August 31, 2006
Garmin Forerunner 205/305 User Thoughts and Tips
One of our readers, “HappyMarty” from Waverly, Iowa has sent in some tips and thoughts on using his Garmin Forerunner 205 after 3 months of ownership. Recall the Forerunner 205 is the new fitness trainer GPS that uses satellites to track your progress and record your data for you. Garmin’s Training Center software allows you to track your training and logs in your activities by sport. These items also relate to the Garmin Forerunner 305 that adds a Heart Rate function to the unit.
If you want to read more on the Garmin Forerunner 205, we used the Forerunner 205 earlier this year and you can read our review - GPS Review: Garmin Forerunner 205 Review by GPS Lodge
Continue reading: "Garmin Forerunner 205/305 User Thoughts and Tips"
August 31, 2006
TomTom Navigator 6
In a flurry of news, TomTom has released another product, TomTom Navigator 6. The Mobile Phone and PDA application brings easy TomTom style navigation to you with your own PDA/Phone, and the TomTom style that we enjoy. The Navigator 6 package comes in a couple of flavors, on DVD, on DVD with a Bluetooth receiver and on an SD card with a Bluetooth GPS receiver 9all at slightly different price points – see below). The product should be available in Early October for purchase.
Continue reading: "TomTom Navigator 6"
August 31, 2006
OnStar Navigation gets a Boost
General Motors announced that more than 2 million vehicles in calendar 2007 will offer a new turn-by-turn voice navigation service through OnStar. The service is being billed as a lower cost alternative to the factory installed in-dash systems that cost over $1,500. With the service, users call OnStar, and the route is downloaded to the car’s computer where it will be “played” back through the stereo speakers. On some models the turn indicator will show up in the stereo’s display. On star cars have a GPS system box already installed as part of their OnStar system, so navigation is a normal outgrowth of the technology.
The service will be available standard on Buicks and Cadillacs in 2007 models. Other GM vehicles will have the service available for a $100 option. In Year two, the service will cost $299 per year.
August 30, 2006
TomTom ONE Going Back to Europe
So, TomTom announced today that they are going to launch the re-designed TomTom ONE in Europe. This is precisely what I speculated about after they launched the TomTom ONE in the US to keep Garmin on knocked back on their heels in Europe. TomTom ONE (Europe) features complete door-to-door navigation anywhere in Western Europe and TomTom ONE (Regional) comes with maps for a country or region. Starting from €299, the new TomTom ONE models are TomTom’s entry level all-in-one navigation products and will be available from major retailers across Europe.
Continue reading: "TomTom ONE Going Back to Europe"
August 30, 2006
TeleNav GPS Navigator 5.0
TeleNav introduced TeleNav GPS Navigator 5.0, the first GPS application on mobile phones that provides US consumers with full-color three dimensional (3D) moving maps, creating a more realistic and easy-to-follow visual navigation experience. Sounds interesting. I expect that the market for mobile phone GPS units will heat up as occasional use items when trying to navigate. This will most likely be a point of market entry for people getting into navigation. Eventually serious users will want/need to move up to something with a bit more horsepower like a stand alone GPS system.
Continue reading: "TeleNav GPS Navigator 5.0"
Mod Your Nikon D200 with a GPS
Don’t like the recent GPS Tagger product announcement from Sony for your camera, and can’t wait for one from Nikon? Well, if you have a spare
Garmin Geko hanging around, you’ll now be able to construct your own GPS tagger and tie it to your Nikon D200 digital SLR. Not bad.
ReadMore
August 29, 2006
More News on Dash - Aware GPS Systems
In more news on Dash, we learn a bit more about the company that takes up residence in Mountain View CA. With only 44 employees that have been working for the last 3 years on what they hope to be a ground breaking product and service, they sure are making a splash in the news. As BusinessWeek talked this past weekend, and I posted yesterday, Dash is looking at networking location aware equipment to that you learn about traffic jams from other GPS users.
Your GPS will learn real-tie traffic issues from others on the road ahead of you. I did a patent search and found a few issued patents on car networks and ways for onboard devices to communicate.
Continue reading: "More News on Dash - Aware GPS Systems"
Garmin Sues TomTom (Again)
Garmin has filed a second patent infringement lawsuit this year against rival TomTom. The lawsuit, filed Aug. 23 in U.S. District Court in Marshall, Texas, alleges that TomTom is infringing on a patent that Garmin won in June. The patent is titled: "Portable navigation system and device with audible turn by turn directions." Patent Number 7,062,378.
In reading this patent, there are a lot of meaty claims in it that would pretty much cover the GPS market as it stands. The whole feature of adjusting your route if you make a wrong turn is in it (Claims 17/20), but the key claims are around offering audible directions. This would say that audible directions that are generated by a route are intellectual property owned by Garmin. Wow, that’s pretty broad. Can you imagine a GPS that doesn’t do that?
Continue reading: "Garmin Sues TomTom (Again)"
TrailRunner and NanoMaps - Workouts to go
TrailRunner is a Mac Based route planning software for all kinds of long distance sports like running, biking, hiking, inline-skating, skiing and more. If you ever asked yourself how long your workout routes are and what route you should choose for this evening — then TrailRunner should be your training-partner. TrailRunner can calculate a route for your desired distance and export directions onto your iPod, giving you a detailed orientation while you are on your way.
You can even use NanoMaps to graphically show your planned route. Pretty cool.
Continue reading: "TrailRunner and NanoMaps - Workouts to go"
Clarification on BusinessWeek Article
So yesterday I posted about a BusinessWeek article that I said was biased in favor of TomTom and called it wrong. Biased is a strong a word in journalism, and that was probably a bit harsh for the situation. Sorry about that. Author, Arik Hesseldahl, laid out his assessment in the article of what has happened in the GPS market. He's got the facts right, but my opinion is that still has a slant that paints Garmin as followers in the market. We don't know what changed things for Garmin in 2004, but they certainly got a wake-up call at some point to spur their innovation cycle on. Did they follow TomTom? Did they try to sprint past a sagging Magellan? Don't know.
TomTom shook things up when they entered the US market. Garmin stepped things up and launched strong models throughout 2005 as a result of big R&D spending increases – what their motivation was to step up their R&D spend, we won’t really know. Was it the competitive threat of TomTom or was it that they recognized that Magellan was being neglected. Either way, Garmin owns the US market at this point, and it is theirs to lose.
Continue reading: "Clarification on BusinessWeek Article"
New Sub being guided by a Garmin GPSMap.
