Microsoft just got a patent approved for a avoiding unsafe neighborhoods when navigating via GPS. According to Microsoft, the feature is specifically aimed at pedestrian travelers, and factors conditions such as weather, terrain, and "security information" (read: crime statistics).
In other words, this feature makes it possible to take a slightly longer route in order to avoid "economically challenged areas". This announcement has been getting a fair amount of attention, as some have interpreted this function as having racial undertones, and unfairly penalizes businesses in high crime areas, and panders to unfounded fears of certain neighborhoods.
What do you think? Good idea or a step backwards in equality? Let us know.
Garmin announced today the release of the nuvi 3500 series - Garmin's newest flagship GPS.
The nuvi 3500 will feature the same ultra-thin form factor of the previous nuvi 3400-series, but will sport a larger 5-inch display, and will include more or less every feature Garmin has to offer:
All nuvi 3500 models will have:
5-inch display Guidance 3.0 navigation engine (which provides a faster, more intuitive user interface to enhance the speed and accuracy of searches and routing) Lane Assist with photoReal junction view realistically displays road signs and junctions along the route with photographic detail to clearly mark the correct lane to be in for interchanges and exits (Garmin claims the nuvi 3500 will have 25-times more photo realistic junction views in the US & Canada) the ability for the nüvi to automatically remember frequent favorite route destinations and predict the destination without the user needing to activate a route
The nuvi 3590LMT ($399.99) will include free lifetime map updates, Bluetooth, digital 3D traffic, voice activated navigation, as well as compatibility with Garmin's new Smartphone Link - an Android App that provides live services to the PND.
The nuvi 3550LM ($369.99) lacks the Bluetooth and traffic features.
Both units are expected to be available in February 2012.
Black Friday is approaching, and from the looks of things there are already some great deals to be had. GPS navigation has gotten cheaper than ever, and you'll get more features per dollar this year than ever before.
See Amazon's GPS and Navigation Deals
I haven't had much time to work on GPSmagazine.com lately, but I'm getting back in the saddle and will be posting lots of new content soon.
Thanks to all of you who sent concerned notes, and kept the faith the GPSmagazine was still alive and well.
That's right - 5 lucky readers will get fully licensed, fully functional copies of Magellan's iPhone navigation App (version 1.3.2 for the United States).
Contest: We have 5 copies of the App to give away. Just leave a comment on this post to enter. Contest ends this Friday (May 20th) at midnight EST. Please only leave one comment, multiple entries wont count.
UPDATE: Congratulations to the 5 lucky winners! Content is now closed. We'll have more soon!
Verdict: Small, Powerful, Exceptional Battery Life
The Bottom Line
Exceptional accuracy and battery life Small enough to be carried by a child, powerful enough to be used by law enforcement Works in extreme weather conditions (-40° to 185°F), IPX-5 Water Resistant GeoFencing, Speed, Panic alerts Priced under $200, plus monthly service
TrackingTheWorld's newest portable real-time GPS tracking device is the WorldTracker Enduro Pro. An update to one of last year's best trackers, the Enduro, Enduro Pro offers improved GPS sensitivity, and up to 60 day battery life.
Throughout our testing, Enduro Pro's performance was outstanding. The device provided reliable real-time tracking, even in challenging environments, and in areas of marginal cellular coverage.
Continue reading "WorldTracker Enduro Pro GPS Tracking Device Review" »
Verdict: High-End Features For Those On A Budget
The Bottom Line
A budget-friendly 4.3-inch widescreen GPS that offers many of the same features found on the Garmin's more expensive devices. Equipped with trafficTrends and myTrends, ecoRoute, text-to-speech, lane guidance, the 2350 LMT also includes free lifetime map updates and realtime traffic service. Menus are intuitive and the map is easy to read. No bluetooth, and the screen isn't as high resolution as the more expensive nuvi 3700 series, but it's hard to quibble at this price.
Continue reading "Garmin nuvi 2350 LMT Review" »
OnStar Telematics, a division of General Motors, is currently installed in over 6 million GM vehicles, and offers drivers a variety of connected services, including turn-by-turn navigation, automatic crash response, stolen vehicle location, and more.
Until now, the only way to get OnStar services was to buy a GM vehicle. Well, no more. OnStar unveiled a $299 standalone mirror at the Consumer Electronics Show last week that will bring OnStar's connected services to any vehicle.
Since the mirror is powered, and has integrated Bluetooth for hands-free calling, you'll need to have the mirror professionally installed. Installation is estimated to cost around $75, and subscription to OnStar's services will cost $18.95 per month, or $199 / year.
OnStar's mirror will be available exclusively at Best Buy in the Spring 2011.
TomTom is starting to release HD Traffic enabled GPS devices in North America, and the GO 2505 M LIVE is the company's first such device.
So what exactly is HD Traffic, and should you care? Read on.
Continue reading "TomTom's GO 2505 M LIVE is the first HD Traffic Enabled GPS Unit" »
Garmin just announced the GTU 10, Garmin's first real-time GPS tracking device.
According to reps here at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the GTU 10 will be available in the spring, will retail for $199.99, which will include a full year of service. After the first year you'll have to pay $49.95 a year to continue service.
The device itself measures 3”x1.3”x.8”, weighs just 1.7 oz, is waterproof, and includes a carry pouch and carabiner clip. Once activated, the device can be tracked via a web browser or smartphone, and you'll be able to access up to 7 days of historical tracking data. You'll be able to set Geofences, and the device will also integrate with Garmin's nuLink services so that nuLink enabled GPS navigators can automatically route to the GTU 10's location.
The GTU 10 will operate on AT&T's data network, and will be available for purchase in the Spring.
Here at GPSmagazine, I've done extensive testing of real-time GPS tracking devices, and publish an annual GPS Tracker Buyer's Guide. I expect to have a test unit from Garmin soon, and will be publishing the review as soon as possible. It'll be interesting to see how Garmin's device stacks up against the competition. Hopefully Garmin's entrance into this growing market will also signal a lowering average purchase price as GPS tracking devices become more common.
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