Insta GPS

The BlackBerry 8800 has been possibly the much-awaited of the many devices that were showcased at 3GSM this week in Barcelona, Spain. With the introduction of BlackBerry 8800, manufacturers are jostle postling to announce their marketing deals and services for the latest device and RIM’s line of smartphones. Vodafone has before now announced to carry the device on its network, and thanks to the 8800’s built-in GPS receiver, navigation companies are all set to come up with their “made for BlackBerry” software.

Telenav, a supplier of wireless location-ready services (LBS), has also come up with a European version of its Telenav GPS Navigator. With the introduction of Telenav GPS Navigator, mobile customers in over15 European nations will be allowed to take advantage of an in-car navigation system built-in with the extra convenience and portability of cell phones. Telenav GPS Navigator can right now be availed on a variety of Blackberry smartphones - comprising the latest Blackberry 8800.

Check out the features of Telenav GPS Navigator:

(1) Spot Marker (to help find their way back to a location or to mark points of interest,
(2) Biz Finder (to look up businesses and services including ATMs,
(3) Voice and on-screen turn-by-turn driving directions,
(4) My Favorites (to save addresses for future access).
(5) Pedestrian mode (for use while walking),
(6) Wi-fi hot spots and petrol stations),
(7) Full-colour 3D moving maps,

Telenav GPS Navigator can right away be availed in Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. A Bluetooth GPS receiver is necessary for non-GP-based mobile phones.

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Research In Motion (RIM) has finally announced the availability of its latest Blackberry 8800, the multimedia business handset whose information RIM leaked following Apple’s iPhone announcement, undoubtedly to catch up on the company’s sliding stock price. But when I was going through the news, views and blog of the newest Blackberry 8800, I found many a people talking about it however no one was clear in his/her mind if the handset would be integrated with GPS navigation capability or not, but while Blackberry 8800 hit the road officially at the 3GSM conference in Barcelona, Spain, all the doubts of its GPS integration got crystal clear. So, here we will talk about its GPS features:

“Using its integrated GPS, the BlackBerry 8800 is touted to locate its location and give ‘out-of-the-box’ back up for a large range of location-enabled applications and services, comprising BlackBerry Maps, which is touted to supply driving directions - with the capability to pinpoint the route via GPS - and is included with other BlackBerry applications, thus users are allowed to bring about a map from an address in their BlackBerry Address Book and relay maps through email from their BlackBerry 8800.”

Though it hasn’t so far been established however the GPS in the 8800 will be the network reliant A-GPS, of which I had already talked about in my previous post, and which is not one-and-only GPS chip as SiRF Star III. The A-GPS platform will interface with the on board Blackberry Maps application to give directions or other location-enabled services.The latest Blackberry 8800 is likely to be availed in almost 8 days (Feb 20th) at Cingular.

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Start tracking your assets now with the high-tech GPS tracking device, the first in a series of innovated asset-tracking solutions for businesses and home users. So, now, you can significantly develop your chances of having your nicked motor back by making use of the FollowUs TrimTrac.

The latest matchbox-sized GPS tracking device is touted to get fitted firmly into your car, caravan, motorbike, trailer or boat, enabling you to keep an eye on its whereabouts using your PC, PDA or smartphone.

The TrimTrac goes for up to three months on four AA batteries, because it just relays location reports while it spots movement, and incorporates web-based global maps thus you are enabled to go on tracking if the wicked thief runs off to overseas. FollowUs provides a pay-as-you go service, with your 1st 50 traces at no cost afterward from 5p per search, whereas the device itself is prized at £234.99.

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From time to time I search using most big search engines for products that haven’t been announced yet. Most of the times I find nothing but sometimes a company uploads information about the products and leaves these pages crawlable and search engines find them and if I am lucky I find them as well through the search engines. Today I have got Taiwan-based Novogo Technology Inc that claims to come out with the S900BT, a GPS car navigator, boasting of supporting TMC navigation.

Novogo also claims that the latest device S900BT is integrated with a Secure Digital (SD) memory card with a built-in map of Western Europe, and makes us of SiRF StarIII chipset besides scanning 20 channels. The car navigator is consisted with a 3.5in anti-glare touchscreen LCD and 3D navigation mode, and automatically adjusts between day and night view modes, as well as enabling users to search places by points of interests (POIs). The latest device S900BT is also touted to backup handsfree profile, and is integrated with a rechargeable 1800mAH Li-ion battery and robust car suction mount.