In an article from USAToday, they talk about the sub, and show someone piloting the sub while surfaced, and right there is a Garmin GPSMAP. If it’s good enough for the sailor piloting a nuclear sub, it’s good enough for your weekend cruiser. It's apparently a temporary use, because Garmin talks that they don't actually supply the Navy with these.
USA Today Article
via Garmin Blog
August 28, 2006
BlogPire Podcast - Summer WrapUp 08.28.06
We talk about the summer "best of" from Shavingstuff.com as well as other products and news from around the 'pire. We also answer your questions from the past couple of weeks so keep sending them in to podcast at blogpire dot com.
[iTunes]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
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With Hosts: Russell Miner and Jay Brewer
Program:
2:30 Best of ShavingStuff.com
3:30 Best Razors
3:55 Best shaving cream
7:20 Best aftershave
8:30 Best shaving oil
10:30 Best shaving online stores
12:56 LiquorSnob.com
13:30 The Scotch Blog
14:15 Guest Review: Tanqueray Rangpur Gin
15:57 ReallyNatural.com
16:03 Home Composter
19:14 Organic Beer
21:10 Prefab Sunset Cabin
23:45 TVSnob.com
23:55 Tivo Series 3
28:25 Oppo Digital LCD/DVD TV
29:25 Samsung 70' LCD TV
32:55 KitchenContraptions.com
33:02 Mix and Measure Bowls
34:44 Gourmet Basting Brush
36:01 Electrolux Cyber Fridge
39:14 CriticalGamers.com
39:27 World of Warcraft Collectible Card Game
43:37 Lost the Game
43:38 Gametap
53:06 Questions
60:00 Ending
Contact the BlogPire Podcast: podcast at blogpire dawt com.
BusinessWeek got it Wrong: TomTom Profiled
Seems like BusinessWeek is paying attention to the GPS Navigation Market these days. There’s a decent write-up on TomTom there that walks back through the history of how TomTom formed and how they are doing in the US market. I don’t necessarily agree with their slant on how TomTom is taking over the GPS market while Garmin follows their lead. I have a lot of respect for TomTom, and I do agree that TomTom is an innovative company. Their TomTom PLUS service can and will help them create a relationship with their consumers that will be nearly unbreakable.
Update: See my post on a continuation of this subject - Clarification on BusinessWeek Article
The BusinessWeek article should have painted the real situation as this: the French Company Thales got complacent and let a star brand, Magellan, virtually die just as the GPS market started to take off. Garmin stepped up its R&D in 2004 and took over the US market, eventually capturing 50+% of the market share. At the same time, TomTom innovated in the marketplace and delivered GPS units that have a solid #2 spot in the US and a commanding lead in Europe. I applaud both TomTom and Garmin for their innovations, and am pretty happy to see Magellan on its own away from Thales who let it fall into ruin.
Continue reading: "BusinessWeek got it Wrong: TomTom Profiled"
Dash Navigation - Tech Savvy New Comer to GPS Navigation
Interesting article in Business Week about a new GPS Navigation System Company Dash that will be announcing new products very soon. They have been working for some time now developing new products that have impressed BusinessWeek, and from what is written, sounds more than hype. “A new GPS manufacturer you say?” Yawn? Well it sounds like they have some interesting traffic technology up their sleeves that sounds like it does not rely solely on FM or XM satellite updates. It sounds like they are trying to create a network of GPS devices or GPS equipped devices to help determine traffic issues ahead of you. This is not unlike the Dust Network concept that Inrix is using to predict traffic flow patterns. They are planning a phased rollout of devices through 2007, and have a small 50 unit test going in San Francisco now that will be expanded to 200 units soon.
ReadMore
TeleAtlas - Map Insight Program HUGE step in making GPS Maps Right
Tele Atlas, announced it will expand its map update system with Map Insight, an online tool that allows users of Internet, personal navigation and wireless devices and applications powered by Tele Atlas data to quickly report changes to the company. Released in limited availability, Map Insight will be made generally available during the fourth quarter of 2006.
First Step in a Dream Come True Scenario
I have to say that this could be the first step in my dream – updated mapsets in real time. I’ve talked about this dream before, and wow, someone else is dreaming about this too!
Continue reading: "TeleAtlas - Map Insight Program HUGE step in making GPS Maps Right"
Garmin Nuvi 660 Pics
UPDATE: Garmin Nuvi 660 and 610 Officially Announced!
So more pics have shown up on the net for the Garmin Nuvi 660 that make us more and more sure this thing is real and coming soon.... We reported that customers expect shipments to show up in Late September. So, this pic is courtesey the GPSPassion forums, and shows the new Nuvi in all it's widescreen splendor. Yum.
TigerGPS is reporting on the full specs of the Garmin Nuvi 660, confirming the FM transmitter, the widescreen and the GTM 20 Traffic Receiver. This is the same traffic receiver as the StreetPilot C550 - we reviewed the StreetPilot C550 recently and I loved the integrated traffic receiver. - Read it here: GPS Review: Garmin StreetPilot C550 GPS Review by GPS Lodge
VDO GPS In Rearview Mirror
VDO has announced a new navigation device for your car (if you live in Europe) that integrates a GPS device into your rear view mirror. The 4” screen appears in the right side of the mirror that allows you to see the results of navigation where you are already “supposed” to be looking. Is it me, or does it sound like this thing is going to be huge – I mean a 4” screen (4:3 ratio) in the rearview mirror? Is this going to take up such a huge space on my windshield that I am going to have a massive blind spot there?
Continue reading: "VDO GPS In Rearview Mirror"
Trimble Acquires AllSport GPS – Mobile Phone Based Fitness Tool
Trimble announced that they acquired the parent company of AllSport – a company that sells a mobile phone application that allows you to turn your GPS equipped mobile phone into a fitness-tracking tool, and have launched a fitness application service under the Trimble name. We reported on a similar application from BIMActive this summer, and it sounds like an obvious win if you can implement it, right? The service includes a downloadable program and optionally an online data tracking service that can help you train better and can act as a central warehouse for all that you do. The services range in price from about $7 to $20 per month.
One tier also allows you to download maps and see where you are in real time – very cool. A nice feature, and one that I have heard a lot of travelers ask for is that you can download recommended routes – so, if you are in a new city, you can get some decent routes to try out and keep the workout schedule alive. More after the jump.
