Apple patents some sort of touch screen GPS navigation system

AppleInsider is reporting a new patent filed by Apple that describes an in-dash navigation device with many other features such as 802.11b/g, Bluetooth, CDMA, GSM and EDGE; and possibly the ability to communicate with many sensors including tire sensors, engine sensors, steering sensors, or GPS sensors.

We have no idea when such a device would be offered from Apple if at all, but it looks like the patent is more focused on keeping the driver from being distracted than anything else.

“The angle detection can provide the navigation device with the functionality to determine whether a driver or passenger is operating the navigation system,” Apple says. “As such, the combination of any or all of a seat sensor, seat belt sensor, angle detection, or other sensors can determine which user provided input to system.”

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about developing GPS navigation apps for iPhone

The new iPhone 3.0 OS will let developers embed maps in applications with a public API to allow pan and zoom, custom annotations, current location, and geocoding.

They’re enabling developers to use core location as the basis ofturn-by-turn directions applications. Core location gives your location with either GPS, WiFi, or cell tower triangulation. Developers can now build a turn-by-turn direction using real time location from core location. However there’s one catch! B.Y.O.M. Bring your own maps. Due to licensing Apple can not pass on the rights to use built-in maps tiles.

So that’s it. Everybody’s free to develop GPS navigation applications for the iPhone now.

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Solutions for 11 Caveats Described in May Innovations Column

The May 2008 Innovations column describes carrier-phase sequential changes with the immediate benefit of integer cancellation; no need for ambiguity resolution.

In a nutshell, the column correctly notes usefulness of carrier phase sequential changes — but it describes 11 different “caveats” (a term used by those authors for problems/restrictions/limitations encountered in their operation).  All 11 have been solved and are documented, with extensive validation by testing, as described in the material below. (more…)

iGO Yiddish GPS navigation

GPS navigation software company Nav N Go is about to come out with a GPS navigation system for Yiddish speakers - kinda like the Mio Ma’amin we talked about couple of months ago.

The iGO GPS navigation system is designed for the orthodox market in Israel, providing the believers with more more than 10,000 unique Jewish interest points - including the addresses and telephone numbers of thousands of synagogues, mikves (ritual baths) and kosher restaurants. It also purposefully excludes non-kosher joints such as nightclubs, Internet cafes, and so on.

When the device is turned on you first have to click “Amen” after reading the Travelers’ Prayers ton continue on with your destination.

The Yiddish edition navigation system will be available in store in about a month and will cost somewhere between NIS 1,200 and NIS 1,499.

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Skyhook Wireless Awarded New Wi-Fi Patent

Skyhook Wireless, provider of the Wi-Fi Positioning System (WPS) and the hybrid location system XPS, has been awarded a new Wi-Fi patent from the U.S. Patent Office.img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~r/GpsUtilitiesCommunications/~4/lesZyyavBhg" height="1" width="1"/

Broadcom Teams with Skyhook to Integrate Wi-Fi Positioning

Broadcom Corp. says it is adding Wi-Fi positioning to its location-based products and services, complementing its GPS-based offerings in location technology.img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~r/GpsUtilitiesCommunications/~4/uzrnHAajWs0" height="1" width="1"/

Loopt, Qualcomm's SnapTrack Ink Deal for High-End LBS

Social networking service Loopt has embarked on an agreement with SnapTrack Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Qualcomm, to use QPoint location-based server software to provide social mapping and other advanced location services.img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~r/GpsUtilitiesCommunications/~4/RvAu_rkqqpw" height="1" width="1"/

Wayfinder Sales Grow with Spread of GPS Phones

Swedish location-based services and mobile navigation provider Wayfinder Systems reported that its net sales jumped 105 percent to $4.54 million, or 29 million Swedish krona (SEK), for the first six months of 2008.img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~r/GpsUtilitiesCommunications/~4/xJ4B7L2ED74" height="1" width="1"/

Fastrax Integrates Software, Hardware in Trackamp;amp;Trace

Fastrax has launched its Trackamp;amp;Trace platform, integrating all software and hardware components needed for tracking applications in its system, according to the company.img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~r/GpsUtilitiesCommunications/~4/PwkKGYhNFFo" height="1" width="1"/

Mio Explora K70 GPS phone

Mio Explora K70 is a new GPS navigation focused phone from Taiwanese company that was just unveiled at CeBit 2009.

