFitness, RunKeeper, TrainingPaks, and of course: MyFitnessPal. You’ll be connecting with Bluetooth to keep your Smart Heart Rate Monitor’s data in-tune with your watches’ understanding of your body, the watch works with QuickGPSFix with both GPS and GLONASS satellite technology for a precise location every time, and you’ve got indoor tracking capabilities as well!
These two watches are extremely similar to one another, but the main bits are there for both – the one-button simple design, the lovely large display, and the release: Summer of 2013! Keep your eye on the TomTom tag portal here on SlashGear to hear more about these watches as they come closer to release time!
BONUS: You’ll also see a Dedicated Bike Mount, Cadence Sensor, Built-in Altimeter, and Swimming Motion Sensor coming out for these watches in the future too! Stay tuned!
TomTom GPS sport watches capitalize on smartwatch hype is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
Apr 17
This week the folks at TomTom have revealed their next-generation TomTom Go Portable Navigation Device – aiming to keep your GPS in a dedicated device through the future. With three different sizes available (4.3, 5, and 6-inches) and lifetime dedicated connectivity with GPS from TomTom, the TomTom Go series will have you tapping through the future. With this dashboard device you’ll be reminded why you liked a GPS-only device in the first place!
TomTom has survived the rise of the smartphone and the tablet for a reason – they continue to create GPS-centric devices that work extremely well. They also provide data to smartphone apps galore, including their own TomTom apps, but that’s neither here nor there. What we’re looking at today is the launch of the TomTom Go with more than one way to stay connected.
You’ve got the ability to work with TomTom Traffic for always-on real-time traffic information as you drive. You’ve also got the ability to connect via Bluetooth to your smartphone to see TomTom traffic. You’ll be working with Lifetime connectivity to services from TomTom with the following restrictions:
“Lifetime is the useful life of the device, so means the period of time that TomTom continues to support your device with software updates, services, content or accessories. A device will have reached the end of its life when none of these are available any more.” – TomTom
You’ll also be working with 3D maps so you can identify the buildings around you by their general size. You’ll have Tap and Go functionality so you can quickly map your way to any location you can pinpoint with your finger. You’ll be able to pinch to zoom to get in and out of maps quick.
This isn’t the push-hard sensor screen you’re used to working with from years past. This device comes with capacitive touchscreen action – that means its as easy to touch and type with as your smartphone or tablet. Have a peek at the video above and let us know if you’re all about TomTom’s newest effort – and have a look at the timeline below for more information on TomTom in the recent past!
TomTom GO tells you to ditch the smartphone for a new PND is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
Apr 16
This week the folks at Telenav have revealed their next-generation in-car personalized navigation system expansion with “Scout for Cars: Built In:, bringing on in-dash navigation for a whole new generation of smart vehicles. You’ll find Scout for Cars bringing on real-time personalized information the likes of which you’ve only otherwise been able to access with Scout for Phones before this week, this time in an iteration that carmakers are able to make all their own with custom branding! And what’s more – you’ll be able to connect to your Scout for Phones service to share the information between your car and your phone for one great learning system that remembers your preferences.
You’ll have in-vehicle navigation with Scout for Cars like you’ve ever before thought possible as this next-level system comes through on not just your car’s display, but your phone and your desktop computer as well. With the webpage Scout.me, you’ll have management of your favorite locations, early looking up of places you’ll want to go, and more! With a built-in system in your vehicle you’ll have instant connectivity.
Above: our most recent hands-on experience with Scout in-vehicle integration. Below: Telenav’s official quick spot on Scout for Cars and the ties between it and Scout for Phones!
Key features of the Scout for Cars interface include the following:
• Personalized Information: Favorites, recent trips, and commute times automatically sync between the computer, phone, and car
• Fresh Maps & POIs: Access to up-to-date maps and millions of POIs
• Local Weather: Real-time weather and forecasts
• Local Search: Integrated one-box search with automatic suggestions makes it fast and easy to enter addresses & POIs
• Real-time Traffic: Drivers save time with live traffic overlays and updates that automatically reroute them around traffic jams or road congestion
• Voice Control: Safety is increased as drivers are able to keep their hands on the wheel with voice-activated commands
• Flexible Branding: OEMs can offer embedded navigation in their vehicles under their own brand, look, and feel
• Companion App: OEMs can use Scout for Phones or their own branded smartphone app to bring connectivity and services into the car
From our long history with Telenav – the folks behind Scount and this ever-expanding high-powered GPS navigation environment and experience – you’ll find that this group of workers is second to none when it comes to creating a top-notched program. This isn’t just a system that leads you to the places you need directions to: it’s a companion for you both in and out of your vehicle. With Scout in its many iterations you’ve got your own personal guide wherever you’re going!
Have a peek at a timeline of Scout and Telenav bits and pieces below to see how far the system has come! Also be sure to hit up our Car Hub to see the many different ways the automotive industry is getting technologically powerful and makes forward thinking a must-have for your next-generation vehicle!
Scout for Cars: Built In brings Telenav’s newest built-in GPS system bid is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
Apr 15
The last we heard about TeleNav’s Scout GPS app was back in December, but the folks behind the popular navigation app are back with a new update. This time around, users will be able to take advantage of 3D buildings and landmarks while they navigate through unfamiliar cities, thanks to the SSAO technology that TeleNav has added on to the app.
TeleNav announced the update via their Twitter account, noting that the new 3D features will “give drivers a better view and navigation experience.” The feature will be available later this year, along with crowd-sourced traffic reporting like we’ve seen in Waze. It’s not said exactly when the update will hit, but hopefully it’s sooner rather than later.
TeleNav will rely on its 34 million subscribers to report various accidents and traffic jams around the country, and the app will update itself in real-time with the traffic information it receives from its users. This means that Scout will suggest faster alternate routes when it detects that you’re about to hit some heavy traffic.
The video above shows off the 3D buildings in a demo, and while you can clearly see the outlines of the buildings, they don’t get in your way of the navigation, and you can still through the buildings and look ahead to what roads you’ll be turning on. When the update eventually does hit, it’ll be available for both free and premium users of the app.
TeleNav’s Scout gains support for 3D buildings and landmarks is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
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