Continue reading: "Trimble Acquires AllSport GPS – Mobile Phone Based Fitness Tool"
Win a Garmin Forerunner 305
Come on, you know you want one. The Garmin Forerunner 305" Garmin Forerunner 305 can track your workouts and collect all kinds of data, including your heartrate with the included heart rate monitor strap. So, if you have been pushing off that purchase, why not wait a little onger and try to win one instead? Check out the contest at Outside Magazine, and enter to win a Forerunner 305.
Hurry - Contest ends on September 11, 2006
at Outside Magazine
August 26, 2006
Not so Fast there Marty McDrunk – GPS halts Drinking and Driving
Just when you thought the lowly GPS was only going to show up in criminal tracking ankle bracelets and automobile navigation systems, now there’s a breathalyzer hooked up to a GPS and your car. Can’t pass the blow test? This new device not only detects the presence of alcohol, but locates the vehicle and even remotely stops the vehicle. Some models even offer an accurate blood alcohol (BAC) level. These new devices are designed to help reduce the instances of drunk diving, especially among the teenage population or the two time DUI offender who still drives around.
"Our intention with ACT GPS is to inform people of alcohol abuse both before and while operating a motor vehicle. By providing people with the proper information we hope to reduce future instances of alcohol related crashes and fatalities," expresses Ray Caperton with CTI, LLC.
August 25, 2006
Trackback - Week in Review and Great GPS Deals
Interesting week behind us, taking a look back:
TomTom ONE available for Pre-Order at Amazon
GPS Review: TomTom ONE North America
New GPS: Garmin Nuvi 660 Leaked
Makayama Video for New TomTom GO Series
Sony PSP to Get GPS - Pictures Surface
Use Garmin eTrex Files in Garmin Training Center
TeleAtlas to supply Map Data to SpotScout
NAVTEQ maps Australia
Wherify Wireless Launches New Monitoring Service - GPS Based Phones
GPS Based Speed Demon Driving Monitor
Boeing Delays New GPS Satellites
Casio GPS Watch - GPR-100
Lowrancce iWay 350 Software Update
Deals on GPS's. Here’s a rundown:
Garmin Nuvi 350– Blowout price. Well off the $900 list price, making way for the Nuvi 360.
Garmin Nuvi 360 is now around $700 and within striking distance of the Nuvi 350 price.
Garmin StreetPilot C330 – Now around $400 for this very capable, maps pre-loaded device. Earlier this spring this was selling for the mid-to upper $400’s.
Garmin StreetPilot C340 – Also price dropped, now selling for around $450. Text to speech capability – says “Turn right on Maple St.” instead of “Turn Right”; a nice touch for an extra $50. Also optional traffic capability. See our review.
Sony Nav-U 70 - $100 Rebate extended - ends 9/12 See our posts for reviews of the Sony Nav-U.
Lowrance iWay 350C – $50 Rebate right now. Mid Tier model that we reviewed earlier this year. Highly configurable. Rebate Through 10/30.
Lowrance iWay 500C - $100 Rebate right now. BIG 5 inch touch screen and 10GB available for your MP3’s on board. Rebate though 10/30.
Handheld GPS
Garmin GPSMap 60CS - $50 Rebate only at Amazon. Rebate extended. Now through 10/31/06.
New "x" series GPS Units with the better SiRF star III Chipset. All $50 Rebates, all run through 12/31/06.
Garmin GPSMap 60Cx - VERY capable GPSMAP handhelds, excellent performers.
Garmin GPSMap 60CSx - Adds Altimeter and Electronic Compass.
Garmin eTrex Venture Cx - Entry level color handheld with Mapping. Net Cost is within about $30 of the Monochrome Legend - DEFINITELY worth the upgrade - Color, Memory Card, USB Connectivity, 32 hour battery life..... consider at least the Venture Cx.
Garmin eTrex Legend Cx - adds a 64MB micro SD card.
Garmin eTrex Vista Cx - Adds Altimeter and Electronic Compass.
New Rebate on Garmin MetroGuide V8 - $30 back now through March 1, 2007.
Sony PSP to Get GPS - Pictures Surface
So word on the street has it that Sony will finally release the GPS module for their PSP game next in the next month or so. We pictures have popped up on a site that not only shows the Sony PSP with the GPS module sticking out of it, but a new Pink PSP too. While this appears to be creating quite a stir, it might be a swan song for the handheld that kind-of caught on. Who knows, we’ll see. With Sony’s history or proprietary formats, do you think they’ll launch their own satellite system that only the PSP will use? Sorry couldn’t resist.
SeeMore pictures.
Use Garmin eTrex Files in Garmin Training Center
Long time readers of GPS Lodge know that I like to use my Garmin eTrex GPS for bike rides. I have piloted several week-long bike rides with friends covering hundreds of miles with routes pre-programmed on the GPS giving us a decent turn by turn reference for the entire trip. (I know some friends will read this, so I have to say that we did make a wrong turn or two when intersections got crazy - the rides weren't flawless.) I also use it to plan training rides that can last up to 80 miles. It’s nice to be able to capture this information and log it somewhere. This past summer I found myself liking the Garmin Training Center interface that allows you to track training performance metrics like average speed. You can use Training Center with the Garmin Forerunner series, but I was unable to get my eTrex Tracks that I create when I ride, into the Training Center database. Here’s a workaround – Keep your eTrex, and use it like an Edge 205. Don't have Training Center? You can download that too - for free.
Continue reading: "Use Garmin eTrex Files in Garmin Training Center"
August 24, 2006
GPS Review: Another Solid Review for TomTom ONE
CNet has posted their review of the TomTom ONE after getting their hands on one. My hunch is that Bonnie wasn’t too happy to have been scooped by Craig Ellison over at PC Mag (See our post) who had a TomTom ONE to review before the press release last week. Anyway, CNet has taken a look at the TomTom ONE GPS Nagivation System and has similar conclusions, simple, easy to use basic GPS system that gets you there in style for a decent price.
Continue reading: "GPS Review: Another Solid Review for TomTom ONE"
Makayama Video for New TomTom GO Series
Have you been wanting to put Video on your New TomTom GO 910? Well, Makayama has the solution, and it's now available for the new X10 series that TomTom has on the market. We originally posted the news of this back in June, when they released the software for the older TomTom GO GPS models, and with this recent update, you can bring your favorite video to your new widescreen TomTom.
Continue reading: "Makayama Video for New TomTom GO Series"
TeleAtlas to supply Map Data to SpotScout
TeleAtlas has teamed up with Spotscout – a parking space location based service service. Spotscout will use TeleAtlas’ mapping technology to help it bring parking availability in real time. SpotScout’s software solution is designed to help drivers find information about available parking spaces via a mobile information network. Combined with Tele Atlas’ highly accurate and up-to-date digital maps, subscribing mobile navigation system users will be able to quickly “spotscout” for and reserve a parking space that a “spotscaster” near them owns, leases or plans to vacate.
