Hasta La Gadget!

Windows Phone 8 users are getting a bit of good news today, as the Nokia Drive+ beta has opened up for all WP8 users in the US, Canada, and UK. Nokia Drive+ is Nokia‘s shot at turn-by-turn navigation, but the service offers a lot of other features that are worth paying attention to. Previously, the app was exclusive to those using a Lumia 810, 820, 822, or 920.

Now it would seem that Nokia is a bit more comfortable with where the app is at, opening the floodgates to Windows Phone 8 users in those three countries listed above. Keep in mind, though, that Nokia Drive+ is still in beta, so therefore might be a little rough around the edges in some places. Just as well, Microsoft and Nokia would like feedback on the app as development continues, and users can share their thoughts by tapping the in-app feedback tab.

In addition to turn-by-turn navigation, Nokia Drive+ offers offline maps and speed limit warnings. The app will still alert you with those speed limit warnings even when you aren’t using it for turn-by-turn navigation, which is quite handy indeed. You’ll be able to tell Nokia Drive+ to avoid things like dirt and toll roads if you wish, with the app switching to night mode automatically and thus making it easier to see the screen at all times.

There’s no word yet on when Nokia Drive+ will roll out of beta, or if the beta will become accessible to users in other countries. In any case, if you’ve got a Windows Phone 8 device and you’re living in the US, Canada, or the UK, you can grab the app from the Windows Phone 8 Store today. Keep it tuned here to SlashGear for more information on Nokia Drive+!

[via ZDNet]

Nokia Drive+ beta opens to all Windows Phone 8 users in US, Canada, UK is written by Eric Abent & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Pioneer Electronics unveiled three new in-dash navigation systems at CES 2013. The new navigation systems include the AVIC-Z150BH, AVIC-X950BH and AVIC-X850BT. All three of the systems promise advanced route guidance, multimedia entertainment, and smartphone connectivity functions.

The three navigation systems specifically feature iPhone 5 compatibility and high resolution touch screen displays ranging from 6.1 to 7-inches in size. Other features of the navigation systems include a new mapping interface with integrated real-time traffic information available. The navigation receivers also have a new graphical user interface, AppRadio Mode, integrated Bluetooth, and are SiriusXM ready.

The receivers also support HD Radio and DVD/CD/MP3 playback along with USB connectivity. The iPhone 5 connectivity for the navigation products does require the optional Pioneer CD-IH202 kit that sells for $50 and two Apple accessories including the Lightning to USB cable and the Lightning digital AV Adapter is required for the AVIC-Z150BH and AVIC-X950BH.

The AVIC-X850BT requires the optional CD-IV202NAVI kit that retails for $100, the Lightning to USB cable, and the Lightning to VGA adapter. With these accessories, the user will be able to select control iPhone 5 apps via the in-dash touchscreen display. Drivers will also be able to play and control music and video stored on the iPhone 5 on the larger Pioneer tuner screen. The AVIC-X850BT, AVIC-X950BH and AVIC-Z150BH will be available in late March with suggested retail prices of $800, $950 and $1200, respectively.

Pioneer Electronics unveils new in-dash nav systems at CES 2013 is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

If you could get lost anywhere, even with a sherpa and very detailed map, Garmin is listening. Its new line of Nüvi personal navigation systems use landmarks rather than traditional street names. More »

As Garmin hasn’t made any official announcement, we can’t tell you when these sneaky handheld GPS navigators first showed up on the company’s website, but say hello to the Oregon 600, 600t, 650 and 650t. Aesthetically, they all look identical, with a 3-inch “transflective color TFT touchscreen” in portrait orientation (240 x 400 resolution). Similarly, they share the overwhelming majority of internal specs, and all track your jaunts into the great outdoors using GPS and GLONASS. The only major differences we can find on the spec sheets are that the t-marked models come with Garmin’s “TOPO US 100K maps” preloaded, and that both 650 units boast an 8-megapixel camera. As the Garmin pages note, the models cost between $400 and $550, but they won’t be available for purchase until our FCC overlords allow it. Head to the source link if you’d like to know more.

Filed under: GPS, Handhelds

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Source: Garmin

A new app has launched for iPhone 5 users called iOnRoad that is designed to take advantage of the new processing power in the iPhone 5 and navigation integration available on iOS 6. The app is described as a black box video recorder that promises driver assistance when on the road. The app also offers turn-by-turn navigation using an augmented reality interface.

The black box feature of the application is like a virtual driving log that creates an archive of your driving history. The idea is in the event of an accident information can be used to re-create what led up to the accident. The app also uses the iPhone camera and onboard sensors to detect lanes and vehicles in front of the driver.

With the ability to detect other vehicles and lanes, the app is able to alert drivers when they’re in danger, such as when driving too close to the car in front or when straying outside of their lane. The app also offers a feature that can estimate gas prices and offers feedback on how safe and green the driver is being during the trip.

The augmented reality navigation is particularly interesting since the app lays driving directions over the top of what you’re actually seeing in front of you. The range of functionality for the app includes augmented driving, collision warning, speed and alerts, and safety scoring. iOnRoad is available right now for $1.99.

iOnRoad augmented reality navigation app promises to make you a safer driver is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.