GPS Lodge

Cheap Valentines Day Gifts - Actually Kindof Free

2012-02-08T11:42:55Z

Waze is giving you a hand on Valentines Day by offering you some free coupons for some inexpensive gifts. So while a Free Tank of Gas or a Free Car Wash might not be the most loving and intimate gift, it might just be the gift that is really needed instead of some crappy box of stale WalMart chocolates. The coupons come in English, Spanish, Italian, French and Hebrew - maybe you can spice things up by using one that's a little more romantic. ("Hebrew?" you ask. You all knew that Waze is based in Israel, right?)

The Coupons are available on their Waze Facebook Page. on top of that, the millions of users will be abel to hit up their Extra Points game icons around the map soon: Red Roses +5 extra Points, Red Heart Balloons +3 Extra Points, and Pink Heart Balloons +2 Extra Points

Garmin Approach G6 - Serious Touchscreen Golf GPS

2012-02-06T12:37:12Z

Of all the GPS units that have come out in the past five years, I have to say that I think the Golf GPS has advanced the most in the last few. Golf GPS units used to be based on older technology, with a thin layer of Golf-only benefits skimmed on the top like frosting on a dieter's cake. Not anymore.

The Garmin Approach G6 is pretty advanced, offering features that really can help your game. With over 25,000 courses preloaded (free), and the ability to have the G6 compute your average distance per club, your ability to see exactly which club you SHOULD play is a good thing. Whether or not you actually play that club is the mental game that is the other side of golf.

Other than the touchscreen, the features I like are the one touch button to access the scorecard, the 15-hour (read all weekend play) battery life, and the Lay-up arcs that show you where on the course certain clubs will drop you. Check out the video to learn more.

See the Garmin Approach G6 Product Page and see it At Amazon- Garmin Approach G6 Golf GPS

Does a GPS Ruin the Mind's Learning Process?

2012-02-05T00:19:31Z

Interesting article in the NYTimes today that walks through how people use their own mental maps to find their way, building up their sense of direction as they continue to expand and experiment. The problem with using a GPS is that you can end up shutting off this learning process by blindly following what the GPS tells you.

There are plenty of stories of GPS experiences gone bad, where users do in fact check their brains at the curb and drive off blindly following the GPS, and while some of the stories are the extreme, I have to think that most people do in fact blindly follow the GPS at some point of the journey.

That freedom can give you confidence to explore the world a bit knowing that you can almost always find your way. I like that aspect, but yes, if it is at the sacrifice of learning, that's not always a great trade-off. The trick may be how to have the confidence to explore while also learning your way around.

See the NYTimes - Is GPS All in Our Heads?

Got Facebook Timeline? Try the MapMyRide App

2012-02-03T00:29:15Z

MapMyRide (and MapMyRun, etc) have new Facebook Timeline Apps that will help you track your fitness on your Facebook pages…. while bragging to others about your exercise prowess.

You'll be able to track your progress and get monthly reports. It's like a little web App right where you ~~waste~~ er ah, spend all of your time anyway.

Deal of the Day Alert: TomTom Go Live 1535 - $139

2012-01-30T12:17:56Z

Definitely a deal to check out - 5-inch screen AND it's connected for local search, HD traffic and more. This TomTom GO LIVE 1535 has local search powered by Google, plus a suite of helper apps that are targeted to making your travel easier, including: Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Expedia. The GO LIVE services offer HD Traffic, fuel prices, and voice recognition and Bluetooth Handsfree capability. The maps of Mexico, the US, and Canada are includes and come with a lifetime upgrade package - no more severely out of date maps!

Anyway, I thought it was a good enough deal to buy one myself to check out. I will have some posts on it in the coming weeks.

At Amazon Deal of the Day - TomTom GO LIVE 1535

Go on a Hike…. Urban Style?

2012-01-24T11:46:11Z

We've written about EveryTrail and other outdoor GPS Apps for smartphones before, but the makers of EveryTrail have what I would call an Urban Hiking Guide or more normally called a City Guide which are available for a handful of cities. Since they were bought by TripAdvisor, the hybrid of the two properties had to crank out an App like this; walking style, Points of internets, and guided tours.

The App uses your smartphone GPS and compass to use location based services and offer you insight about what's around you. Not only can you get information about places like restaurants around you, but you can also get city facts written by professional editors so you can enjoy your self-guided tour around the neighborhood or city.

Once you get the App you can download additional content (iPhone), including maps, photos of points of interest, reviews, and more. Android appears to have an App per city; download each individually and off you go.

The current North American Cities Include:

Boston

Chicago

Hawaii - several cities across the islands

Las Vegas

Los Angeles

New York City

Orlando

San Francisco

Washington, D.C., as well as a few European and Asian cities.

At iTunes for iPhone and the Android Market

Supreme Court: GPS Tracking Needs Warrant - Drug Dealers Offer Sigh of Relief

2012-01-24T01:25:42Z

The Supreme Court submitted a unanimous decision today rejecting the premise that putting a GPS tracker on someone's car doesn't require a court warrant. They feel it does. Drug dealers offer a sigh of relief, until the courts step in and signs that warrant, then it's back to the investigation.

While the little black box attached to the underside of a car is in question, it also brings into question the use of onboard GPS data tracking too - How about access to your OnStar tracks - yea, that would need a warrant. (BTW, just because you didn't pay your subscription, don't think that they can't track you. They can.)

For more information on the case - See the NYT

TomTom Goes for Easy to Understand Line-up: Start, Via and Go Live

2012-01-14T22:01:25Z

TomTom is going for a new three tiered line-up approach to try to differentiate the features and make sure that the consumer value perception is clear and concise. I like the move, and hopefully the buying public thinks it's a good move too.