Continue reading: "TeleAtlas to supply Map Data to SpotScout"
NAVTEQ maps Australia
NAVTEQ reports that they have for immediate availability, a full coverage navigable map of Australia. (GPS Providers still need to incorporate into their proprietary formats before you can use in your car.) With the release of Australia, NAVTEQ® maps now cover 6 continents and 58 countries. This offering is another notable achievement in NAVTEQ’s initiative to grow its map portfolio and to support its customers in the rapidly growing Asia-Pacific navigation market.
Continue reading: "NAVTEQ maps Australia"
August 23, 2006
TomTom ONE available for Pre-Order at Amazon
Amazon posted the TomTom ONE GPS and it is available for pre-order. They don't list a date when it will ship yet, but they do list a price of $499. After watching how they act on these launches, they may drop the price a while after they start shipping, but only after the backlog clears. Of course, you get free shipping at this level from Amazon.
readMore on the TomTom ONE at Amazon.
Wherify Wireless Launches New Monitoring Service - GPS Based Phones
Another “Where are my kids Service” has launched; Wherify Wireless. They launched nationally in the US today, through impressively, Toys “R” Us (as well as others), where the phone is available starting October 1st. The design is very easy for younger kids to understand and use. One has to wonder if all phones won’t offer this service in the future so that no matter what phone you buy, tracking can be set up for others to monitor – I’m thinking teens and the elderly here.
The Wherifone is the world’s first GSM/GPS phone designed for children and seniors, and gives on-the-go parents the peace of mind of being able to quickly locate and communicate with their young children and elderly relatives at any time from anywhere, while also controlling who they can call and how much it will cost.
Continue reading: "Wherify Wireless Launches New Monitoring Service - GPS Based Phones"
GPS Based Speed Demon Driving Monitor
There’s a new speed monitoring device heading our way but the difference here is that it is made by a teen, targeted at helping teens become better drivers. The Speed Demon is a GPS equipped device that monitors excessive speed above pre-set limits, which can then be used by parents to help punish, er, ah, help the teens become better drivers. The device does not however record everywhere the teen drives, respecting his or her privacy to do what ever they want below the speed settings….. The inventor Jonathan Fischer and his device recently won an inventor competition.
ReadMore at the Speed Demmon Website
Boeing Delays New GPS Satellites
Boeing has delayed the launch of the new generation GPS satellites (GPS IIF) originally scheduled to fly this year, now looking like they won’t be up until May 2008. Boeing has reportedly had cost overruns and delays on the new more sophisticated satellites that not only provide civilian signals but more importantly harder to jam military signals too. Recall preceding the Gulf war, Iraq claimed that they could jam GPS guided missiles with GPS signal emitters? Do you also remember how easy it was to blast away something that was radiating like a banshee and then go in with the GPS guided missiles? Anyway, apparently Boeing is “totally committed to meeting” the May 2008 schedule.
Casio GPS Watch - GPR-100
Casio has announced (for Japan) their new GPR-100 GPS based watch/ training aid/cool toy. The unit is not the first GPS watch, but it is a pretty small one (they claim to be the world's smallest GPS watch). They downsized the battery too – runs the GPS only a few hours, so you’d better still rely on your Garmin Forerunner 305 for the marathon.
GPR-100 will be available at the end of September in Japan for 54,000 Yen (~$460).
Continue reading: "Casio GPS Watch - GPR-100"
August 22, 2006
New GPS: Garmin Nuvi 660 Leaked
UPDATE: Garmin Nuvi 660 and 610 Officially Announced! also See our Review of the Garmin Nuvi 660
News of the forthcoming Garmin Nuvi 660 has leaked from the FCC website, and it appears that Garmin is ready to extend their line up of popular Nuvi models right before the holidays. The Garmin Nuvi 350 has really taken off for Garmin lately, and their recent introduction of the Garmin Nuvi 360 with Bluetooth handsfree is reportedly doing well. One can't blame them for extending the line with this Nuvi 660, but you have to wonder what the big news will be. The single biggest thing that I can see is an FM transmitter to help get all that audio from MP3's and audiobooks across to the stereo in your car, well that and the fact that it's coming up spec'd out as a wide screen. The other thing is the addition of the traffic receiver (GTM20 or 21), which like the one on the C550 (see our review) is integrated into the 12 volt adapter. Well according to an internet retailer, and some snooping on one of our reader's parts (Thanks Ken), we have some details on the spes of the Nuvi 660 after the jump. Its price is around $1,000 and will be available in Mid-September.
Continue reading: "New GPS: Garmin Nuvi 660 Leaked"
August 21, 2006
Lowrancce iWay 350 Software Update
Lowrance has released an update for the Lowrance iWay 350c GPS system that will give you a few little gems to keep you navigating. The update includes:
Added support for multiple languages
Improved performance on finding addresses and intersections
Added the ability to edit latitude/longitude coordinates for a saved waypoint
ReadMore at The Lowrance Website
August 18, 2006
Review: TomTom ONE North America
So, on the heels of yesterday’s big announcement that TomTom is bringing the TomTom ONE to North America, there are a couple of reviews out there. The TomTom ONE is being positioned as an entry-level device (more like mid-tier to me), without the high-end Bluetooth compatibility and iPod connectivity of the TomTom GO 910. I think that the TomTom One marks a change in where the GPS navigation systems are headed. If you hadn’t noticed, the US version of the TomTom ONE is different than the Euro version announced late last year. It’s smaller and lighter, and fits nicely in your pocket. The Garmin Nuvi 350 popularized this idea, and we recently reviewed the Mio C310 that is also very small and convenient to use. The bottom line is that these units need to get small; it’s a much better user experience if you can carry these with you more easily. Smaller is better when functionality is the same.
Continue reading: "Review: TomTom ONE North America"
Traffic.com Ups Ante with Expanded Coverage
So who knew that the traffic data provider business was so competitive? Traffic.com has announced new expanded coverage of secondary roads using what they call “Probe Data”, which means anonymous signals from GPS navigation system enabled vehicles (fleet vehicles), toll tags, and cellular signals to help them get a better picture of traffic conditions. I don’t know which system is better but “Probe Data” doesn’t sound as cool as Inrix’s “Dust Network” which works on a similar principle of collecting data from fleets of GPS equipped trucks. Traffic.com claims to be the biggest and the best, Inrix, the up and comer. Either way, consumers are the winners. Battle it out, improve traffic reporting and get me to my destination faster, thank you very much. Information from Traffic.com’s press release is below.