Mio Explora K70 is GPS enabled, more specifically it integrates the gpsOne receiver from Qualcomm giving it A-GPS capabilities. It has 3.5G network support, supports bluetooth devices, has WiFi, and even supports TMC antenna (external).

The OS is WinMo 6.1 and it has a 3MP digital camera. Other specs include microSD card slot, 3.5? transmissive touchscreen, 1000mAh battery, rotation sensor, as well as a front secondary camera.

We don’t know about when/where/how much just yet. Stay tuned.

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SSTL-Led Team Investigates GNSS Signals for Remote Sensing

Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) will lead a British project to exploit signals from GPS and GNSS navigation satellites that are reflected from the Earth for remote sensing purposes. The project will investigate a prototype instrument capable of measuring the roughness of the sea and soil moisture content, providing data for atmospheric science and for operational ocean and...br/br/[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~r/GpsWorld-LatestNews/~4/AkWs6NWeLJA" height="1" width="1"/

Pharos Launches GPS/LBS Nav Combo, Smartphones

Pharos Science and Applications Inc. has unveiled its Pharos Smart Navigator, a combination package of navigation software and services designed for Microsoft Windows Mobile devices, which is debuting on Pharos' self-branded GPS smartphones.img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~r/GpsUtilitiesCommunications/~4/ULjO86N9ooI" height="1" width="1"/

CalAmp, Trackn/Enfotrace Settle Patent Dispute

CalAmp Corp. has licensed two patents involving vehicle location systems to location-based services provider Enfotrace in a move to settle a patent dispute case brought in U.S. federal court.img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~r/GpsUtilitiesCommunications/~4/WjwQn79U-IY" height="1" width="1"/

GTX Corp. Unveils Military-Grade Tracker

GTX Corp. has introduced what it describes as a military-grade version of its gpVector GPS/GSM-based tracking devices, dubbed gpVector ReCon, for use in applications where high-reliability is necessary.img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~r/GpsUtilitiesCommunications/~4/nxNgk7vMbNQ" height="1" width="1"/

ZorroGPS

ZorroGPS just launched their latest version. Following the problems encountered on the first version, the software underwent many corrections and is now at version 3.0 which is available for download. The new version comes with the most recent Navteq maps to date: March 2009.

According to the editor ZorroGPS is very fast: It takes 5 seconds to calculate a route for 2000 kilometers and 1 second for route recalculation. This GPS navigation software also can overlay satellite maps.

The prices of ZorroGPS are very attractive and vary according to the maps you’re getting:

• With one of the 22 regions of France: 17 €
• With France: 19 €
• With Europe: 29 €
• With the United States: 27 €

These prices are great but you have to keep in mind that other features such as speed limits, realistic road signs, lane information is optional and cost extra.

It is compatible with Smartphones with touch or regular screen with Windows Mobile, such Asus P565, Eten glofiish M810, the HTC Touch Diamond, the HTC Touch HD, the LG Incite, Motorola Q11, Palm Treo Pro, Samsung i900, Sony Ericsson Xperia X1, and Toshiba G810.