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Motorola recently showcased the stylish Motorola T805 and T815 at the 3GSM World Congress 2007. As maintained by the press release the latest T805 is a ‘phone-based Navigation System’ whereas the T815 is a ‘Smartphone-based Navigation System’, both sporting Motorola’s newest MOTONAV solution. Through a bluetooth connection with a compatible phone or Smartphone, both systems are touted to be endowed with turn-by-turn directions, precise locations, on-screen maps and explicable spoken and visual instructions. Both the units also brag a full set of location-ready services via MOTONAV.

Given below are some more features of T805 and T815:

(1) Portable, just clip and you are ready to go. Visor clip, vehicle power adaptor, and cell phone mount included in the box
(2) Works with compatible Version Bluetooth 1.1, 1.2, or 2.0 Bluetooth enabled phones
(3) Bluetooth wireless technology system is quick and easy to set up with EasyPair technology
(4) One convenient multi-function button for multiple operations
(5) 12-month free national subscription to MOTONAV services
(6) Local search for point-of-interest searching in your vicinity
(7) Mini-USB connector for easy charging

The two latest Motorola bluetooth Navigation systems are likely to be availed sometime in Q2 2007.

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SiGe Semiconductor declares to have come up with the tiniest Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver ICs to be used in mobile phones. The SE4110S GPS receiver and the SE4120S GPS/Galileo receiver make use of chip-scale package technology and with the measurement of only 2.2×2.2×0.4mm. As claimed by the firm, this is 70 % smaller than the current 24-lead QFN-packaged versions of these units.

The SE4120S is founded on SiGe’s SE4120L, a GNSS receiver with integrated back up for software-defined satellite signal processing for both GPS and Galileo. The provider claims that the built-in architecture is included with an on-chip high-gain LNA able to provide with 18dB of gain at a low noise figure of 1.6 dB but for the requirement for huge active antennas and external amplification.

The SE4110S is founded on the SE4110L GPS receiver, which integrates:

(1) The IF filter,
(2) A linear AGC amplifier,
(3) 2-bit ADC, VCO,
(4) Tank circuit,
(5) Image reject mixer,
(6) PLL, LNA, and low power reference oscillator.

The on-chip LNA provides a low noise figure of 1.6dB, ensuing on the whole system noise figure of 2.5dB typical. Besides, the device is also featured with a multi-bit output, which as maintained by the company augments sensitivity for software GPS applications and develops resistance to jamming and interference.

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Garmin has just announced the availability of an entry level Zumo known as Zumo 400. The navigator, exclusively developed for bikes, is accessible whilst putting on big gloves. Zumo 400 boasts of extra-large buttons and a waterproof (IPX-7 standards) casing, which is preladen with local maps and speed camera info.

The system comes with audible audio visual alerts while approaching cameras and gives users warning if they are going at rapid speed. The database is updated repeatedly to grab any location modifications of fixed and mobile cameras. The power and data cable connections are too waterproofed just similar to the rest of the unit.

It, against thefts, is included with a locking motorcycle mount. An added theft prevention unit is known as Garmin Lock that renders the Zumo inoperative from doing any functions unless the user keys in a 4-digit PIN or leads the system to a prearranged secure location. The zumo 400 is likely to be availed from March 2007. No news of its cost and release but as and when it will come I will let you know.

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Trimble recently came up with a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver for agricultural users. Known as the AgGPS 442 GNSS receiver, the state-of-the-art system, going to be demonstrated at the World Ag Exposition in Tulare, California, is claimed to be capable of keeping track of GLONASS and next-generation (GPS) Global Positioning System L2C satellite signals. The latest AgGPS 442 GNSS receiver, with more satellite signals to make access, boasts of improving the farmer’s capability to do work in hard-hitting GPS environs with quicker initialization times, and gives for better production and brought down downtime in the field.

The high-tech GLONASS and GPS L2C processing potential from Trimble brags to develop signal accessibility for elevated accurateness (RTK) real-time kinematic agricultural applications that depends a great deal upon “Z,” or vertical axis satellite positioning data. It also gives support to RTK applications in tricky satellite scenarios for example geographic areas with restricted periods of GPS signal accessibility. Agricultural applications that are able to take advantage of the joint satellite signal potential are included with automated guidance, land leveling and data collection for topographic mapping.

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The Sierra Wireless MP 875 rugged wireless modem for HSDPA networks, deployed in a car, would be located from the Sierra Wireless Pavilion as it revolves around Barcelona at the 3GSM World Congress.

The incorporated (GPS) Global Positioning System potential in the MP 875 modem, built-in with Sierra Wireless’s own MP Modem Manager software and a web-enabled navigating application, allows real-time location monitoring for vertical applications as security, law enforcement and fleet management.