Continue reading: "Traffic.com Ups Ante with Expanded Coverage"
GPS Software for your PSP
So you’ve probably seen the DIY project to hook up the Holux GPS receiver to your PSP, but have you seen the new software to run maps on your PSP in connection with the GPS receiver? Below is a YouTube video that shows the device in action. It’s very early stuff and requires a good bit of knowledge to be able to implement, but there you go; GPS and mapping on the PSP.
MotionBase Service Upgrades
MotionBased has hit a milestone – 500,000 activities uploaded. Not bad. They also announced that they have released a few new features in their program/service that will help you train your best.
Weather - now for most of the world.
Heat Index - a critical factor when training in the hot humid summers.
Cadence – seems to me that they would have worked on this one a while ago with the launch of the Gamrin Edge 305 bike trainer, but hey I’ll take it. You can view average cadence by lap.
There are also several bug fixes. If you want to learn more about how to use your GPS to train better with MotionBased (which is owned by Garmin), read our review of their service from last summer, or go to the MotionBased website.
August 17, 2006
TomTom ONE Announced for US
TomTom announced the launch of its new TomTom ONE GPS Navigation System in North America. The unit was announced for Europe late last year. TomTom ONE combines a lightweight, slim design with TomTom’s award winning software at just $499(list price). Combining ease of use, portability, TomTom’s patented touch screen technology and award winning software, the new TomTom ONE fits in any shirt pocket and can easily be taken from car to car. The new ONE does not compromise screen size or quality and features a sleek lightweight design (only 5.6 ounces) and ultra compact measurements (3.8 inches x 3.2 inches x 1.0 inch).
Update: See a review of the TomTom ONE for North America.
Continue reading: "TomTom ONE Announced for US"
GPS Review: Palm GPS Navigator Smartphone Edition
Palm announced earlier this week that they released the Palm GPS Navigation System with TomTom Navigator 6 on board, and there is a great review out on the net already. The Palm GPS Navigator is designed to work with your Treo phone, with all the well known functionality of TomTom’s interface and dataset. The GPS receiver (a SiRF star III based system) is a small Bluetooth module that looks a bit more generic than the last version and is reported to have some fast acquisition times as one would expect from this chipset. The GPS module is powered by a 12Volt adapter or a battery back up that will offer some time untethered.
Continue reading: "GPS Review: Palm GPS Navigator Smartphone Edition"
August 16, 2006
Free Google Wi-Fi - Hotbed for Location Based Services?
Google has their hometown blanketed with Wi-Fi for anyone to use for free, including rival Microsoft, whose cross-town facility employs around 1,000 people. As things develop in Mountain View, look for some interesting location based services to develop. So, while this might not be GPS based, the jump from Wi-Fi equipped laptop/PDA to GPS equipped mobile phone won’t be far behind if the location based service is compelling enough. We’ll keep our eyes open for developments.
New Study Reveals More about Map and GPS Habits
TeleAtlas has released results of a study conducted for them and they have confirmed a few theories about men asking directions, older people as the primary users of paper maps, and younger people using digital mapping resources (GPS navigation systems or mapping services) more exclusively.
What I found interesting was that a majority of women surveyed said that they would feel safer navigating to a new place in a vehicle equipped with a GPS navigation system. While that’s pretty intuitive, to me that means that women may see GPS navigation systems as must-have’s going forward, like airbags and other safety equipment instead of some techie gadget that early adopters see them as. Key Findings and TeleAtlas’ discussion below.
Continue reading: "New Study Reveals More about Map and GPS Habits"
New Fleet Tracking Option - RMT
A new GPS tracking system from Rocky Mountain Tracking (RMT) is coming out and it allows vehicle owners to access information about the position and status of their vehicles in real time. Maybe not something you need on the old Ford, but maybe something you want on your fleet of delivery trucks. These things are going to be in every kid's car in a decade, either that or in every teenager's mobile phone.
Continue reading: "New Fleet Tracking Option - RMT"
August 15, 2006
Geocaching Contest - August Theme - "Discovery"
This year's Geocaching Contest has begun. If you aren't out in the woods looking for a Jeep Travelbug, you're missing out. The contest will ask you to take photos and submit them for judging to Geocaching. Garmin is the official sponsor/GPS of Geocaching. This month's theme is "Discovery" so go out and take those pictures with a Discovery theme and submit them to win a new Garmin GPSMap 60Cx . There will be one overall winner who gets the Jeep Compass at the end of the contest in January.
Get more details at Jeep Geocaching
Speed Controlled by GPS - New UK Project
New technology designed to make drivers more aware of their speed has been unveiled by a government-funded body in the UK. Yes, Big Brother is controlling you. The Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA) device uses the Global Positioning System (GPS) to work out the speed limits on a particular road, and makes warning beeps when the driver exceeds the maximum speed for the location. Hummm, doesn't speeding even a little bit and trying not to get caught rank up there with freedom of speech?
Continue reading: "Speed Controlled by GPS - New UK Project"
New Palm GPS Navigator using TomTom Navigator 6
For Palm Treo smartphone users and GPS enthusiasts, Palm announced the Palm GPS Navigator Smartphone Edition, featuring new TomTom NAVIGATOR 6 software - this is an upgrade from the Navigator 5 package. You can use this to turn your smartphone into a GPS navigation system. The GPS software is very good and intuitive. Drivers using the new GPS Navigator with their Treo smartphones can rely on voice-guided, turn-by-turn directions to easily find their destinations as well as millions of points of interest, including gas stations, restaurants, parks, airports and more. TomTom NAVIGATOR 6 is available today exclusively for Palm's GPS Navigator Smartphone Edition. The unit also uses the SiRF star III chipset - a big plus.
Continue reading: "New Palm GPS Navigator using TomTom Navigator 6"
August 14, 2006
Back to School GPS Buying Guide
Going back to school for the navigationally challenged can be tough – new location, lots of places to go and no one around to help out with directions. Well, a nice GPS navigation system can help out. Here’s our Back to School Buying Guide recos:
Best GPS Navigation System Below $350
The Garmin StreetPilot i5 unit. It’s small, comes preloaded with maps for the US, and gets you to where you are going, reliably. The scroll wheel is decent, but if you are going to do a lot of searching for POI’s, or data entering addresses, a touch screen in a mid-tier model is nice.
