Prior to Google Maps, MapQuest was the king of direction giving, although we’re sure if you used the service, you ended up with directions that were actually less accurate than Apple Maps. Either way, people trusted MapQuest back in the day and the service is now attempting to win back its old users by completely redesigning its mobile apps on iOS and Android. (more…)
MapQuest Launches Redesigned iPhone, Android App original content from Ubergizmo. 
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When it comes to sharing information about yourself to others, this can prove to be a double edged sword. For instance, it does give you a record that you can stash away for posterity to know just where you have been, but on the other hand, it also allows others to know just where you were, and where you are right now – which might spell trouble for your empty home if you happen to be on a vacation. Well, I leave that to you to weigh the pros and the cons, but here we are with the GPS Cookie which is a Kickstarter project.
The GPS Cookie is best described to be a small, compact device which will fit in perfectly into your pocket, where it relies on satellite data in order to keep track of your entire route history. Regardless of whether you have been out for a car ride, a bicycle trip, or even for a brisk walk, all you need to do when you’re back home is to remove the SD memory card, upload it to Google Earth, and you’re good to check out just where you have been exactly. It is capable of recording the date, time, and location, and will retail for $79 a pop. We’re glad to announce that the GPS Cookie has already surpassed its Kickstarter fundraising goal by 300%.
GPS Cookie A Kickstarter Project That Records Where You Have Been original content from Ubergizmo. 
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This week the folks at Google and Niantic have released their cages from the “closed beta” edition of Ingress to allow this augmented reality game to all. The game remains in “beta” mode, though we’re essentially seeing the entirety of this environment’s gameplay live right this minute. This game will be available to iOS users […]
It sounds like something straight out of Batman or James Bond’s arsenal, but police officers in St. Petersburg, Florida are testing a vehicle-based cannon that fires GPS tracking devices at cars. The idea is that instead of continuing a dangerous high-speed pursuit, they’d just tag a vehicle they’re chasing and then track its location from a safe distance.
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It doesn’t matter if you’re a parent or a pet owner, one of the things that both groups want to do is keep track of their kids and their pet. A company called Wonder Technology Solutions has launched a new product called the Trax: GPS Tracker for Children & Pets. The smart device works in […]
Garmin has been busy rolling out GPS watches over the last several weeks. The navigation company previously rolled out a watch called the Approach for golfers and the D2 GPS watch for pilots. Garmin has now rolled out a new GPS watch designed specifically for law enforcement and police special operations use. The new GPS […]
A company called Skully Helmets has unveiled a new and very cool helmet called the Skully P1. This helmet is notable because it has an integrated rearview camera that shows what’s behind the rider on a small heads up display in the visor of the helmet. That rearview camera provides a 180-degree view of what’s behind the wearer.
The helmet is also able to pair to smartphones and offers voice controls for calls, music, and turn-by-turn navigation directions. The helmet uses the something Skully calls their Synapse HUD, which appears to float 20 feet in front of the rider’s field of view. The overlay is persistent and has two views for the rider to choose from. One of the views is a standard rearview camera mode and the other offers detailed turn-by-turn navigation.
The helmet runs on internal battery good for nine hours of use per charge. The helmet is powered by the Android operating system and the company plans to launch an SDK next year allowing developers to make apps specifically for the helmet. In addition to all of it’s high tech chops, the helmet meets DOT and ECE safety standards. Pricing and a release date is unannounced at this time.
[via Wired]
It wasn’t all that long ago that GPS technology was a rare commodity. These days, nearly every handheld device has GPS-powered navigation and tracking technology built into it. But now global positioning systems have the potential to impact our lives in ways we couldn’t have dreamed of 10 years ago. The data provided by today’s GPS satellites can pinpoint the location of people and objects down to just a few meters.
This information can be used to power numerous improvements to our lives and safety. Here are a few examples of how accurate GPS coordinate data can be used to make the world a better place. GPS technology can be used to help do everything from improve delivery service, to preventing loss of property, to keeping our skies, roadways, families and pets safe.
One area in which GPS technology is making everyday life more convenient is in the area of delivery services. The technology can be used to not only ensure that drivers are following the most efficient route to their destination, but also can now be used to provide real-time data on the location of deliveries to both companies and their customers. One such example is the GrubHub food delivery service.
This local food delivery aggregator allows participating restaurants to share location data for delivery orders via an Android or iPhone app, so consumers can know exactly where their food is and when it will arrive at its destination. No more wondering if or when your meal will show up – all thanks to GPS tech.
Of course, global positioning data isn’t just for things like finding out where your pizza is. GPS data is frequently used by emergency responders to quickly find their way to victims of disasters, crimes, and accidents. Today’s Enhanced 911 emergency response systems are backed by GPS data.
These public safety systems leverage GPS and cell phone tower location data to try and instantaneously locate the caller, speeding response and ensuring accurate response location. Can you imagine being in an emergency situation where you can’t speak, or don’t have the time or focus to be able to report your location? Thankfully, GPS tech has got you covered.
Location coordinate data can also be used to track down lost personal property, but even more importantly can help find lost pets and children. One such application of this technology is the FiLIP, a forthcoming device that combines an emergency phone and GPS-based locator for children in a special wristwatch.
This gadget looks like an oversize watch, but it allows parents and guardians to not only track the location of their kids, but to be alerted if they leave a pre-set “safe zone” – such as school or a park. You can also call or message your child. The watch can even dial a tree of emergency contacts and record ambient sounds when its emergency button is pushed. Having this always-on connectivity to your child certainly can ease parent’s minds, and can definitely help save children from precarious situations. But it’s having accurate location data that’s the most critical component of such devices.
These are but a few innovations which depend on GPS location data, and the future remains bright for the application of global positioning technology. You can be a part of it by contributing your own ideas over at The Air Force Collaboratory in their “Launch of GPS IIF” project. This project will help the Air Force launch its own GPS satellite into the GPS Constellation, and is just one of three recently-launched projects which encourage the general public to participate in the conceptualization development of new technologies which can improve Air Force safety and efficiency, and contribute to the general safety and security of humankind.
Thank you The Air Force Collaboratory and Technorati for being sponsors of this article. All opinions expressed here are my own and the products mentioned are not endorsed by the U.S. Air Force.
It hasn’t taken Garmin long to announce a successor to its Approach S2
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Garmin has been rolling out several GPS equipped watches for specific needs recently including the D2 Pilot aimed at private pilots. Garmin has now announced a new GPS equipped watch aimed at golfers called the Approach S4 GPS golf watch. The watch has a high-resolution touchscreen display designed to be sunlight readable. It also features […]
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