Their "Mission Statements" for each tier are:

Start: The entry-level, and budget-friendly, Start line offers an easy solution for new drivers by providing essential A-to-B navigation on a dedicated device. Start offers access to the world’s most complete and accurate database of maps, as well as features such as lane guidance and spoken street names that help make navigation easier and less stressful. Additionally, the product line offers new features for an entry-level TomTom line, such as access to nationwide fuel prices.
VIA: The mid-range VIA line offers a stress-free navigation solution for the busy person always on-the-go, such as a multi-tasking parent. With additional safety features such as Bluetooth hands-free calling, voice recognition, and advanced lane guidance, drivers are able to navigate through life while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
GO LIVE: The faster GO LIVE line offers the daily commuter all the features of the VIA and real-time information with access to connected, LIVE Services. Featuring the award-winning TomTom HD Traffic and branded Travel Apps, users can read restaurant reviews on Yelp® and TripAdvisor®, find hotel availability with Expedia® or automatically tweet their arrival time on Twitter without ever leaving the car. Additionally, they’ll have access to live fuel prices, weather forecasts, and local search.

Features of each Tier will include:

START: Lifetime Traffic Updates, Lifetime Map Updates, Spoken Street Names, Lane Guidance, IQ Routes, Maps of US and CAN, 7 Million+ Points of Interest, Essential Routing, Fuel Prices
VIA: Lifetime traffic Updates, Lifetime Map Updates, Spoken Street Names, Advanced Lane Guidance, IQ Routes, Maps of US, CAN, MEX*, 7 Million+ Points of Interest, Instant Routing Bluetooth® Hands-free Calling, Voice Recognition*, Enhanced Graphics, Slim Design and Integrated Mount
GO LIVE: TomTom HD Traffic, Lifetime Map Updates, Spoken Street Names, Advanced Lane Guidance, IQ Routes, Maps of US, CAN, MEX, 7 Million+ Points of Interest, Dynamic, Instant Routing, Bluetooth® Hands-free Calling, Voice Recognition, Enhanced Graphics, Slim Design and Integrated Mount, Click-and-Go Mount, Capacitive Touch Screen, LIVE Services incl. Fuel Prices, Travel Apps, Roadside Assistance

It will be interesting to see what models they stick into each tier. Expect these new units to start showing up this Spring.

Lightsquard - Gov't Says Plans Would Significantly Interfere with GPS

2012-01-14T14:29:35Z

Lightsquared was dealt a setback again this week as a government advisory board sent a letter to the Commerce Department indicating that the Lightsquared plans for nationwide high speed wireless broadband would significantly interfere with the GPS system and saw no easy way to fix the problems.

The group based these conclusions on separate tests by the FAA, the group concluded that the original and even the altered plans by Lightsquared would "cause harmful interference to many GPS receivers."

This has been going on for a while, and we recently reported that one government test indicated that the Lightsquared plans would interfere with 75% of GPS receivers, and affecting up to 100 square miles of newly lost and directionless GPS receivers. Via WSJ

Magellan Announces the eXplorist 110 Handheld GPS

2012-01-10T22:45:32Z

It sounds like Magellan is upping their game and designed a pretty feature-packed value-priced navigator in the Magellan eXplorist 110. With a color sunlight readable screen, a US road network in the basemap, paperless geocaching, and various track laying capabilities, you'll be pretty set for a good outing.

The eXplorist 110 also features a suspend mode that powers down everything expect the GPS tracking so that the unit consumes a very small amount of power; Magellan expects 2-AA batteries to last up to 18 hours.

On top of the US maps, the eXplorist has Magellan's World Edition map, which includes a road network of more than 200 countries.

Available Now at Amazon - the Magellan eXplorist 110

Full Press Release Follows…….

The Magellan® eXplorist® 110 GPS Receiver Provides Essential Outdoor Navigation

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – January 9th, 2012 – Magellan, a pioneering GPS brand, today announced the introduction of the Magellan eXplorist 110 GPS receiver, a waterproof and rugged handheld GPS with core outdoor navigation features. Powerful yet light and portable, the eXplorist 110 demonstrates Magellan’s continued commitment to outdoor navigation.

With a vibrant, sunlight readable color display plus a highly sensitive GPS chipset providing 3-5 meters of accuracy, and the ability to record hundreds of waypoints, tracks, and routes, the eXplorist 110 GPS receiver is an amazing value for any beginning outdoor enthusiast. It comes pre-loaded with Magellan's World Edition map, which includes a road network of more than 200 countries. Users can start each adventure with a single click, record every step, and monitor their distance travelled, average speed, elevation gain and descent by viewing the track summary statistics. It will even navigate users back at the end of the day.

The newest addition to the eXplorist family of dedicated outdoor GPS receivers, the eXplorist 110 provides the fundamentals for basic outdoor navigation. Ready to use right out of the box, the 5.2-ounce GPS device can be hung around a users’ neck or attached to a pack for easy reference. Both beginners just starting to explore the outdoors and more experienced outdoorsman will find the simple main menu, intuitive contextual menus and vibrant graphics easy-to-use. The eXplorist 110 is the perfect companion for precise GPS signals and tracking while fishing, hiking, hunting, camping and many other outdoor activities.

“As the only device in the market in this price range with a color display and packed with features for the outdoorsman, the eXplorist 110 is an outstanding value,” said Sam Muscariello, director of product marketing, for Magellan GPS.

With the eXplorist 110, users can overlay a series of different transparent compass styles on top of the pre-loaded World Map that shows roads, water features, parks, and city centers. The dashboard screen shows a mini-compass for quick reference and customizable navigation data fields such as latitude, longitude, heading, bearing, distance to end, trip odometer, and much more. The eXplorist 110 also supports paperless geocaching with a variety of unique characteristics and attributes of each cache available for download and view. Two AA batteries provide up to 18 hours of continual outdoor use to guide you to and from your next adventure, wherever in the world that may be.

The eXplorist 110 is available at an MSRP of USD $129.99.

TomTom iPhone App Goes Social with Actually Useful Stuff

2012-01-10T22:20:49Z

Just about every day, it seems like some App, website or refrigerator goes "Social" with some feature that seems utterly useless for all but the three people who were involved in the project and their best friends. TomTom is bucking the trend here and is in fact adding a useful feature that wraps the TomTom navigation experience around both Facebook and twitter to enable you to do a couple of useful things:

1) Tweet/Post to FB or text where you are going - got friends following you, and maybe heading out to? Tweet your destination and maybe catch a few friends there.