Best GPS Navigation System below $400
Garmin StreetPilot C330 – Good sized touchscreen capability. Voice prompted directions, Pre-loaded maps and Points of Interest (POI’s), internal battery.
Best GPS System for the Student in the traffic clogged city
Garmin StreetPilot C550 – Pre-loaded maps& POI’s, text to speech capability and built in traffic alerts. It also adds Bluetooth hands free calling through your mobile phone, and MP3 playback.
Best GPS for the iPod Nut
TomTom GO 910 – With this GPS system you can control your iPod via the GPS touchscreen and route audio to the stereo, very cool. It has a wide screen (touch screen) format, adds text to speech directions and enhanced Bluetooth hands free calling as well as the added compatibility with your PC to manage data (TomTom HOME software).
Garmin Forerunner 305 helps Diagnose Fainting Issue
Interesting story over at the MotionBased Blog about how a runner fell ill and fainted while on a run, only to use the data collected on his Garmin Forerunner 305 fitness GPS system to diagnose what happened and what went wrong. He was able to see the progress of his run, and using the map player he was able to see where things turned bad.
ReadMore at MotionBased Blog
Mio Third in Market Share in Europe
Mio is now reportedly doing quite well in Europe taking third place in the share of market battle. Mio has reportedly a 9.5% market share, while Garmin has a 16.7% and TomTom a 30.5% market share of all GPS devices (this includes PDA’s and mobile phones). This is impressive performance being driven by the launch of their GPS navigation systems such as the C710, C510, and C210, as well as the GPS PDA (personal digital assistant) models P550 and P350. These reports are coming out of the market research firm Canalys.
We liked the Mio C310, the sibling of the C710 and C510 (the Euro version of the C310), when we reviewed it earlier this year. See our review.
August 12, 2006
Suunto Watch Article in NYT
There's a good story in the NY Times about the Suunto X9i GPS sytem watch today that walks through a couple of scenarios, and user opinions, including one soldier's opinion of it who is in Iraq right now. The bottom line is that it is convenient to use - it's always right there on your wrist: "Experts agreed that the great advantage of the Suunto is that it is worn on the wrist. “You don’t have to worry about putting it down and leaving it behind,” Mr. Thompson, a group member, said, “or having it spill out of your pack.”
Although one outdoors man points out that relying on a GPS in the backcountry can be dangerous: "Mr. Wells (a senior field instructor at the National Outdoor Leadership School) sees another problem that he says is insurmountable: the device requires batteries. “You don’t want to put your life in the hands of a battery-operated anything,” he said."
ReadMore at the NYT
August 11, 2006
Garmin and TomTom increase Share of Market in Europe
Garmin Doubles Euro Market Share.
A new report out from Canalys Market Research firm indicates that Garmin has doubled its share of the overall navigation device market up to 16.7% from 8.2% a year ago, while TomTom has increased their share of the market also from 20.8% to 30.5%. The market research firm includes GPS navigation systems and smart PDAs as well as GPS enabled mobile phones in that measure. That’s good news for both TomTom and Garmin, but on the heels of Garmin’s announcement that they are buying a new Euro headquarters, it makes me think that they are planning on bigger moves into the Euro market. Now some may be confused as we’ve reported on GPS navigation system only share, which TomTom claims to have over half the market share in Europe, but that excludes devices like GPS enabled mobile phone shipments.
Trackback - Week in Review and Great GPS Deals
Interesting week behind us, taking a look back:
IGolf GPS Caddy
TomTom GO 510 or TomTom GO 910 Mounting Issues?
Review: Sony GPS-CS1
Magellan eXplorist 500 LE
GPS Review: Garmin Edge 305
Watch iPod Video on 7000 series StreetPilots
New GPS System: XRoad Z3300
GPS Review: Mio C710 Digiwalker GPS System
Garmin buys New Euro Headquarters Building
Lake Link - GPS Coordinates for Fishing Spots
Inrix - Nationwide Average Speeds
BlogPire Podcast - The Pilot 08.05.2006
Deals on GPS's. Here’s a rundown:
Garmin Nuvi 350– Blowout price. Well off the $900 list price, making way for the Nuvi 360. If you are thining about a Nuvi - check out these screen protectors.
Garmin Nuvi 360 is now below $700 and within striking distance of the Nuvi 350 price.
Garmin StreetPilot C330 – Now around $400 for this very capable, maps pre-loaded device. Earlier this spring this was selling for the mid-to upper $400’s.
Garmin StreetPilot C340 – Also price dropped, now selling for around $450. Text to speech capability – says “Turn right on Maple St.” instead of “Turn Right”; a nice touch for an extra $50. Also optional traffic capability. See our review.
Sony Nav-U 70 - $100 Rebate extended - ends 9/12 See our posts for reviews of the Sony Nav-U.
Lowrance iWay 350C – $50 Rebate right now. Mid Tier model that we reviewed earlier this year. Highly configurable. Rebate Through 10/30.
Lowrance iWay 500C - $100 Rebate right now. BIG 5 inch touch screen and 10GB available for your MP3’s on board. Rebate though 10/30.
Handheld GPS
Garmin GPSMap 60CS - $50 Rebate only at Amazon. Rebate through 8/21/06.
New "x" series GPS Units with the better SiRF star III Chipset. All $50 Rebates, all run through 12/31/06.
Garmin GPSMap 60Cx - VERY capable GPSMAP handhelds, excellent performers.
Garmin GPSMap 60CSx - Adds Altimeter and Electronic Compass.
Garmin eTrex Venture Cx - Entry level color handheld with Mapping. Net Cost is within about $30 of the Monochrome Legend - DEFINITELY worth the upgrade - Color, Memory Card, USB Connectivity, 32 hour battery life..... consider at least the Venture Cx.
Garmin eTrex Legend Cx - adds a 64MB micro SD card.
Garmin eTrex Vista Cx - Adds Altimeter and Electronic Compass.
IGolf GPS Caddy
In the emerging market for the blending of Golf and GPS, enters the iGolf Caddie. The little unit offers you your current location and with a subscription to the iGolf service (igolf.com) you can download maps of golf courses from around the world, allowing you to know the course layout and the distance to the green from where ever you are.
You can get a reading in yards of how far you are to the front, center, or back of the green as well as seeing all of the hazards in your way such as sand and water traps. If you choose to make your own maps you can designate up to 11 distance markers and 8 additional points for each hole. Another decent feature is that it can learn your shot distance with each club to make club selection even easier.
