Hasta La Gadget!

To make it easier for drivers to navigate its in-car navigation units while still concentrating on the road, Pioneer is introducing a new touch-free sensor that recognizes broad gestures made with the hand. The driver will still need to reach for the display on their dashboard, but instead of tapping the screen they can simply move their hand back and forth to zoom the map, skip tracks, or trigger pre-specified functions. More »

As TomTom promised, Android users can now be guided offline by the nav company — unless you happen to own a Galaxy SIII, Galaxy Note II, Galaxy Nexus or a handful of other recent, popular smartphones or tabs. It said most models would be compatible by year’s end, but if you do have one that works already, you’ll get all the features that iOS users have enjoyed for quite a while: radar camera warnings (depending on your country), eco routes, contact navigation, free map updates and traffic guidance. The app is now available on Google Play starting at $50 for the US and Canada maps, an “introductory offer” that’s 10 bucks cheaper than the same iOS version, so you might want to check the source before that price goes up — if you’ve got the right device, of course. We’re hoping to take a spin with the app soon, but meanwhile, you can check out a teaser video and the PR, after the break.

Continue reading TomTom finally hits Android starting at $50, not ready for all devices (video)

Filed under: Cellphones, GPS

TomTom finally hits Android starting at $50, not ready for all devices (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Oct 2012 08:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple had a bad situation on their hands when it became apparent over the past week that their new non-Google “Maps” app appeared to fall short of expectations, but Tim Cook took this situation today and flipped it on its head entirely. It’s not that Cook apologized for the situation – the situation being that Apple Maps (without Google) isn’t as perfect as they wanted it to be – it’s that inside this apology, he encouraged users to use other products while they remain patient for Apple Maps to improve. Tim Cook took a situation where Apple could easily have said “just chill out” to the public and said instead, in so many words, “we’re confident enough in our own product that we’ll literally tell you to use other solutions while we prove to you that you’ll want to return to us when the time is right” – this is rare in the tech industry.

The full apology can be found in our other post from earlier today called “Apple CEO Tim Cook apologizes for Apple Maps fiasco”, but the most important bit can be found here. In one line, Cook takes iOS 6 users down a road containing maps from all of Apple’s new Maps’ main competitors. He even tells users to use Google Maps in a browser.

“While we’re improving Maps, you can try alternatives by downloading map apps from the App Store like Bing, MapQuest and Waze, or use Google or Nokia maps by going to their websites and creating an icon on your home screen to their web app.” – Tim Cook

It’s absolutely unimportant at this very moment if any other company would have done the same or even if Apple would have done the same in the past. Apple has right this moment entered a new age in which they don’t just create products that compete only with their past products – notice their advertisements that don’t mention the competition – they’ve officially encouraged their competitors to make products that will help them move into the future.

Of course if you think Apple made it this far on it’s own, you’re sorely mistaken. Apple has always relied on their friends AND their competitors to create an ecosystem in which they’ll thrive. I leave you with this undeniably awesome, lighthearted vision from all the way back in 1983 – the Apple Software Dating Game. See what you make of it!

Tim Cook’s Maps apology a massive display of power is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Maps and mobile-navigation extras are high-profile news right now, given the Apple Maps saga, and now Garmin has inked a deal with Nokia to break its esteemed pedestrian tools off of Symbian and Windows Phone. Garmin Urban Guidance will be added to its StreetPilot Onboard and Navigon apps for iOS, and to Navigon for Android, as an in-app purchase, introducing Nokia-powered mass transit and walking directions complete with points-of-interest.

The deal uses the same Nokia Transit and Pedestrian Content (TaP) as has been so well received on previous Nokia devices, but brings it to iOS and Android as a local app for the first time. There’s data on walkways, bridges, tunnels, crossings, passages, and stairs, as well as an understanding that pedestrians can cross over squares, parks, and other open spaces rather than being limited to regular sidewalks.

As for mass transit support, there’s guidance for railways, tram and bus lines, stops, stations, and access points. In short, everything Apple is missing from its first-gen iOS 6 Maps app, which relies on third-party provisions for public transportation and pedestrian guidance.

Pricing for the in-app Urban Guidance purchases is $3.99 on Android and iOS, with the new packs available now. The financial terms of Nokia’s deal with Garmin have not been revealed.

Garmin adds Nokia-powered Urban Guidance to iOS and Android apps is written by Chris Davies & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Interior navigation with Google Maps for Android has usually been the province of only a handful of regions at best. But what about Provence? While the deal isn’t all-encompassing, Google is now serving indoor maps for popular locations throughout France. Coverage starts with the major airports in Paris and Lyon, extending to include major nationwide stores like Carrefour and FNAC, shopping centers like the Carrousel du Louvre and museums like La Géode. All told, over 50 venues have signed onboard and should be enough for those moments when you’re rushing to catch a connecting flight at Orly… or just want to find the salad dressings in aisle three.

Filed under: Cellphones, GPS, Mobile

Google Maps for Android takes navigation indoors for France, helps find your way through Carrefour originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Sep 2012 15:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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