2) Navigate to where your friends just checked into, a "Location" or an Event - yes; you are meeting them out and they just checked in. Pop open TomTom for iPhone and navigate there with this integration.

The new features will soon be available, and will be a free upgrade for current users of the TomTom iPhone App. Expect the new version 1.10 to appear in the iTunes store before the end of Q1.

TomTom Inks Global Samsung Deal - Maps, Traffic Feeds and More

2012-01-10T21:55:19Z

TomTom has inked a deal with mobile phone maker Samsung to provide maps, traffic feeds, 3D City buildings and features as well as Points of interest and Speed Camera locations.

Recall that TomTom owns a heavyweight in the map making world, TeleAtlas, and Samsung is looking for a global partner to help them deliver content to their line-up with limited complexity. The new Wave3 smartphone will have the new TomTom content on it.

Garmin Nuvi 3500 Series - Top of the Line Wonders: Nuvi 3550LM and 3590LMT

2012-01-09T12:01:19Z

Garmin just unveiled their new Nuvi 3500 line, the newest top-of-the-line set of models designed to take you from point A to point B in a very geeky, very smart way. The nuvi 3500 line is connected, in a way, through your Android phone and Garmin's just-announced connectivity App, while also offering top end features such as:

Newest Guidance 3.0 Navigation Engine - faster, more intuitive routing, with MyTrends capability to learn your favorite routes
Junction View Exclusive Database - over 60,000 complex intersections highlighted and detailed to offer clear routing demonstrations
3D Digital Traffic (available) - Receive updates every 30 seconds and up to 10 faster than the older TMC systems. Uses a multidimensional feed of real-time traffic data from quality sources including other Garmin nüvi owners, cellphone users, radio feeds, news stations, historical traffic data and fixed traffic sensors on major roads.

The new Nuvi 3500 series will include:

Nuvi 3550LM - $369 - lifetime map updates, and premium navigation features
Nuvi 3590 LMT - $399 - adds 3D traffic over HD radio spectrum, voice activated navigation lifetime map updates and Smartphone link

Both will be available February 2012.

Full Press Release follows after the jump......

Garmin® Debuts New Top Tier GPS Navigator at CES
 OLATHE, Kan./January 9, 2012/Business Wire -- Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced the nüvi® 3500 series, the company's newest flagship personal navigation devices (PNDs) and the company's first GPS navigators that combine the ultra-thin form factor with a large, 5-inch glass display. The 3500 series is part of the Prestige line of 2012 nüvis and includes the most premium features available on any device such as the Guidance 3.0 navigation engine, Digital 3D Traffic and compatibility with Garmin's newest Android™ application, Smartphone Link. The nüvi 3500 series will be showcased in the Garmin booth (South Hall #38512) at this year's Consumer Electronics Show.

"The nüvi 3500 series rounds out Garmin's 2012 line up of PNDs as the most full-featured, top tier navigators," said Dan Bartel, Garmin's vice president of worldwide sales. "This series offers it all, from the thin and stylish form factor and large display to the most premium capabilities like Digital 3D Traffic and Smartphone Link compatibility. What's more, all of these features are included with the purchase of the device, so customers don't have to worry about any additional costs, fees or subscriptions."

As part of the Prestige line of nüvi models, these PNDs feature the 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's exclusive junction view database includes nearly 60,000 junction views in the U.S. and Canada, 25 times more than in previous nüvi models. Guidance 3.0 also includes myTrends™, the ability for the nüvi to automatically remember frequent favorite route destinations and predict the destination without the user needing to activate a route.

To keep drivers moving instead of sitting in traffic wasting time and fuel, the nuvi 3590LMT offers subscription-free Digital 3D Traffic, which uses information from the HD Radio™ Broadcasting System to provide faster updates and more detailed coverage of side streets and other secondary roads in major cities. With Digital 3D traffic (available in the U.S. only) users will receive traffic updates as often as every 30 seconds, up to 10 times faster than traditional traffic receivers, giving drivers the most real-time depiction of the traffic situation along the route. As part of the world's most extensive traffic avoidance system, Digital 3D Traffic checks traffic conditions 2 billion times per month using a multidimensional feed of real-time traffic data from quality sources including other Garmin nüvi owners, cellphone users, radio feeds, news stations, historical traffic data and fixed traffic sensors on major roads. With trafficTrends™, the nüvi automatically learns patterns for traffic flow and predicts where traffic will be.

The nüvi 3590LMT is also compatible with Garmin Smartphone Link, an Android app that provides live services to the PND. Smartphone Link creates a seamless navigation experience between the nüvi and an Android smartphone allowing them to communicate and share data. Among other functionalities, the app lets nüvi users add live services such as traffic information, traffic camera images, weather and fuel prices to their navigation device, utilizing the smartphone's mobile data plan.

The nüvi 3500 series includes the 3550LM with free lifetime map[3] updates ($369.99) and the Bluetooth enabled nüvi 3590LMT with free lifetime digital 3D traffic updates[4] from the HD Radio System, voice-activated navigation, free lifetime map updates, and Smartphone Link support ($399.99).

The new nüvi 3500 series is expected to be available in February 2012. For more information about individual models, features and pricing, visit http://www.garmin.com/move.

The nüvi 3500 series is the latest solution from Garmin's consumer automotive segment, the leading worldwide provider of portable navigation devices for automobiles and motorcycles. From turn-by-turn navigation and fast and accurate search capability to traffic avoidance and lane guidance, Garmin's user-friendly PND solutions have innovative features that provide time- and fuel-saving benefits to meet the demands of everyday driving.

Garmin Approach G6

2012-01-09T12:00:05Z

Garmin just announced a new golfing buddy, the new Garmin Approach G6; a svelte 3-ounce device that comes loaded with 25,000 courses and offering helpful, high quality look at yardage to the pin, front and back of the green as well as a rechargeable battery that lasts enough for a weekend's round of golf; up to 15 hours.