Continue reading: "IGolf GPS Caddy"
TomTom GO 510 or TomTom GO 910 Mounting Issues?
Club TomTom has posted a Summer Tip that will help you if you are having issues mounting your TomTom GO 510 or your TomTom GO 910 GPS system to your windshield. We know there has been a lot of talk about mounting issues on the new TomTom GO GPS systems, could some of these have been user error?
Directions after the jump:
Continue reading: "TomTom GO 510 or TomTom GO 910 Mounting Issues?"
Review: Sony GPS-CS1
A new review has popped up already on teh Sony CS-1 that was recently announced. Overall the verdict is that the unit is pretty good. The author also figured out that the output will likely sync with other digital cameras too. So much for Sony only working with Sony - Thanks!
ReadMore
August 10, 2006
New: Garmin Foot Pod for Indoor Training with Forerunner 305
Garmin introduced an accessory to the popular Forerunner 305 that allows athletes to train indoors where a GPS signal is unavailable. Named the Forerunner 305 Foot Pod, the shoe-mounted device wirelessly communicates with the wrist-worn Forerunner 305 to provide accurate distance and speed while training on treadmills or indoor tracks. Winter training is now helped by the Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS System too! This will make the Forerunner much more useful to people who train indoors in the winter months and still want to track training with their Forerunner.
“The Forerunner has developed a large group of fans, thanks to its accuracy and amazing array of features,” said Gary Kelley, Garmin’s vice president of marketing. “Now, with the Foot Pod, the Forerunner 305 increases its versatility even more.”
Continue reading: "New: Garmin Foot Pod for Indoor Training with Forerunner 305"
Review: Garmin Edge 305 GPS Review
A new review on the
Garmin Edge 305 has come out and it's really thorough. The Garmin Edge 305 is a pretty sweet little "fitness computer" that helps you train and track your cycling. The heart of the system is the main computer that you attach to your bike and it reads the GPS signal, as well as signals that are coming in from the cadence and the heart rate monitors. You should read the entire review if you are interested in the total picture. The bottom line is that the unit and its functions are well thought out, and a great help to those who are serious about bike riding. At the current price of the Garmin Edge 305 you'd have to be. When I was riding the
PMC to raise money for the Jimmy Fund and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute this weekend (TomTom
was there in force) I ran into someone who was having trouble with their Edge locking up on the Map screen. Drop me a line if you are having trouble with yours- I'd like to hear more.
ReadMore at PocketGPSWorld
Watch iPod Video on 7000 series StreetPilots
The Garmin StreetPilot 7000 series, is the top of the line Garmin GPS system for cars, RV's and trucks with a huge screen and video input. Well the folks over at the Garmin Blog are letting you in on a secret, you can pump your iPod video into these and watch your favorite shows on the Garmin. A simple iPod connection kit and a cable will do. See their post for details.
ReadMore
New GPS System: XRoad Z3300
X-Road is the Asian version of Tibo manufactured by the same Korean company called CarPoint Co. You got that? There will be a test later. It works on a Windows CE OS and can use SD cards for additional memory. What's good? The huge 7 inch screen. It is for the Korean audience now, no word on availability in the west.
It features:
DMB TV
Instructions with voice guidance - no word on text to speech vs. canned phrases.
Search by: Address/intersection, points of interest, address book, previous destination
Area information while driving - nice.
zoom features, 2D and split screen rendering.
store your driving route or your preferred route.
Of course the SiRF star III chipset in a fold out antenna.
August 9, 2006
Review: Mio C710 Digiwalker GPS System
Another review has hit the net on the Mio C710 Digiwalker GPS System, and overall, give it a pretty balanced assessment. I reviewed the Mio C310, the little brother of the C710, earlier this year, and thought that the product was pretty good; the size was great, and it handled well. It definitely exceeded my expectations; Mio is a GPS player to pay attention to. There were a few things I would have liked to see done differently, that Craig Ellison picks up on in his review of the C710, namely search functions. The C310 is a fully functioning GPS system that has a slim PDA size form factor, and comes with MP3 capability and a 3.5 inch touch screen. The C710 adds a built in traffic update receiver, DivX playback and Bluetooth phone capability.
Continue reading: "Review: Mio C710 Digiwalker GPS System"
Garmin buys New Euro Headquarters Building
In a sign that Garmin is doing well in Europe and that they intend to do better, Garmin has bought a building in the UK to house their Euro headquarters. Garmin will buy the roughly 155,000-square-foot facility on 12 acres in the Hounsdown Business Park in Totton, Southhampton. The facility, completed in 2002, will serve as the company's European headquarters for distribution, marketing and product support.
"The popularity of (global positioning system) navigation is growing exponentially, particularly in Europe," Chairman and CEO Min Kao said in the release. "This new facility will allow Garmin to enhance our European marketing and distribution efforts so that we are well positioned to take advantage of this rapid growth."
August 8, 2006
Lake Link - GPS Coordinates for Fishing Spots
A small, Princeton, Wisconsin-based Internet company inroduces a cutting-edge technology application on its website -- the very first of its kind: Directly connecting users to online lake maps with GPS system capabilities, using only an Internet browser and no other special software.
Finding an ideal spot is no longer guesswork; it’s now an exact science. Lake-Link, Inc. recently launched the next evolution of online lake maps, providing the latest, cutting-edge technology. With this new service, www.lake-link.com allows anglers to navigate the waters beforehand, by accessing GPS coordinates of any spot on nearly 1,000 Wisconsin lakes via computer and without the use of any other special software. Use your GPS system to navigate to known fishing hot spots.
Continue reading: "Lake Link - GPS Coordinates for Fishing Spots"
August 7, 2006
August 5, 2006
BlogPire Podcast - The Pilot 08.05.2006
We've been working hard to get it together on the podcast front and can now officially say - we've got a podcast for the entire BlogPire! Hosts Jay Brewer and Russell Miner will take you through the best news and reviews from around the BlogPire. If you're not familiar with podcasts - they're basically a web based radio show and you can read more about them here.
The Pilot show features exclusive chat and banter about the launch of our new blog SingleServeEspresso.com, a run down of the latest from GPSLodge.com, TVSnob.com, KitchenContraptions.com and many others. We take a look at the latest in BBQ, Poker Drinkware, and of course high definition TV stuff. We hope you enjoy the BlogPire Podcast and expect it to show up on whatever BlogPire weblog you read every 2 weeks!
[RSS] Add the BlogPire Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically (MP3).
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).