We’re also informed that ZorroGPS will soon be available also for Nokia and Blackberry… via

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CES: Child's GPS Locator Concealed in Digital Watch

United Kingdom-based location-based services (LBS) company Lok8u Ltd. is launching NuM8, a GSM- and GPS-based tracking device designed for children that is concealed within in a digital watch.img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~r/GpsUtilitiesCommunications/~4/0sqzmeS0xfc" height="1" width="1"/

Spirent's UMTS Tester Validated on All A-GPS Standards

Spirent Communications plc says it is the first test system vendor to validate all the assisted-GPS (A-GPS) test standards on its UMTS Location Test System (ULTS).img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~r/GpsUtilitiesCommunications/~4/gkgxQLe5JXA" height="1" width="1"/

Airbiquity Unveils Software Only Method for Connected PNDs

Airbiquity has unveiled a connected services platform for portable navigation devices (PNDs) designed to deliver data via the voice channel on a user's mobile phone.img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~r/GpsUtilitiesCommunications/~4/HXxu7JyPxxs" height="1" width="1"/

Samsung Beat DJ M7600

Samsung yesterday announced the launch of BEAT Edition mobile phone called the Samsung BEAT DJ that really focuses on its audio capabilities and the touch screen interface.

Samsung Beat DJ M7600 comes with Bang & Olufsen audio technology as well as music application for finding, purchasing and recommending music.

BEAT DJ has a 2.8″ AMOLED display, 50MB of on-board memory which is expandable to 16GB with the micro SD card slot - so there’s enough room with plenty of music.

It also has built-in real stereo speakers - powered by B&O’s ICEpower amplifier that can output a deep bass and crystal clear treble which is unlike any other phones out there.

Other features include 3MP camera with face detection, 3G connectivity, bluetooth, 960mAh battery, and of course integrated GPS which supports geotagging and an application called “My Location Find”.

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GPS chartplotting with 955c from Humminbird

We realize we don’t pay enough attention to marine GPS units so we’ll try to make up for it by talking about the GPS chartplotting device 955c from Humminbird. It has a price tag of $1,200 but it’ll probably pay for itself with all that fish you’ll catch.

Chartplotter 955C has a nicely sized 8″ color display with 480×800 resolution in a 16:9 format. It comes with UniMap built-in, and it is Navionics compatible, with 3D chart support. It can hook up to bunch of other units with with various network Modules such as the WeatherSense, CannonLink, and InterLink.

As far as the GPS receiver it can track 16 satellites at once and that should be plenty since you’ll almost never be under thick tree canopy or tall buildings blocking your view (ok maybe some big dark clouds). It allows for trackplotting and chartplotting, can report your GPS Speed and supports Navionics Platinum which is an optional add on.

You can store 3000 waypoints, 50 routes or 50 tracks with 20K points on each. Amazon has the Humminbird 955C for $1054.

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Vodafone 835

Vodafone 835 was just announced by the company. It is their first ever phone to feature both GPS and and 3G connectivity in the same device. For door to door directions from Vodafone 835 you are going to have to rely on ‘Vodafone Find and Go‘ navigation application as that’s what the find is designed for.

It is slim device with a 2.4? screen that also adds a 2MP camera, bluetooth connectivity, FM radio, and a microSD card slot. You’ve also got a front cam for video conferencing. We did mention it was 3G right? Other applications that are pre-installed on 835 include Vodafone Music, Google Maps, support for email, MMS, Vodafone Messenger for instant messaging,

You’ll have to wait until spring of this year to get your hands on one of these.

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W500 GPS and DMB

Korean Inkel has this new device called W500 which is a GPS navigation system and a DMB player in one. It comes with 2GB or 4GB of memory and of course a pre-installed GPS navigation software which can do dual maps and try to minimize your carbon footprint with its Eco-Drive monitor. It can receive traffic updates via TPEG protocol, and get you the gas prices at 12000 stations, sorting with the ones near you on top :) via

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Nokia E75

Also introduced at MWC, at the same time as Nokia E55, was Nokia E75. Nokia E75 has a full slide out QWERTY keyboard for business professionals who rely on email a lot and got a lot of typing to do.

E75 also comes with an A-GPS receiver and the Nokia Maps 3.0 application pre-installed - which will be free for the first three months.