Garmin is a leader in easy to use automotive GPS devices, and brings that capability to the Golf links with a well throughout out user interface. They assure that it won't slow you down, and give you insight to help you hit your mark, with guidance on your approach shots while keeping track of your stats. Hopefully, you'll like the truth as displayed by your new golfing buddy; maybe you can still kick that ball out of the rough and not count it... Let's see Garmin track that.

Price is $299, and will be available in february 2012

Full Press Release flows after the jump.....

Garmin Approach G6 GPS Takes Golf to a Whole New Level With Worldwide Preloaded Courses, No Subscriptions and Rechargeable Battery

Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced Garmin® Approach™ G6 GPS golf device - a sleek, slim glove-friendly device weighing just over three ounces that comes preloaded with over 25,000 worldwide courses and is equipped with an internal rechargeable battery giving golfers the opportunity for an entire weekend worth of play on one charge. The Approach G6 is the ultimate instrument for the serious player and was announced in preparation for the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas, NV (January 10-13) and the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, FL (January 25-28, 2012) where it will be prominently displayed at Garmin booths in each location.

"With its new features, the Approach G6 becomes a must-have tool for every serious golfer," said Dan Bartel, Garmin's vice president of worldwide sales. "It's small enough to fit in a golfer's shirt pocket and golfers who travel the world now have access to worldwide courses without hidden fees or subscriptions. The Approach G6 was designed to take golfers' games to the next level."

With the Approach G6, Garmin continues to re-write the rules for golf course availability by offering over 25,000 worldwide courses (and growing). Golfers headed to Scotland to play a round on one of the sport's first courses, or those who are headed to Australia to soak up some sun during their swings will have many of their favorite courses right out of the box. Garmin offers free course updates throughout the year that add new courses and make minor edits to the current lineup that ensure accuracy. Just as courses change, so do the pin placements - the flag can be adjusted for the current day's pin placement with the simple touch of the screen and the large yardage number gives golfers the distance to the pin while the other two numbers give them distance to the front and back.

Fitting in the palm of a user's hand, the Approach G6's 2.6" sunlight readable display provides large, bright, high-contrast graphics and numbering so that it does not slow down the game. The Approach G6 even offers layup arcs that are drawn on the map and offer at-a-glance references to 100, 150, 200 and (when applicable) 250 yards for layup decisions. Golfers can even touch the place on the layout map that they want to measure, judge layups or zero in on hazards or obstacles that may affect their shot, and zoom in for an even closer look at the landing area. Even with its enhanced graphics and robust features, the Approach G6's internal rechargeable battery lasts up to 15 hours in typical use, giving golfers an additional piece of mind when out on the links.

Keeping track of a player's stats throughout the round like fairways hit, Greens in Regulation (GIR) and putts per round just became a whole lot easier with the Approach G6. Golfers can review these stats right on the device, or download and access a printable version on their computer. From an easy to reach menu option, users can select their club, and then measure the exact yardage of each shot they take. The stat tracking feature will calculate the average distance golfers hit with every club. With the new digital scorecard, Approach G6 allows users to keep track of strokes for up to four golfers using any of the new scoring options which include Stroke Play, Stableford, Skins and Match Play with adjustable handicaps.

The new Approach G6 is expected to be available in February 2012 and will have a suggested retail price of $299.99. Approach G6 is the latest solution from Garmin's growing outdoor segment, which focuses on developing technologies and innovations to enhance users' outdoor experiences. Whether it's Golfing, Hiking, Hunting or Geocaching, Garmin outdoor devices are becoming essential tools for outdoor enthusiast of all levels. For more information about Garmin's other outdoor products and services, go to http://www.garmin.com/us/products/onthetrail/, www.garmin.blogs.com and http://twitter.com/garmin.

Garmin Smartphone Link to Android - The Semi-Connected Nuvi

2012-01-09T12:00:00Z

Garmin just announced their Smartphone link to the 2012 Nuvi line letting you use your Andoird (sorry iPhone Nation) to pull down Live Traffic, get Fuel Prices, see Traffic cameras, weather and more. This is all through the Smartphone data plan, and will start to blur the line between the Smartphone experience and a stand-alone un-connected GPS/PND. The App is available for free, and utilizes the Bluetooth capability to pull down the data - you get weather for free, but pay for the others:

Live Traffic - $20 a year, covering highways, interstates and main roads. This should give you a reasonable way to get around traffic, more traffic data, and a high quality navigation system. The cost is similar to annual traffic plans on smartphone Apps. I'll try to figure out how expansive the road coverage is.

photoLive Traffic Cameras - At $10, it gives you insight into the standard traffic cameras; 10,000 of them across the US and Canada.

Fuel Prices - $10 - I've used service like this and it's not the first time around for Garmin on this service, but it's a great new way to deliver the data to the Nuvi.

Advanced Weather - $5 a year - to only do you get extended forecasts, but you get animated radar images on your GPS - very cool.

Garmin Smartphone Link works with all Bluetooth enabled 2012 Garmin PNDs, the nüvi 2475LT, 2495LMT, 2595LMT, 3490LMT and the all-new 3590LMT, the company's most feature-packed 5" navigator. All of these models require a software update, except the nüvi 3590LMT. Garmin Smartphone Link is available from the Android Market at no cost. To learn more, go to http://sites.garmin.com/smartphonelink.

Press Release after the jump.....

Garmin Smartphone Link for Android Provides Connected Services to nüvi® Personal Navigation Devices

OLATHE, Kan./January 9, 2012/Business Wire -- Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced the launch of Smartphone Link, the first Android app to provide live services to personal navigation devices (PNDs). Smartphone Link creates a seamless navigation experience between any Bluetooth® enabled 2012 Garmin nüvi and an AndroidTM smartphone allowing them to communicate and share data. Among other functionalities, the app lets nüvi users add live services, such as traffic information, traffic camera images, weather and fuel prices to their navigation device, utilizing the smartphone's mobile data plan. Garmin Smartphone Link is available at no cost in the Android Market and includes several free live services as well as premium content available through subscriptions.

"Garmin Smartphone Link solves the problem of having to pay for an extra data plan to use live services on a PND by utilizing the existing connection of a smartphone," said Dan Bartel, Garmin's vice president of worldwide sales. "It is a great example of how smartphone apps can complement navigation devices, which offer key benefits such as bigger screens and better GPS reception."