The monitoring terminal in the pavilion is linked via the Sierra Wireless AirCard 875U USB modem, the first live demo of this latest integration to the AirCard product line.

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Integrating satnav into a phone cannot be said any wicked feat. Turning it into eye-catching is even harder. Last time I told you about Nokia’s smart2go, which allows users to put maps and route-finding services into mobile phones for free. Now the same cell phones giant (Nokia) has come up with a new a navigation-enable smartphone called Nokia 6110 Navigator with fast data connections, maps and full navigation software at the 3GSM mobile communications trade show.

The first of various GPS-toting superphones as of Nokia, the 6110 is claimed to be purely a rapture to clasp. The Finnish phone-masters have built in local mapping, (POI) points of interest and even 3D views, all by pushing a single button, which is on top of all usual cell phone gubbins. Besides, it has a 2-meg snapper for example, plus HSDPA data transfer for quick downloads and web access on the move. Put in that to back up for 2-gig memory cards and you will be provided with navigation, entertainment and communication centre all in a tiniest package. The Nokia 6110 Navigator is likely to start shipping in the Q 2 of 2007 and expected cost almost €450€ ($580).

Check out some of the other sports of the Nokia 6110 Navigator:

(1) Local map pre-installed on the memory card for immediate navigation
(2) 2MP camera with integrated flash, 4x digital zoom and panorama mode
(3) Fully integrated GPS Navigation with one touch Navigator key
(4) WCDMA 2100 HSDPA, GSM/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
(5) HSDPA for fast web browsing and downloading
(6) Support of microSD memory card up to 2 GB
(7) Real-time video sharing and video calling
(8) ~40 MB free internal memory

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One more Nokia device, announced recently at the 3GSM conference in Barcelona, Spain is the latest Nokia E90, which is also claimed to be featured with built-in GPS navigation capability.

The Nokia E90 Communicator is now founded on the S60 platform, creating a wealth of extra mobile applications obtainable for its users. The Nokia E90 Communicator also has a built-in GPS and Nokia Maps application to give support in tracking routes and locating services. For better personal convenience, the Nokia E90 Communicator is built-in with a music player, an FM radio, a video player and two cameras - a 3.2Mpix auto focus camera with flash and a second camera for videoconferencing.

Nokia E90 is likely to be availed worldwide through the Q 3 of 2007, with the price tag of almost €750-800€ exclusive of any contracts.

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Navman has come up with the addition of 3 latest GPS devices to its F series known as Navman F30, F40 and F50, and they have also been announced officially. Thanks to gpsgadget. com, where I at last got confirmed of the devices availability. Earlier when I started typing out my views about the devices, they have not been officially announced, as maintained by the site, and I was left with very few info of the devices, but now it’s confirmed and I have also got the details to feed my readers this time even about Navman F40, which had no info earlier on the same. So, let’s talk about Navman F30 at the start, the device which is touted to come with 3D moving map, turn-by-turn voice guided instructions, and 2D Mini map view whilst the software is also claimed to be built-in with Tele Atlas 2006 and SmartST navigation software for Navman F-Series.

The major distinction of the F30 likened to the F20, the first model of the F series of Navman, is the subscription-free, real-time traffic updates (UK, France, Germany, Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands).

Check out hardware specs of Navman F30:

(1) Screen: Anti-glare high resolution 3.5′ (89mm) colour touchscreen
(2) GPS accuracy: Fix to 5 metres 95% of the time
(3) Dimensions: 116mm x 79.5mm x 24mm
(4) Processor: Intel PXA 255-200MHz
(5) GPS Receiver: SiRFstarIII™
(6) Memory: 32MB Flash
(7) Weight: 200g

The Navman F40 is also claimed to be consisted with equivalent specs with a Bluetooth connection sport (to couple compatible phones for safer, hands-free calling) and 1.5GB of built-in memory with European maps preinstalled besides what the F30 has to put forth. But, it does not have the subscription-free, real-time traffic updates.