Other features of Nokia E75 include the 3.2MP camera with 8x digital zoom and LED flash, microSD memory card slot, hot swappable and can go up to 16 GB max (4GB included), 2.4″ screen, 1000 mAh Li-Po standard battery, bluetooth, 3.5mm audio port, FM radio, and the ability to use text-to-speech while navigating.

Nokia E75 will be available in March for 375 €.

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ACER DX900

ACER DX900 is a dual SIM supporting phone that comes with an embedded GPS receiver and also 3.5G connectivity.

ACER DX900 was just announced at MWC and according to their press release this is world’s first phone to offer above mentioned features. The idea with dual-SIM phone is that you get to carry only one device while still keeping work and personal matters separate.

It is a touchscreen device and thanks to the 2.8″ and an appropriate software you can use the DX900 as a GPS navigation system on your dash.

Other features of DX900 include a front-side VGA camera for video calls, voice recorder, voice-command, 3.2-megapixel autofocus camera with flash and expandable memory.

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Pinnacle Systems PCTV HD mini Stick

Brilliant HDTV and 100% DIGITAL Pinnacle PCTV HD mini Stick is an ultra-compact, USB-powered TV tuner that’s the perfect match for super-slim laptops. The integrated signal booster improves reception sensitivity even if the signal isn’t strong. The easy-to-use TVCenter Pro software lets you watch, TimeShift and record TV. You can enjoy TV in full-screen

T-Mobile G1 Early Adoption Soars

According to WebTrends, the early adoption rate for the T-Mobile G1 Android-powered mobile phone is soaring. Within the first few days of availability, many of the largest newspapers in the UK reported a surge in readers using the G1’s browser. Telegraph.co.uk reports that it has seen 5000 downloads and 31,000 visits from G1’s browser. WebTrends

LG GM730

LG GM730 is the first smartphone to use a new version of Windows Mobile OS integrated with LG’s advanced 3D S-Class User Interface.

According to news from Barcelona LG recently signed a special contract with Microsoft, allowing them to be the first manufacturer of a phone with the new version of Windows Mobile. On top of Windows Mobile, the LG-GM730 will provide LG’s dynamic, direct and intuitive S-Class User Interface.

LG-GM730 only measures 11.9 mm thick and offers 3″ LCD screen with 240×400 resolution, 5MP digital camera, a front camera for video calls, 3G network support, GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth 2.0.

More technical specifications for LG GM730 will be announced soon and the new device will be ready for purchase in the first half of 2009.

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Bluetooth GPS Speaker BGS-100/200

What you’re looking at is actually a “bluepeaker“, a bluetooth speaker with integrated GPS. What does this do you may ask. Here is the answer:

• provides serial GPS data via bluetooth for PDA’s, laptops, etc
• lets you stream audio from a phone, laptop, etc…
• and pairs up with your bluetooth enabled phone to let you take and make calls (even does voice dialing)

Bluepeaker seems like a convenient device since it can charge via any USB plug almost whether via your laptop, car charger, or wall cell phone charger. The 1200mAh (not bad for a small device) can get you about 200 hours stand by time and 10 hours of talk time.

The GPS receiver within is from SiRF, the speaker is rated 2W max, and it has a 80mm diameter.

We know this is quite new since it just made it through FCC and their site only has a fresh install page from Apache :)

Not sure how much Bluepeaker will cost but we’ll keep you updated once we find out.