Free connected services include live weather information and myGarmin™ messaging, which provides update notifications and special offers from Garmin. Premium Live Services include the following:

Live Traffic ($19.99 per year): Garmin Live Traffic provides the best-in-class real-time information to help users navigate in and around congestion. Live Traffic is updated every two minutes and receives more than 1,000 messages every update cycle, including details of traffic incidents, road conditions and delays. It covers major highways, interstates and main roads.

photoLive traffic cameras ($9.99 per year): This functionality is an addition to Garmin's Live Traffic feature and provides drivers the ability to literally see traffic conditions ahead of time. It lets users easily look up real-time photos from traffic cameras to get a glance at traffic and weather conditions. Included are more than 10,000 traffic cameras across the U.S. and Canada that send images every couple of minutes.

Fuel Prices ($9.99 per year): Users can find the best prices for any grade of fuel in their area by tapping the screen and selecting a station.

Advanced Weather ($4.99 per year): Get current and 5-day forecasts tailored for major cities in the U.S. and Canada. In addition to what the free weather service provides, Advanced Weather also allows users to receive severe weather alerts and view animated radar images on a map. Colors distinguish types of precipitation such as rain, snow and ice, to help you avoid bad driving conditions.

In addition to using Garmin Live Services, Smartphone Link allows the Garmin GPS to share its favorite locations with the phone. And better yet, the app can help users find their way from a parking spot to their destination and back by displaying both on a map.

Garmin Smartphone Link works with all Bluetooth enabled 2012 Garmin PNDs, the nüvi 2475LT, 2495LMT, 2595LMT, 3490LMT and the all-new 3590LMT, the company's most feature-packed 5" navigator. All of these models require a software update, except the nüvi 3590LMT. Garmin Smartphone Link is available from the Android Market at no cost. To learn more, go to http://sites.garmin.com/smartphonelink.

The new nüvi 3590LMT features pinch-to-zoom touchscreen interaction, automatic dual-screen orientation and Garmin's most advanced ensemble of mapping and navigation features available: Guidance 3.0, free lifetime digital 3D traffic updates[1] from the HD Radio System, voice-activated navigation, free lifetime map updates[2], lane assist with photoReal junction view (a Garmin exclusive), Bird's Eye junction view, 3-D landmarks and terrain views, and exit services, among many other functions. The premium PND is expected to be available in spring 2012. For more information about individual nüvi models, features and pricing, visit http://www.garmin.com/move.

Parrot Asteroids - in Dash GPS option

2012-01-09T11:45:13Z

Parrot announced two new GPS units that may be attractive, one especially if you want an in-dash option to get you from point A to point B. The flagship is the Parrot 2DIN, shown above as a way to get the functionality without any windshield suction issues…..With a 6.2-inch screen, this is going to offer a lot of real estate and the ability to hook up to your mobile phone, 3G dongle or a WiFi hotspot.

The other items announced are less amazing in the stats department as they offer smaller screens; the Asteroid NAV which offers a 5-inch screen with the ability to pair with two Bluetooth phones. Not bad, but not much on the navigation features. We'll look around some more.

Via CNet

Magellan RV9145 - 7-Inch Roadtripping Wonder

2012-01-09T01:15:16Z

The newly announced Magellan RV9145 has a lot under the hood and is set up to help get that RV from here to there in fully-informed style. Not only is the 7-inch screen readable from the kitchen table, but the information on the unit includes over 11,700 private campgrounds in the US, and Canada with stats on their Wi-Fi amenities, ability to handle Big Rig campers, or are pet friendly.

The Magellan RV9145 offers routes that take the size of the RV into account, offering customized routes that keep you safe. If you are a Good Sam member, you'll enjoy the fact that the RV9195 lists which campgrounds offer you the Good Sam discount.

With an MSRP of $349, and should be available soon at Magellan authorized dealers. Full details after the jump.........

Magellan and Good Sam Club Deliver New Recreational Vehicle GPS Device

RoadMate® RV9145 Features High-Resolution 7" Screen, Customized RV Routes, AV Input, and the Trailer Life RV Parks & Campground Directory

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - January 6, 2012 - Magellan, a recognized GPS industry innovator providing leading portable navigation and positioning solutions around the world, is set to introduce a new device to its line of GPS navigation products specifically designed for RVers. The RoadMate RV9145 navigator features an extra-large high-resolution 7" display and customized routing based on a vehicle's profile and driver preference. It comes pre-loaded with the Magellan exclusive Good Sam Trailer Life RV Parks & Campground Directory; maps of the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico; and, over six million points of interest.

Not only does the unit include many of the features that have made Magellan a recognized name in the GPS industry worldwide, but also our exclusive partnership with Good Sam Club, the world's largest RV owner's organization. The Trailer Life RV Parks & Campground Directory, a must for RVers, includes their Triple-Rating System on more than 11,700 private campgrounds in the U.S. and Canada. Users can easily find sites that have Wi-Fi and Internet access, accommodate big-rigs, are pet-friendly, give Good Sam Club discounts, and other information important to RVers.

"Our new RoadMate RV9145 GPS navigator is the ideal RV travel companion that can make your driving experience safer and more enjoyable," commented Stig Pedersen, Associate VP of Product Management, Magellan GPS. "It was designed with safety in mind, as it provides both customized routes based on the size and demands of the RV, Highway Lane Assist, and turn-by-turn spoken directions that let drivers keep their eyes on the road. To make a good thing even better, the device lets users easily find a Good Sam certified campground and enjoy Good Sam member discounts."

Its extra-large 7" high-resolution, transmissive screen makes map viewing easier, especially in a low-lit driver's area of an RV. It offers settings and adjusts routes based on a vehicle's height, width, length and weight. Or, the customizable route feature picks the suitable route based on driver preference, e.g., shortest distance, fastest time, using freeways, or not using freeways. Its multi-destination routing capability allows a user to plan an entire trip in one route.