Now let’s find out the list of features of Navman F50, the top of the line system of the F series:

(1) POI import capability, so you can add your own places of interest (POI), such as safety cameras, using the optional connectivity kit
(2) Nearest Fuel and Park buttons to alert you to the nearest petrol station or car park
(3) Bluetooth connection to pair compatible phones for safer, hands-free calling
(4) Reliable, accurate GPS navigation with SiRFstar III™ technology
(5) Route Summary View and Pause Journey functions
(6) Drive-Away™ so it’s ready to use out of the box
(7) Automatic re-routing with Back-on-Track™
(8) Subscription-free, real-time traffic updates
(9) Spare SD card slot for additional maps
(10) Advanced Motorway Navigation
(11) Pre-installed regional map
(12) Wide range of accessories
(13) Large 3.5′ touchscreen

To conclude the Navman F5 is integrated with what the F30 and the F40 have to put forward in single device

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With the intention of embarking upon adulteration of kerosene, petrol and diesel, put a stop to its diversion and black marketing, Indian Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have strong-willed to come up with hi-tech measures: install Global Positioning System (GPS), get a smart card system for deliverance of kerosene via Public Distribution System (PDS) and bring in marker for kerosene and naphtha.

Leading OMCs, comprising Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum, are getting GPS installed on all their truck tankers transporting petrol, diesel and kerosene to retail outlets to enable monitoring of such trucks and spot any divergence in the movement plan. Hindustan Petroleum has got deployed GPS in about160 company-owned tanker trucks. IOC is chalking out plans to cover 19,500, Hindustan

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On Feb 1 Navigon and Porsche collaboratively showcased a new GPS navigation system called P9611 at CES 2007, but now Navigon, a German map and handheld navigation device manufacturer, is standing alone with the offering of its two latest models called Navigon 3100 and Navigon 3110, which boasts of the resemblance of the TS 7000T.

Any way, Both 3100 and 3110 are claimed to be included with a 3.5-inch screen - likened to 4.3″ of TS7000T -, and they too do not have built-in RDS/TMC traffic information receiver. Besides, similar to their big brother, the 3100 and 3110 make use of Navigon MobileNavigator 6, and are touted to be capable of alerting the driver as to familiar radar speed traps and camera locations. The service, which is not supposed to be coming free.

Check out the main sports of Navigon 3100 and 3110:

(1) Touch screen: 3.5-inch TFT 65K colors and 320×240 pixels resolution
(2) Warning signal of radars integrated with preloaded fixed radars
(3) RDS/TMC live traffic updates available in premium version
(4) Navigation software: Navigon MobileNavigator 6
(5) Processor: Samsung 2440 at 400 MHz
(6) Microsoft Windows CE.net 5
(7) Dimensions: 11 x 8 x 2.3 cm
(8) GPS SiRF Star III integrated
(9) SD/MMC slot (up to 2 GB)
(10) Navteq maps

The only thing that differentiates between both 3100 and 3110 is that the former will just be comprised with regional maps (512MB) where the later one known as 3110 will be integrated with maps for 37 European nations on a 2GB card. Both Navigon 3100 and 3110 will be ushered in with the price tag of 249€ and 329€ correspondingly beginning in April.

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Up to now, I have posted almost four stories about Holux GPSmile series, first in October, second in November, third also in November, but when yesterday I was talking about my fourth addition of Holux GPSmile series, it came upon my mind that I must also provide my readers with the information of Holux GPSmile53, which was missed by me, I really do not why?

So, without beating about the bush, here is another latest GPS device from the Taiwan-based Holux, called GPSmile53, the latest member to the GPSmile family, which, similar to it’s predecessors, was also brought about chiefly as an automotive GPS and claimed to be ready with a TMC traffic receiver, along with consisting with a pretty unique design, which at first sight was not like by me due to its too toyish look but that’s only a personal opinion, so don’t mind.

Similar to the previous models of the GPSmile series it is also touted to be built-in with the SiRFstar III and sport a 3.5″ screen, as well, whereas it is power-driven by the Samsung S3C2440A, 400 MHz processor and makes use of the Microsoft Windows CE. Net 4.2 Core Version as its operating system.

Check out some of the other sports and specs of Holux GPSmile53:

(1) Memory: 32 MB NAND flash memory and 64MB SDRAM memory for operating system and embedded applications.
(2) Battery: Rechargeable 2400 mAh Li-ion
(3) Size: 95.5(L) x77 (W) x22 (H) mm
(4) Extension Slot: SD / MMC
(5) Weight: 180 g

This is quite speculation however I wouldn’t be staggered if Holux also rolls out one more device known as GPSmile54. Now why I speculate this has a reason that, initially why after the GPSmile53 that was announced last month Holux jumped to 55 and the second reason is the picture on the right side of my yesterday post that I found on Holux’s website, of GPS unit that doesn’t give the impression of being any of the recognized Holux’s GPS systems. Any way not an issue, as usual, as and when I will get more info of Holux GPSmile series, I will let you know. Thanks!

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