August 4, 2006
Trackback Week in Review and Great Buys
Interesting Week behind us, taking a look back:
2006 GeoCaching Contest launched
Garmin Announced some Killer Earnings - the GPS Market is soaring!
Garmin Announced plans for a Garmin Store on Michigan Ave.
GPS Review on Garmin Nuvi 360
Our GPS Review on the StreetPilot C550 was featured at the Garmin Blog. If you haven't gone over there, they have a lot of great stuff.
A remedy for Blue Screen Lock-ups on the Magellan RoadMate 800 was released.
Deals on GPS's. Here’s a rundown:
At Amazon, Buy a TomTom GO 910 and get an iPod Shuffle FREE. Click the link and scroll down. Limited Time.
Garmin Nuvi 350– Blowout price. Well off the $900 list price, making way for the Nuvi 360. If you are thining about a Nuvi - check out these screen protectors.
Garmin StreetPilot C330 – Now around $400 for this very capable, maps pre-loaded device. Earlier this spring this was selling for the mid-to upper $400’s.
Garmin StreetPilot C340 – Also price dropped, now selling for around $450. Text to speech capability – says “Turn right on Maple St.” instead of “Turn Right”; a nice touch for an extra $50. Also optional traffic capability.
Sony Nav-U 70 - $100 Rebate ends 8/5!! See our posts for reviews of the Sony Nav-U.
Handheld GPS
Garmin GPSMap 60CS - $50 Rebate only at Amazon. Rebate through 8/21/06.
New "x" series GPS Units with the better SiRF star III Chipset. All Rebates through 12/31/06.
Garmin GPSMap 60Cx - $50 Rebate. VERY capable GPSMAP handhelds, excellent performers.
Garmin GPSMap 60CSx - $50 Rebate - Adds Altimeter and Electronic Compass.
Garmin eTrex Venture Cx - $50 Rebate - Entry level color handheld with Mapping. Net Cost is within about $30 of the Monochrome Legend - DEFINITELY worth the upgrade - Color, Memory Card, USB Connectivity, 32 hour battery life..... consider at least the Venture Cx.
Garmin eTrex Legend Cx - adds a 64MB micro SD card.
Garmin eTrex Vista Cx - Adds Altimeter and Electronic Compass.
Next Census to Use Handheld GPS Systems in US
In 2009 the Census Bureau is planning on using GPS technology to map the location of your front door, according to a recent NPR story. In the US, the Census Bureau is charged with the responsibility of taking a full census every 10 years. The idea of having 100,000 workers out there with GPS devices recording not only your household make-up, but your GPS coordinates may sound cool, but I would imagine that it will set off a huge privacy issue among the paranoid. Sounds a bit Big Brother-ish, eh? I say bring it on. They cite that they will be able to use this data in emergency planning and rescue services.
Continue reading: "Next Census to Use Handheld GPS Systems in US"
Learn the Art of Easy Espresso at SingleServeEspresso.com
Blogpire Productions is pleased to announce the addition of www.SingleServeEspresso.com to its growing family of product and especially kitchen focused Web logs. SingleServeEspresso.com will provide news, insights and reviews of espresso coffee, and espresso machines, especially the newer easy to use ESE Pod espresso machines and Super Automatic Espresso machines, both of which make espresso at the touch of a button that rivals the corner café.
"SingleServeEspresso.com is the natural out-growth of SingleServeCoffee.com that has seen great success in the Web log world," says Jay Brewer, founder of Blogpire Productions and editor of SingleServeCoffee.com. "While covering the explosive growth of single serve coffees, our readers kept asking us to cover the growing trend of espresso, and the newer easy to use E.S.E. machines that are becoming a lot more popular. With SingleServeEspresso.com, we’ll be able to do a better job of helping our readers sort through the new espresso coffee market and help them enjoy great tasting espresso at home."
Please visit SingleServeEspresso.com and also sign up for the mailing list.
August 3, 2006
New: The Garmin Blog
If you haven't stopped by yet, check out the Garmin Blog. This actively updated site has a lot of news about new models and some factoids about the products in the Garmin line. They appear to have a good cental place to find stories others have written about Garmin GPS units, and see when software updates hit.
More at Garmin Blog
NAVTEQ Supplies POI data to Under Secretary of Defense
NAVTEQ has been selected as the provider of Points of Interest (POI) information by the Office of Under Secretary of Defense for use on its MilitaryHOMEFRONTand MilitaryInstallations websites, which support quality of life and relocation activities for the military community. If it’s good enough for the armed forces to use for their families, it’s good enough for you.
Continue reading: "NAVTEQ Supplies POI data to Under Secretary of Defense"
August 2, 2006
Traffic Solutions on the Today Show
The Today show took a look at how traffic is hurting us, and some ways around it. They talked about Satellite Radio subscriptions for traffic feeds (XM and Sirius). They also looked at GPS devices, talking specifically the Garmin StreetPilot C550 , describing it as the “New Vanguard” (See our recent review of the Garmin SP C550) and the Pioneer Avic Z1 which learns about local work-arounds for avoiding traffic. They also talked about Verizon’s VZ Navigator for mobile phones and Google Maps for the Blackberry. Brian Cooley from CNet talks through the options.
Sony Launches GPS Geotag device GPS-CS1
Sony Electronics today announced a GPS device that puts your pictures on the map. The GPS-CS1 GPS device can wirelessly put a geotag on your photos so you know exactly where you took them. The 12-channel GPS unit is 3-½ inches long, weighs two ounces, and is sold with a carabineer to easily attach to a backpack or a belt loop.
Continue reading: "Sony Launches GPS Geotag device GPS-CS1"
Garmin Sales up 64%, Profit up 66%
Garmin announced some rock solid earnings growth today. Their revenue was up 64% versus year ago, while revenue in the automotive segment was up 153%! They continue to do well in North America, while Europe saw some very big growth there, up 83% in revenue versus year ago. Overall, they sold close to 1.3 million units in the quarter. Wow.
Continue reading: "Garmin Sales up 64%, Profit up 66%"
August 1, 2006
Win a Jeep Compass SUV or a Garmin GPSMap 60Cx
Ladies and Gentlemen, start your Jeeps and grab your GPS. This year's Geocaching Contest has begun. If you aren't out in the woods looking for a Jeep Travelbug, you're missing out. The contest will ask you to take photos and submit them for judging to Geocaching. Garmin is the official sponsor/GPS of Geocaching. Monthly winners of the photo contest will win a new Garmin GPSMap 60Cx . There will be one overall winner who gets the Jeep Compass - this will be in January.
Get more details at Jeep Geocaching
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