Magellan's exclusive OneTouch™ user interface lets users personalize their experience with instant access to favorite destinations and searches. External devices, such as a back-up camera, DVD player, or an iPod, can be easily utilized through the convenient A/V input. The unit includes safety features such as Highway Lane Assist that ensures drivers choose the correct lane well before upcoming interchanges and exits, and spoken street names and directions that alert drivers when to make a turn without having to take their eyes off the road.

The Magellan RoadMate RV9145 has an MSRP of $349.99 and is available at consumer electronics stores, mass merchants, and warehouse clubs, as well as online through recognized Magellan distributors. It comes complete with: pre-loaded maps, extension windshield mount, vehicle power adapter, USB cable, AC adapter, and user Quick Start Guide.

Magellan Announces the Switch - Fitness GPS

2012-01-09T00:54:47Z

Magellan has announced their Fitness GPS market entries - the Switch and Switch Up. Both GPS-based and both multi-sport capable, the Pair of Switches offer what athletes want most, the ability to track performance attributes, download them later and track performance. The Switch offers customizable profiles, eight hours of battery life, 50-meter water resistance and compatibility with ANT+ sensors (think Heart Rate monitors, cadence meters, and more).

Magellan Switch-up adds to those features with a barometric altimeter and an outside temperature sensor which can add to the geek-fed data passion; a category that a whole lot of athletes fall into (myself included).

Both can move quickly between sports, and both upload their data to sites like MapMyFitness, Training Peaks, Strava and others.

Available this Spring - Switch at $249, or $299 with HRM strap, and the Switch Up (with Multi-sport mounting kit) for $$299 or $349 with the additional Heart Rate Monitor.

More Information At - Magellan Switch Website

Full Press Release below.......

Magellan GPS announced today the launch of its first two products in its new fitness line: Switch and Switch Up. Designed to meet the needs of runners, cyclists, and multisport athletes, the new Switch Series is a powerful, adaptable, and customizable family of crossover GPS watches that will integrate seamlessly with third party sites.

"We are very excited to launch our new fitness line," said Clark Weber, senior director of fitness products at Magellan. "We have combined Magellan's heritage in GPS technology, deep consumer insights, and the power of third party sites to offer a fresh perspective in the fitness category."

The Switch is a powerful fitness training device packed with innovative features that include nine customizable sport profiles, easy to read high resolution display, eight hours of battery life, a high sensitivity GPS receiver, 50 meter water resistance, and compatibility with ANT+ sensors. Designed primarily for runners, it is also a crossover watch that is convertible for multisport needs.

The Switch Up has the same powerful features as the Switch but also boasts a barometric altimeter for precise elevation data, a thermometer to monitor and capture outside temperature, vibration alerts for notifications in louder environments, and an innovative quick release mounting system to easily transition between sports. Designed for true multisport athletes, the Switch Up is the first of its kind in the fitness category.

"We are cyclists, runners, and multisport athletes. We are the end consumer," said Mike Maxson, senior product and marketing manager at Magellan. "If you spend a lot of time training, your devices need to be both powerful and adaptable. Features like our quick release mounting system and customizable sport profiles were born from this insight."

The Switch Series breaks away from the pack with innovative features, including Activity Pacer, which not only shows runners if they're on target with their goal, but provides specific targets to attain the desired result. For endurance athletes, Magellan offers an optional Battery Pack Extender that provides 16 hours of additional battery life, for a total of 24 hours.

"The Switch series has been designed for easy use out of the box without making compromises for hardcore athletes," adds Maxson. "Customers can create up to nine different activity profiles based on their preferences. With a few clicks, you can switch from road running to trail running mode with different screens, data fields and settings best suited for your activity."

Magellan will make it easy for customers to upload, view and store activities at a new Magellan fitness website launching in Spring 2012. This fitness hub is also ideal for customers looking for an online source to store and automatically distribute activities to their favorite social networks and fitness websites. For those who prefer to upload directly to their favorite fitness site, Magellan Switch devices are compatible with MapMyFitness, TrainingPeaks, Strava, and more. In addition, Magellan will be releasing an API that allows any third party website or application to access activity data with customer permission.

The Magellan GPS Switch series will be available Spring 2012. The Switch has an MSRP of $249.99 or $299.99 with Heart Rate Monitor; the Switch Up with a Multisport Mounting Kit has an MSRP of $299.99 or $349.99 with a Multisport Mounting Kit and Heart Rate Monitor.

Magellan RoadMate 5190T - Keep on Truckin'

2012-01-08T23:37:44Z

The RoadMate 5190T was mentioned on Engadget and is targeted at over the road truckers. With a few Trucker-focused features, the unit should help solve issues for those who need to have a customized route depending on vehicle specifications. The unit should be able to reduce some angst on the roads, but with millions of restrictions, I am a little concerned that the data just isn't reliable enough for anyone to get a truck reliably from point A to point B without some infraction.

Squarely targeting the Garmin Dezl line, Magellan is gunning for a few segments where they don't yet compete.

The Magellan RoadMate 5190T boasts a 5-inch screen and a super loud 93 decibel speaker. retailing for about $380 at a store soon; release date is TBD.

New iPhone or iPad? Navigation Apps to Consider

2011-12-27T16:16:19Z

There are a lot of iPods, iPhones and iPads that were gifted this year; I saw the iTunes servers slow down on Christmas day, did you? There are a lot of navigation and associated Apps out there these days, here are a few to consider:

Start with a free/almost free navigation App (iTunes App Store Links):

Waze - They used to bill themselves as a crowdsourced mapping program, but now talk of themselves as a traffic app "Outsmarting Traffic. Together." Good navigator, not great, but worth a try if you are looking for free.
GPS by TeleNav - A free navigation App that is a little hobbled as a free version - but you can try it out and if you like it, you can upgrade for just $10 in the first year. Good little App from a company that knows navigation - they make the navigation for the Ford Sync system.
MotionX GPS Drive - OK - this one is $0.99, but packs a lot in. It's an award winning App that delivers a lot for a low price. The interface is new and different, but well worth checking out.

All of the above require that you have a connection to your network so you can download the maps. The Apps do not come with maps, which means the App is only a few MB, whereas the Apps with US maps are over a GB.