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GPS + RFID

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) shows promise for positioning in complex environments, in combination with GNSS signals. The authors demonstrate a combination of RFID cell-based, trilateration, and fingerprinting, and propose an intelligent software system to automatically switch between the three.img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~r/GpsUtilitiesCommunications/~4/LqlfPWu3t-k" height="1" width="1"/

Leadership Talks: Growing Galileo by Chips and Apps

The Growing Galileo Conference, sponsored by the European GNSS Supervisory Authority in Brussels on Januaryamp;nbsp;27?28, marked the official roll-out of the FP7 Second Call for Galileo exploratory applications ? and amp;curren;40 million of available funding. Industry experts gave their views on the GNSS business climate, related success using GPS, and looked ahead to sat nav...br/br/[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~r/GpsWorld-LatestNews/~4/SDHuym0FjDE" height="1" width="1"/

T-Mobile Samsung Memoir is official and does TeleNav GPS Navigator

T-Mobile Samsung Memoir is now officially announced by T-Mobile. We didn’t know what kind of GPS navigation system would be on it when we first talked about but now we know it will come with TeleNav GPS Navigator and for $10/month you’ll get unlimited usage out of it. Of course before you’re there you’ll need to spend $250 on the device after signing a 2 year contract and wait for a $50 mail-in-rebate (we hate rebates). If you already have a contract with them the phone costs $500.

Here are the features of TeleNav GPS Navigator on T-Mo Memoir:

• clean user interface
• destinations can be pre-planned online
• speech recognition
• traffic alerts; updates every 5 minutes; re-routing
• location sharing

And here is a video of it running:

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NAVIGON 4300T max

Navigon just today announced their latest “NAVIGON 4300T max“; a GPS navigation system that can learn from your driving habits and suggest a route accordingly. The new feature is called MyRoutes and provides the driver with up to 3 different routes to choose from considering speed limits, construction and traffic as you’re driving. And you’ll have ETA’s for all three.

However the software has a bit more intelligent than just throwing out three different routes at you. NAVIGON 4300T max will also save your individual driving data so it can recommend you the best route based on your history, while factoring in day of the week, and the time of the day. Clearly something Dash Express tried before they disappeared to target everyday commuters. We’ll see if Navigon can get people driving to and from work to buy their GPS navigation system.

Navigon 4300T max sells for $280. Hardware specs include a 4.3″ touchscreen interface, SiRF Atlas IV 500 MHz processor, integrated tra?c receiver and antenna, Bluetooth, SiRF GRF3i+ GPS chip plus InstantFix II, 2 hour non-removable 1300 mAh li-ion battery, and a Micro SD card slot.

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ATP Mini Photo Finder winner

Our giveaway for ATP Photo Finder Mini is over and we have a winner. It is the 4th commenter as you can see below:

The winner is Heinrich who said:

looked at the previous version ATP Photo Finder in a lot of detail - and now having it in a smaller, more user friendly version is great!

Congrats Heinrich. We’ll email you for your address.

If you didn’t win do not worry. We’ll have more free GPS stuff very soon.

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Navigon 3300 max

Navigon 3300 max was also announced today in addition to Navigon 4300T max we just talked about. 3300 MAX is not as souped as 4300T for it lacks the lifetime traffic updates, bluetooth, and routes from Rand McNally.

Here are all the features of NAVIGON 3300 max:

• Wide 4.3″ Touchscreen
• Pre-loaded Maps of the Lower 48 States (includes maps of Canada if sold in Canada)
• Advanced Text-to-Speech Voice Guidance
• NAVIGON MyRoutes
• Reality View™ for Exits
• Multi-Destination Trip Planning
• Lane Assistant Pro
• Exit Guide
• Pre-loaded Points of Interest
• Speed Assistant
• DirectHelp?
• Smart Speller Destination Entry
• Clickable Points of Interest

Navigon 3300 Max will be available online for pre-ordering starting March 9th for $200.

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sygic gps app for iPhone

Remember that iPhone GPS application from Sygic we talked about last week?

Well, theiphoneblog had a chance to get a few screenshots at MWC and even play with it for a bit:

I can say that Sygic works and seems snappy enough. It took the software shown about 30 seconds to load up and initialize, however, which didn’t fill me with glee.

We have to wait and see how Apple will change (if at all) their SDK which says “no real time route guidance” to allow for third parties such as this (or CoPilot, or xGPS, or XRoad, or TeleNav which still hasn’t made anything official).

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