If you want to move up, there are a few very good navigation Apps you can consider:

Garmin StreetPilot - on Sale at $39 - this is a very good App with a lot of the best features from their standalone personal navigation devices: Junction View showing you details of which lane to be in when you come up to difficult interchanges, Trip Computer, Google Search for points of interest, and more.
TomTom - Also $39, and a pioneer in the iPhone Navigation space. Still a fantastic application with a lot of features. A big plus is that you can add their HD Traffic on for a few dollars more through in in-app purchase allowing you to route around the worst traffic issues.
Navigon - various prices - Navigon was a German company, but they are now a subsidiary of Garmin. What I like about them is that they offer lower priced regional Apps where you can get the Eastern US, Central or west for just $19. The navigation is good, with lots of options for customization - a plus if you want it, a downside if you want simple.

One more App for you to consider is another freebie that lets you see some of the best traffic coverage out there:

Inrix Traffic has potentially the best traffic coverage out there and is the engine that feeds a lot of the navigation traffic information that you see on a regular basis (TV Stations, etc). With millions of miles of coverage, down to secondary roads, it can give you a great picture of what's happening in a traffic-jam situation. Award winning and well worth the price.... it's Free.

New GPS? Five Tips to Using it Safely; A Reminder from Allstate GPS Ad

2011-12-27T14:56:54Z

I don't know about you, but the Allstate Ad campaign has been a joy to watch; it's creative, and while not all versions are great, a vast majority of them are. Actor Dean Winters (Johnny Gavin for you Rescue Me fans) stars in the ads and plays the very believable character "Mayhem" who brings chaos to your life as an insurance customer. They've put together a bunch of these, and this is one of my favorites - a GPS based ad.

If you're new to GPS, the scenrio isn't all that foreign. Here are a few tips to being safe with your GPS:

Don't type and drive - take your eyes off the road for only 15 seconds and you've gone about a quarter of a mile at highway speeds. Do you really want to do that?
Pre-plan the route and look at the route overview - This always grounds me in what the GPS is going to do so it doesn't surprise me with a random turn.
Make sure the GPS is securely mounted - It's not good to have it fall in your lap mid-turn. Check out my post on 4 Tips to Keep your GPS from Falling Off Your Windshield
Pay Attention to the "Turn Right in X Miles" line or icon on your GPS - this lets you keep track in the back of your mind where you are and when you need to turn. The GPS' pre-turn prompt a mile or two ahead of time will clue you into your upcoming turn. Start looking for it in the real world.
Finally, use common sense - GPS units can be wrong and the news it littered with examples of people doing stupid things when they listen to the GPS and check their brains at the door and get themselves into trouble. Check that the roads aren't one way against you, make sure it's a paved road that get maintained, etc.

Check out the Allstate Ad to see their version of what a GPS can do to you.

Gift Idea: Garmin Nuvi 1350LMT

2011-12-19T13:10:11Z

The Garmin Nuvi 1350LMT is a good step up from the more basic Garmin Nuvi 1300 and offers lifetime maps and traffic for a few dollars more; a bargain price for something that used to cost well over $50 a few years ago when sold separately.

The Nuvi 1350LMT is a 4.3-inch widescreen unit with good navigation, maps of the 48 states + Hawaii and Puerto Rico and about six million points of interest. The unit also offers solid navigation, a good interface and Lane Assist, a feature that I think should be on all units (it's not on the lower priced Nuvi 1300 line). The feature gives you a quick view of which lane you should be in as you approach different turns.

At a little over $100 - its a pretty good value for a pretty good navigator.

At Amazon - Garmin 1350LMT

Gift Idea: Garmin eTrex 20 Handheld GPS

2011-12-19T12:51:19Z

If you have an outdoor enthusiast on the list, this is a pretty good choice for a great gift. Garmin has a large line of handheld navigators, but this is one that offers a lot of features at a very reasonable price. It's a little more expensive than the base Garmin eTrex 10 that only offers a monochrome display and lacks the ability to add more advanced Topo maps that the eTrex 20 does, but I think the upgraded features are worth it.

The eTrex has a long list of features that pack its small form factor, and on top of the color display and the ability to addTopographical maps, marine charts, it comes in a tough IPX7 water resistant housing and runs about 25 hours on a pair of "AA" batteries. The unit is great for paperless geocaching, making hunting for, finding and documenting your geocache hunts fun and easy. the compact size, (2.1" x 4.0" x 1.3") makes it pocketable.

At Amazon - Garmin eTrex 20

Gift Idea: Garmin Forerunner 110 with Heart Rate Monitor

2011-12-19T12:29:50Z

Have a runner on your shopping list? Garmin virtually created the GPS enabled fitness watch category and once you start using one, the routine can start to be addicting.

The Forerunner 110 when used with a heart rate monitor can track a lot more than just your heart rate; it can track your distance, pace, location, and more. The data is easily synced with Garmin Connect, a website that allows you to upload your training data, see it on a map, analyze it and view a summary of your overall regimen. The community features help you discover training routes that other users have shared publicly. The community is bog, having logged over 1.4 billion miles since it started.

Available in Pink or Red Accent - At Amazon - Garmin Forerunner 110 with Heart Rate Monitor

Wahoo Fitness Blue HR - Bluetooth HRM Strap

2011-12-17T12:59:02Z

Wahoo Fitness is coming out with a Bluetooth-based Heart Rate Monitor (HRM) strap that will work over the Bluetooth 4.0 protocol which allows for very low power consumption on the strap side, and a direct connection to the iPhone 4S without a dongle. Cost is going to be about $80. The new protocol and its lower power consumption should allow a lot more fitness devices to use the bluetooth standard, while maintaining their small size. Wahoo Fitness has a set of products for connecting your fitness regimen to your iPhone - what else is in the wings waiting after the HRM strap? Wireless Speed and Cadence Sensor for cycling and a stride sensor for running maybe?

I like my Fisica ANT+ key dongle that allows me to connect my iPhone to a Garmin-standard HRM strap, but this direct connecting technology looks great.

MapMyRide just released a new version of their App which is compatible with the coming Wahoo Fitness Blue HR strap; so things look like they are falling into place.

Check out the video - no wires, no dongles.....

more at Wahoo Fitness

Gift Idea: Garmin Nuvi 2350 LMT Deal of the Day at $129

2011-12-16T12:26:06Z

Amazon's Deal of the Day offers the Garmin Nuvi 2350 LMT today - a widescreen unit that offers a lot of features plus free lifetime updates on maps and traffic. The price, only $129, is about $50 off their regular price. The lane assist features help to get you in the right lane at major intersections. This model comes with MyTrends and Traffic Trends, a system of intelligent routing that monitors where you like to drive and offers you those roads on routes it suggests. The GPS starts to emulate that old codger who knows all of the shortcuts.

At Amazon Deal of the Day - Garmin Nuvi 2350 LMT

Cost of Driver Distraction - Garmin System On Top

2011-12-14T11:04:24Z

Interesting article in the WSJ this morning about driver distraction, and how auto manufacturers are trying to combat distraction while making their vehicles more feature laden at the same time. The struggle is tough; in an age of connectedness, people demand more, but the costs can be high, as thousands of people die each year in the US due to driver distraction.

This past summer, David Strickland, of the Department of transportation clarified his role when speaking to a group at a Telematics conference, "I am not here to help you Tweet better, I am not here to help people post on Facebook better. It's not my job." He went on to explain how the Department of Transportation will be clarifying the rule making process that is moving through its paces.

15 Seconds.... How long is That?

Auto makers have adopted a guideline that it should take no more than 15 seconds to accomplish a task while driving. With the advent of in-dash systems, especially navigation, it might take at least 15 seconds to accomplish a destination entry. Natural voice recognition systems are on their way to most vehicles to help solve the issue. While 15 seconds might not seem like a lot of time normally, that's over a quarter of a mile at highway speeds.

Simplify

Ford learned recently with their rollout of the My ford Touch system that not only is distraction an issue, but so is quality and customer satisfaction. If people can't use the system, they won't rate you high for satisfaction, and the perception might be that the system is broken, leading to lower quality scores. They said in the article that they are moving their touchscreen radio system from 5 font sizes to two in an attempt to be easier to see and use.

Chrysler came out on top for JD Power ratings of navigation systems on its Dodge Charger. Why? It's familiar, well laid out, well tested, and it's powered by Garmin. The interface is simple, well known and familiar.

Take a read, and see what you think. Will voice recognition systems at the quality level of Siri help reduce the issue, or are we damned to a world where the ever expanding list of features runs faster than the ease of use quality can go?

Full article at WSJ

DeLorme InReach; More Awards

2011-12-14T10:16:19Z

DeLorme's InReach was just given the Gear of the Year honors by Mens Journal who reportedly scours the globe for "the coolest gadgets, the most tech savvy active wear and the all-around best gear out there for the active, accomplished man." Not sure If I search for things for the accomplished man, but it's pretty plain to anyone that the InReach has some distinctive capabilities that are pretty useful.

How about being able to send messages back and forth via SMS from anywhere in the world? Automatic updates from far afield to keep your loyal following updated? Yea, the InReach, when paired with a Delorme GPS can do that because it communicates over the Iridium satellite network.

The inReach has received numerous other prestigious accolades, including a 2011 Popular Science Best of What's New selection, 2012 CES Innovations honors, a National Geographic Adventure Gear of the Year award, and Outside Magazine Gear of the Show and GearJunkie.com Best of Show awards from the industry-leading Outdoor Retailer Summer Market trade show.

Check out the inReach at DeLorme as you plan your next outing.....

Traffic Might Look Bad - Beat it with Inrix (Ver 3.5.1)

2011-12-12T14:47:29Z

Inrix recently updated its App (version 3.5.1), and they have a new version out for the holidays - with their newly updated App, you can get more road miles of coverage, and you can now get pop-up alerts that will warn you when you have issues around you or according to your personal preferences. Some were not happy with the 3.5 update for battery issues, which Inrix claims are fixed with this update.

One recent addition is that they can offer you a read on how long an incident might take to clear - giving you time for another piece of pie to let things cool off before heading out. The new features include:

See More Traffic for More Roads: With INRIX’s expanded traffic on arterials, travelers can see at-a-glance if it’s faster to take side streets or stay on the highway with traffic information that extends beyond highways and interstates covering more than 500K miles of arterials and city streets now available nationwide. With the ability to see more traffic on more local roads, INRIX Traffic gives travelers with door-to-door coverage that makes getting to Grandma’s house a snap.

Live Traffic Alerts: Up to the minute, location specific pop-up alerts similar to live sports scores and weather updates available on the iPhone today. Drivers receive live traffic alerts based on their location and personal preferences. INRIX Traffic owners can now customize alerts based on proximity and incident type to ensure traffic alerts are specific to their route. Better details on incidents including severity and time to clear help drivers make smarter decisions.

in the iTunes App Store - Inrix Traffic

TomTom XXL 540 TM - 5-Inch GPS for $99

2011-12-11T02:40:19Z

The TomTom XXL 540TM is a great buy right now for a 5-inch GPS for under $100. This TomTom navigator comes withe the Lifetime Map option to keep you up to date on a regular basis. So in past, manufacturers would either 1) sell you individual updates yearly for about $75, or 2) sell you a subscription for traffic updates; but that was yesterday, and now many models come with the lifetime traffic updates included. Well worth it when you can get it for a reasonable amount. Here, you get it for free compared to the base product without traffic and map subscriptions.

The TomTom XXL 540 has some solid features, including maps of the US, Canada and Mexico, advanced lane guidance, over 7 million Points of interest, and IQ Routes which is a system that checks what historical average travel times might be and gives you a better estimate of actual travel time. THe IQ Routes is a half step to having a fully connected GPS system (like a smart phone), but it's a good addition. Finally, the 5-inch screen will make typing in the address and seeing the directions all that much easier.

At Amazon - TomTom XXL 540TM - 5-Inch GPS with Lifetime Maps and Traffic